Any college student knows that moving back and forth to school gets easier every time. While you went all out Freshman year and rented a U-Haul for the trip down to your dorm, by senior year, you’re an expert at stuffing your life into a four-dour sedan and cruising to and from campus like a pro.
Mastering the art of moving like a college student is about a thousand times easier than making it to an 8am class three times a week, and these packing tips work great in the “real world” too. Here are few tips you can use to pack for your next trip with the efficiency of a college student and avoid standing in line at baggage checking and claim!
Become A Packing Whiz
If you ever played Tetris as a kid, you’ve already got a leg up on making an ironing board, a full-length mirror, full bedspread and mini-fridge fit into a small trunk. Put your biggest items in first: sweatshirts, coats or pants. You can also wear your bulkier items to save space. With your biggest items in the suitcase, you can wedge smaller items like shirts or accessories in between them. Rolling your items or stacking them all and then doing a bulk fold can also cut down on lots of space. Keep important items like wallets or passports close to you at all times, and avoid putting these through checked luggage.
For car trips, you can use the same principles of loading in the biggest things first and then moving to smaller, more slender items. Make sure to leave room for other travelers and keep personal items within easy reach.
My trips to and from Bloomington, Indiana (home of Indiana University), were smoother each year once I learned how to pack. Traveling has never been easier.
What To Do In Bloomington: Sports, Food
I lived in Bloomington from 2006-2010 and found plenty of things to keep me busy for the four-year span. Nick’s English Hut, one of my favorite spots in Bloomington is a great place to have dinner, watch a big game or have a few drinks. A restaurant and bar mix, it’s reminiscent of your favorite college hangout, but better.
The Oliver Winery offers free wine tastings every business day. You can also make reservations to take part in a special wine tasting, take a tour of the facility or enjoy wine and cheese while overlooking the vineyard.
The Indiana University campus has a lot to see and do as well. The Lily Library, Indiana Art Museum, Old Crescent, Showalter Fountain Plaza, Arboretum and Sports Facilities are great to walk through and take pictures. The entire city is especially beautiful in the fall and is nice for a simple stroll in town, day of shopping or playing nine holes at Cascade’s Golf Course.
Bon Voyage
Whether you’re traveling around the world or an hour away, to Bloomington or to Europe, knowing how to pack wisely and take advantage of your vacation are the most important aspects of travel. So, pack up, hit the road (or the air) and see the world!
Author: Meagan Brown