Well-known fact: minimalism is a philosophy that encourages simplicity of life and de-cluttering of our minds.
Unknown fact: minimalism in college is the perfect technique to tackle a new life and challenges.
For all of us incoming freshman, college is this giant, dark, scary place. For our whole lives, we have been like caterpillars, tucked away in safe cocoons where our parents took care of our everyday needs. However, in the next couple of months, it will finally be time to break free of those walls and flutter into the fresh air of a college campus.
Okay, so maybe it’s not that bad. But it’ll still call for some lifestyle adjustments.
There will be new friends to be made; new experiences to be had. A minimalist outlook may just give us the help we desire in order to survive.
Packing. As we sift through our high school t-shirts and projects and presents, there is a lot of junk we won’t need. Don’t be afraid to get rid of things! That painting of a dog you made in fourth grade may be cute, but that doesn’t mean it has to take up space in your room or mind. Clear out what you don’t need… college is not the place to start your career as a hoarder. (Cheat: If you just don’t have the heart to fill up the recycling bin, put any sentimental objects in storage and everything will be safe and sound.)
Clothing. The process of separating the “brings” from the “not-to-brings” may be slightly harder. Skim down on your closet by looking at your wardrobe with a fresh eye. Don’t bring that bulky dress you only wore once or those huge rainy-day sweatpants. Save room for the versatile pieces that can be worn to class with a sweater then out at night with a cute pair of high-waisted shorts. Hint: neutrals and earth tones are best because of their magical mix-and-match abilities!
**SKIP ON THE T-SHIRTS! We will be getting so many t-shirts for clubs and events, the old ones will sadly sit and rot away.
Décor. Don’t overdo it. Bring a couple of pictures and wall hangings of course, but focus decorations around the essentials. Bedspreads, pillows, desk chairs, anything that is needed can still be a lively piece of art. For example, my roommate and I are bringing Pilates balls to use instead of desk chairs. Practical and spunky! Spice up your storage by using baskets and jars instead of plain plastic containers. (By the way – a perfect excuse to go thrifting/yard hopping!)
Overall, having a minimal lifestyle forces us to focus on the little things. It can help us to better appreciate these four years that will, so they say, be the best of our lives!
Image Credit: Photo by Leah Givarz
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