College packing list across different generations

1970s

The college packing list in the 1970s was as simple as the unsophisticated students of that era. A couple of books, a bed quilt, an enamel pot, a thermos flask, a ragged jacket and patched trousers nearly constituted an all-inclusive checklist.

1980s

Students in the 1980s were known as "the chosen ones" since only 10 percent of college-aged individuals could claw their way to higher education.

Due to the material scarcity of that age, students preferred to bring useful and practical items. White dacron shirts, hand-knit sweaters, thermos flasks, sturdy backpacks and books were universally standardized on campuses.

Scientific inventions like radios and watches did not make an appearance in school dormitories until the mid-to-late 1980s.

Generally, students from the 80s were very cost-conscious and very frugal. Therefore, they were reluctant to spare extra money for entertainment.

Since audiotapes and English books were not easily accessible at that time, students who were fortunate enough to get one made full use of every single minute to improve their language skills.

1990s

Entering into the 1990s, the college packing list was upgraded to an unprecedented level.

The CD player, DVD and even pagers flooded Chinese campuses, while mobile phones and computers were virtually nonexistent.

Life on campus was rather simple and monotonous due to the limited recreational facilities. Hence students poured their time into self-improvement instead of meaningless bragging and boasting.

2000s

Stepping into the new millennium, it is no surprise to see freshmen carrying MP3 players, mobile phones and computers on campuses.

With the upsurge in fashionable electronic devices and the emergence of smartphones, items on the packing list have become increasingly extravagant and valuable.

Although more choices became available to college students to amuse themselves and vent academic pressure, it is frustrating to discover that a materialistic competitive spirit is irreversible on campuses.