T-minus one month and counting. The countdown to your first day as a college freshman has officially begun. There are advice articles galore with lists of what to pack and what not to pack; it’s almost as overwhelming as the college admissions process.

Here are a few important mantras that I must share. Please remember:

You are going to college in the United States, and there will be a CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid close by. There is no need to stock up on items that you can purchase locally.

You will be living in a frighteningly small space, and you may be sharing it with one, two or three other students. There simply isn’t enough room for you to bring all of your clothes, all of your personal mementos and everything that reminds you of home.

Nobody wants to lug everything up to your room and then realize there’s no space and have to lug it back to the car and back home. Pack lightly and intelligently.

Based on conversations with students who have recently completed their freshman year, here’s what they said were items not worth bringing:

- Keurig. It sounds like a great idea — coffee in your room, any time you want. Truth was, students preferred to make their coffee time social and join friends at Starbucks. A Keurig also takes up space and a valuable outlet.

- Television. Most students were happy watching their favorite shows on their laptops. A subscription to Netflix or Hulu could be a great gift.

- Printers and ink. Check with your school; many colleges now provide complimentary printing as a great perk.

- Wall calendars/wall planners. Face it: You’re just not going to use them. There are plenty of organizational apps that are easily accessed on your phone and allow for continual modifications.

- Candles/hot plates. Most colleges have strict rules against candle and hotplate usage.

- One roommate can buy the microwave and the other can buy the refrigerator.