Author: Morgan Miller
Magazine Editor-in-Chief: Yasmin Alameddine
Packing sucks. That is not a personal opinion, that is an objective statement. It is the worst.
I am not blessed with the gift of packing, so I tend to just throw everything I own into a big-ass suitcase (yes, that is a technical term) and pray that I will have everything I need. I quickly learned that packing everything I own would not even save me from the unpredictable climate.
So, one of the many things I wish a wise upperclassman had told me before I moved to Ithaca was what the heck I actually needed to bring with me. Have no fear freshmen, I am here to help (or at least try to).
FALL — arrival to campus
Dates: August 26th-September 30th (Yes, I am serious about those dates).
What to Pack: Summer clothes. Ladies, think sandals, shorts, tanks, and sundresses. Lots of sundresses. Guys, bring sperries, some nantucket red pants, and a polo and you’ll fit right in! It’s also worth investing in a great and classic pair of sunglasses (unless you’re like me and break or lose them all the time, then stick to drugstore shades).
WINTER — beware of the polar vortex
Dates: October 1st-Slope Day
Ithaca is a whole new level of cold.
What to Pack: Everything you own. Those of you coming from the West Coast or warm places like I did: a cashmere sweater and a jacket ain’t gonna cut it. You will freeze.
Aim for practical, not fashionable. If you can do both, more power to you.
99% of girls on campus will be wearing long puffy black jackets, leggings, boots, and headband knits that cover their ears. The reason for this uniform? It works.
Boys, don’t think I forgot about you, but really the same applies. Ditch the macho man act just and bundle up! Being warm is way better than looking “cool.”
SPRING — yay, finally!
Dates: Slope Day (if we are lucky) through Finals
What to pack: a pair of shorts for Slope Day, and whatever you like to wear to the library.
No seriously, you will be in the library studying for finals all through “spring.” Ladies, I suggest yoga pants or sport shorts and a t-shirt (I judge people who try to look cute at the library). Gentleman, basketball shorts I guess? I have no idea, sorry. Really, just wear whatever is comfortable to study in for 12 straight hours in a cold library and you will be fine. That reminds me, bring a sweatshirt, libraries are cold. Ithaca is cold. Did I mention you should all buy a parka?
SUMMER
Dates: The rest of the year
What to Pack: Depends on where you are going… I don’t know your life!?
In summary, pack a lot of ski socks, some leggings and maybe a pair or two of shorts. Most people end up wearing the same thing everyday anyway, especially in the winter when your coat can hide some major wardrobe faux-pas. As long as you are dressed (semi)appropriately for the weather, you will blend right in with the rest of the kids on the hill.
PS: ALWAYS carry your umbrella. Yes, it’s annoying, but welcome to Ithaca.
