A guide to packing for campus

Providence, RI - (WPRI) -- Heading off to college for the first time can be overwhelming to say the least.

Stephanie Kaplan, co-founder of hercampus.com , visited The Rhode Show to help streamline the process.

Here are Kaplan’s tips on what to pick and what to skip when it comes to college packing:

Pick it: Lots of underwear
Skip it: T-shirts

You’ll get a million free t-shirts once you arrive at college, so leave those extras behind. Instead, use that additional space to pack extra socks and underwear. You can get away with wearing the same shirt twice. You can’t say the same about undergarments. Right now, you can buy five for $26 at Victoria's Secret and victoriassecret.com .

Pick it: Cute sweats
Skip it: Clothes that don’t fit

There is a lot of “lounging” in college, whether it is in the actual dorm lounge or bonding with your new besties in your twin XL bed. You’ll want a cute pair of sweats, and what could be better than a set that shows off your school spirit like Victoria’s Secret Pink’s college collection . Word to the wise: If there’s one rule about college clothing, it’s that it is better to have comfortable clothes than those that don’t fit. Skip the jeans that may be a size too small and go for the sweats, which can be for found for only $35 at hercampusshop.com .

Pick it: Extra plastic shelves
Skip it: Extra furniture

Check your school’s housing website to confirm before you pack, but most dorm rooms will come with a bed, a desk, a chair, a dresser, and a closet. You will need to provide additional storage space for everything else, which is where plastic shelves and containers can really be a life saver. You can find a variety of styles ranging from $7.99 - $129.99 at The Container Store .

Pick it: Hybrid laptops
Skip it: Desktops, readers and tablets

Do you really need a Smartphone, an iPod, a laptop and a tablet? Of course not! It's best to travel small and light, with Intel Ultra Books offering a screen perfect for watching a movie, your favorite TV show, or writing that 10-page paper. They can be found for $770 and $900 at Amazon.com , Best Buy and intel.com .

Pick it: Photos, posters and other room décor
Skip it: High school memorabilia

You’ll be amazed at how easily these items will help connect you with the other girls on your floor. They are a great way to share your personality, your life at home, and spark conversations with people you’ve just met. Just remember that college is about living in the present; so while it’s great to reminisce about the past, don’t show off too much! Check out these great pillows for $59 at ocm.com .

Pick it: Power strips
Skip it: A television

Between charging your cell phone, your iPod, plugging in your flat iron and powering up your laptop, you will run out of electrical outlets, and fast! You can save a plug or two by leaving the TV at home. You can still catch your favorite shows online, or on a common room big-screen. Power strips can be found for only $15-$20 at any local hardware or electronics store, and also at ocm.com or amazon.com .

Pick it: Cups, silverware and plates
Skip it: Toaster ovens, George Foreman grills and rice cookers

You don’t need to go all Giada De Laurentiis and bring a 15-piece cookware set, but some cups, a plate, a bowl, a fork, a spoon and a knife will be necessary when you’ve barricaded yourself in your room for an intense study session and can’t spare an hour going to the dining hall. Many colleges also offer discounts for coffee refills, provided that you bring your own mug. Be sure to look at a campus book store, they can be found for $5 and up.

Pick it: Subway / bus pass
Skip it: Your car

Your school’s transportation services can often get you discounts on public transportation. Bus passes are much cheaper than paying full fare each time you grab a ride. Check to see if you can order these before you arrive on campus, especially if you have a long and potentially costly route from the airport to your school. You can purchase passes online for $70 at mbta.com , or check your location for more details.