Moving away from home and into a college dorm room or apartment can be daunting for some high school graduates. Leaving familiar routines and surroundings can be unsettling, but it can also be seen as an adventure. Deciding what to bring to college takes some thought and an idea of what the new surroundings will look like. Many unnecessary items should be left behind, either replaced upon arrival at college or simply no longer used in the new environment. Parents can help in determining what can be bought upon arrival with money to pay for college, what should be brought to school and, most importantly, what items should be left at home. The most important thing to remember is that there will never be as much room at school as there is at home. Here are 6 things to leave behind.

Bed - Most college students leave their childhood bed at home. It can be used when they go home to visit, and for house guests in their absence.

Stuffed Animals - While furry friends are cute and fun to have, limit the collection to one or two. College is not the place for dozens of teddy bears and dollies. They take up valuable space and portray a childlike image to roommates, classmates and potential friends.

Hobbies - Like stuffed animals, there is probably little room for large collections of collectible figurines, game cards and puzzles. Perhaps bring a few, but leave the rest behind.

Summer Clothes - Although the school year often starts of with the remnants of warm summer weather, remember that fall will arrive within a few weeks. Bring along enough clothes to cover the autumn climate. Take a few summer clothes, but leave the majority at home unless you plan a trip only two or three weeks into the semester.

High School Books - What may have been important for high school classes is probably not necessary in college. Leave old curriculum books and workbooks behind. Use college money to buy textbooks and materials that are needed for current classes.

Pets - Pets are friends and confidantes, always nearby to play, comfort their young owners. As much as their presence might be needed, going away to school is the time to leave pets at home. They are not allowed in dormitories, and will probably spend a lot of time alone in an unfamiliar rented room in a house or apartment. They will be safer and happier in their home surroundings with Mom and Dad to look after them. Also students will not have to choose between feeding their pet or themselves on a tight college budget.

Once the college student has settled in and the first semester or school year is over, it might be practical to bring some things back to Mom and Dad's and exchange them for necessities that were left behind.