Every object asked a question. Will I still wear this? Will I have time to read that? Am I the kind of person who needs three formal outfits? Does bringing food from home mean I am practical or afraid? I packed for several imaginary versions of student life and forgot obvious things the real version needed. The useful items were not always practical. One book, a familiar mug, and something that smelled like home did more for the first week than the clothes chosen for events that never existed.