// MOVING OUT

Leaving home for university, college or CEGEP may be one of the most exciting moves you'll ever make! Plan your move carefully, so you arrive prepared: Make your list, and check it twice. Review it against lists provided by your school. Talk to friends who've weathered at least one year in residence for the real scoop on items you do or don't need.

Here are some tips to help you plan a smooth move, with no unexpected expenses when you get there:

• Before you pack, check in with your school to find out about items that will be supplied for you, like small fridges, or what you may need to bring yourself. Look into rules about running small appliances and noise restrictions.
• Make a list of everything you'll need for life in residence: pillow, sheets and blankets, hangers, hairdryer, surge protectors, desk lamp, a bulletin board or magnetic whiteboard and a road-tested alarm clock that actually wakes you up.
• Be prepared for communal, possibly co-ed, bathrooms. Pack shower sandals, a waterproof basket to tote around your shampoo and soap, a robe, and lots of towels to last between laundry runs.
• Bring savvy storage units to make the most of little space — under-the-bed bins, wall racks and tall shelving units.
• Pack only the clothes you'll need for each term. If you plan to go back home to visit friends/family on weekends or holidays you can pick up more then.
• Bring a small dish set for snacks — a glass, mug, cutlery set, plate and bowl, plus a thermal coffee mug and a reusable water bottle.
• Consider bringing your bicycle for getting around campus, but check in advance to make sure there is a place where you can safely lock it up away from the elements.
• Take a laptop — it's way more convenient than a desktop computer and allows you to work anywhere, not just in your cramped dorm room.
• Pack boxes by theme — bathroom stuff, clothes, desk stuff — and write on each box what's inside to make unpacking easier.