It’s hard to believe that we’re nearly at midterms already. This semester is flying by which means hours spent in the library, late nights working on papers, and thoughts about sleeping in your own bed and waking up to see your dog in the near future. Whether or not you’re going home for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas and New Year’s, it’s time to start thinking about what to pack for that short period of time you’re home. Here’s a list of 18 things to pack when you’re going home for the holidays! You certainly don’t need to bring your entire wardrobe.
A collaborative work by: Christine Sin and Emma Lemay
Let’s start off with the most obvious of them all. If you packed your entire wardrobe and brought it to your dorm, you’re going to need to bring some of them back. You’ll need to have your favorite outfits handy for when you hang out with friends back at home.
Girls typically have their morning routine stored in a cute little bag, and if you are a fellow female you’re going to find this bag necessary at home as well!
It’s winter, and it’s universally pretty chilly on the western side of the world. Wherever you’re going, make sure to pack your scarves to keep your neck cozy, as well as giving your outfit that final, winter-y touch that it needs.
Speaking of scarves Blanket scarves are in right now, and it’s in your best interest not to forget one for the holiday season. Who knows, maybe you’ll find another favorite way to wear it.
Your parents and friends from your hometown are going to want your uni’s clothing. It’s fairly stylish and the sweaters are especially so warm and soft. Your proud parents want to wear your school name around, and some friends are inspired to attend the school you go to. Don’t bring all your Tshirts or hoodies. Bring one or two of your favorites and stay cozy this holiday season in them.
This is especially helpful if you’re going on the plane, because the inside of planes can get freaking cold sometimes, especially if you’re seated next to the window. Even if you’re not going back home via plane, a fuzzy blanket is always nice to have around, since it is just generally freaking cold.
This ranges from your toothbrush to your contacts case and cleanser. If it’s likely that you don’t have a spare back at home, then you should just bring it. Even if you forget to bring one item from your dorm, it’s annoying and bothersome to know that you have it but you can’t use it. Make sure you bring everything that you’ll need to feel comfortable at home again.
No, not your personal, dirty business. Literally your dirty clothes that need laundering. If your parent is the type that is willing to do your laundry for you, consider yourself lucky and use that to your advantage. Plus, once they’re laundered you have more options of clothes to wear.
You’ll be going home for the holidays for around a month. Don’t forget your laptop and iPads and whatever other electronics that you use. There’s a chance that someone might steal it if you leave it at the dorms, and also it’ll keep you from being bored during the plane ride or ride back home. And during the break itself.
For any electronics that you bring, do not forget it’s best friend – aka its corresponding charger! Can you just imagine bringing a laptop home without bringing a charger? It’s basically useless and a waste of space in your luggage. You do not want to forget these when you’re going home for the holidays!
Shop The Look:
If you brought a purse or a bag to use whenever you casually hang out with friends, make sure to bring that home, so that when you chill with your friends from home, you can use that bag to look stylish all while holding all of your belongings effectively. It’d be such a nuisance to carry around everything, from your phone, purse, and make-up bag for the occasional touch-ups all just because you didn’t bring your purse.
Unless you live in the South, the holidays are chilly. You can’t forget to bring a jacket home unless you know you have a reliable one stuffed somewhere in your closet.
Wear your Hunters, Uggs, leather boots, or booties on the plane/train/car ride home so they don’t take up precious space in your suitcase. You’ll definitely want and need these guys for your holiday break. Don’t forget a nice pair of wool socks!
Hopefully you’ve gotten a head start on your Christmas or Hanukkah shopping at school before you end up going home for the holidays. Maybe you found the perfect gift for your mom or dad or best friend at home. Bring it with you to make their holidays a little sweeter!
Bring a fun read for the break because you won’t have any school work. As much as break is nice, you don’t want to slip in the habit of not doing anything academic for a few weeks! Plus, reading for pleasure is hard to accomplish during classes.
Bring a travel mug home to put hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for those morning commutes to visit friends or work a shift. You’ll be happy you brought something to warm up in the cold!
Nothing screams the holidays than a good old fashioned flannel. Throw one on with jeans or leggings and a scarf, and you’ll be a walking winter model.
If you can motivate yourself, definitely head to the gym to burn off some of those holiday calories. A pair of shorts, a t shirt, and sneakers will do!
Aside from spending time with friends and family (and Netflix), you’ll have a lot of alone time when you’re going home for the holidays. Bring a journal to do some writing and reflection on 2016, your first semester, and what to look forward to in 2017!
You’re halfway there to holiday break! Pumpkin Spice Lattes are here, and Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas will be too before you know it.
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