Many freshmen arrive with massive boxes and suitcases only to discover they brought too much or forgot something important. With our help, you won’t run into this issue.
Here’s a list to get you started:
Do pack:
- Clothes for the summer and fall. It will likely be warm the first few weeks, and you won’t have room for a year’s worth of clothes.
- Clothes hangers.
- Pairs of shoes, but not too many. We know you only wear the same two or three pairs. Plus, you will need shoes to keep you comfortable when walking to class.
- Insurance cards, passport, IDs, Social Security Card. You never know what could happen, and if you want to pick up a job on campus, it’s nice to have your SS Card handy. But keep them safe!
- Bed essentials — comforter/bedspread, mattress topper, pillow(s), bed linens and a blanket. Dorm beds are twin XL!
- Eating essentials — mug, water bottle, dishes and silverware for snacks.
- Bathroom essentials — robe, shower shoes, towels, washcloths, soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, razors and a small shower caddy for carrying it all to the shower.
- Laundry essentials — laundry basket/bag, laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
- School essentials — binders, folders, paper, writing utensils, backpack, planner and laptop. If you manage to forget your computer there are computers in the library and residence halls that students can access outside of class time.
Miscellaneous:
- Fan
- Umbrella
- Batteries
- Cell phone charger(s)
- Extra power strip
- Desk or bed lamp
- Full-length mirror
- Poster putty or command strips to hang up posters and pictures. Tacks and nails are not allowed in the dorms.
- Headphones/earbuds so your music doesn’t bother your roommate.
- Portable speaker(s) so you and your roommate can jam out.
- TV/DVD player/streaming device. There’s usually a common area TV in residence halls if you don’t bring one, but having one in your room is always a bonus. In the basement of Bracken Library, you can check out all sorts of DVDs.
- Minifridge/microwave. Check with your roommate about possibly sharing. Two microwaves and minifridges aren’t necessary and will take up vital room space. Dorm kitchenettes typically have fridges and microwaves for common use.
- Vacuum – You or your roommate will need one of these throughout the schoolyear to clean up any messes or to get dust and hair off the floor.
- Snacks. But don’t overdo it — that’s the whole point of having a meal plan. But let’s be honest, you’re going to want your favorite snacks for those midnight study sessions, or a between class pick-me-up.
- Crates or stacking containers — they will make storing things in your room much easier.
- Paper towels and glass cleaner. Cleaning wipes are also a plus to have in the dorms.
- Band-Aids and a first-aid kit.
- Cold medicine/aspirin. You will get sick and still have classwork to do, so be prepared for it.
- Hand sanitizers for personal use. Hand sanitizing stations are also available in residence halls and campus buildings.
Don’t pack:
- Air conditioners. Most dorms will charge you and require a doctor’s note to use them.
- Extension cords. Depending on how many electronics you have, you may not need them.
- Candles, Candle Warmers, and/or Incense
- Pets. Unless it’s been approved by the Office of Disability Services as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA).
- Printer. You already pay for on-campus printing. Use it.
- Halogen light bulbs and/or lamps, LED or Smart lighting strips,
- An ironing board
- Bulky luggage
- Hotplates, skillets, toasters, toaster ovens, etc. They are allowed, but only in dorm kitchenettes.
- A desk chair. Dorms come with chairs.
- Any personal collections. If it takes up room, you should just leave it at home.
- Anything too expensive. When you can find cheaper alternatives, it’s best to keep expensive items in a safe place.
- More than two sets of bowls, plates and silverware. If you have more, you will just dirty them and ignore the cleanup.
- Winter clothes. If you are going home in the fall at any point, they’re not needed and will take up too much space in your room. If you want to stay on the safe side, pack a winter coat.
- Anything your roommate already has. Check with them before moving in, as it will save a lot of hassle when moving and organizing.
