What I’m Packing for College, Music Student Edition

I’m so excited! At the end of the week I am going to be moving back to DePauw to begin my Junior year of undergrad. As many parents and students alike understand, packing up and moving to college is a time consuming and often challenging part of the college experience. It varies in difficulty based on how much you need with you, how far away the school is from home, and also the room type you will be staying in.

As a music student, I am used to having a very demanding schedule and a long list of supplies and educational items. I have to pack some pretty niche items, many of which were never specified on any of those college packing lists that the university sent out. I am hoping that this small list of items can help any music student get ready for move in, and ultimately, 4 amazing years!

A Must Have: Travel Clothing Steamer

There is absolutely no room in a college dorm room for an iron and an ironing board, and chances are you are going to be too busy to bust that stuff out anyway. I use a little travel steamer when I need to remove wrinkles and bumps out of my formalwear.

All I do is plug it in and pour in some water, wait for it to steam, and get to work! The nice thing is that since it is travel size, I don’t have to worry about a large bulky item. And, I use it frequently. As a music student, I have to wear a lot of formalwear or nicer clothes for concerts, studios, and recitals. I don’t have the time or the budget to go to the Dry Cleaners every time I wear my stage blacks. This helps me keep the clothing looking pristine.

A Must Have: Black Binders and Folders out the Wazoo

There is no such thing as having too many black binders. I will say that again and again. I have a binder for every one of my ensembles and one to hold my personal voice lessons music. Usually by the end of the semester, one is usually destroyed from being overstuffed with music. Having extras is so important. Buy several when they are cheap at the beginning of the school supply season, and keep them around for the unavoidable semester binder bust.

Also, purchase them in different sizes. Chances are your private lessons binder will need to hold the most music, so a thicker binder can be helpful. Also, keep in mind that different times of the year have different music demands. During the winter holiday season, my choir binder is usually stuffed to the brim and on the verge of a bust.

Keep an extra around and keep it in good condition to use for gigs or performances.

Check First: Uniform Pieces and Formalwear

My University does not provide ensemble uniforms. Instead, they give us a dress code with recommended items: usually black suits and dress pants, black dress shirt and dress pants, or a floor length dress/skirt option. So, I bring my own clothing that suits the dress code.

Other schools provide uniforms or robes, so it is important to ask the ensemble directors what is expected in the stage-wear department before leaving. You don’t want to be in a position where a concert rolls around and you do not have the necessary clothing.

With clothes in mind, also note that many lesson professors host a weekly studio. Students perform in front of the other students who work with that particular professor, and receive group critique. Some professors ask their students to wear nice clothing, within the business-casual style, to studio. Others require formal attire, and some have no dress code at all. It is a good idea to contact your lessons professor and ask about the dress code, so you know in advance.

Don’t forget your black socks, shoes, and underwear!

Nice to Have: Electric Tea Kettle

If your dorm allows it, electric tea kettles are really nice to have. In case they don’t allow it, a Keurig or a traditional kettle also work great. I use mine all the time to make hot water that I use to brew tea or make ramen.

Tea is a very popular beverage at the music school where I attend. They sell it at the school’s coffee shop. The thing is, it costs around $2 for a small cup of hot water and a tea bag. I save money by brewing my own tea, and bringing it in a huge keep-hot cup!

Tea is very good for people who are training to become musicians because it soothes the throat and mouth area, which are used in the process of singing or playing wind and brass instruments.