Packing List and Move-In Tips

The very-bare essentials

• Backpack/book bag
• Clothes (don’t forget socks and underwear)
• Food
• School supplies

Bathroom and “getting ready for the day” supplies

• Bathrobe
• Deodorant
• Face wash
• Floss
• Hairbrush/comb
• Hair products (gel, mousse, hairspray, etc.)
• Hair dryer/curling iron/straightener
• Lotion
• Razor
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Shaving cream
• Shower caddy
• Shower sandals
• Soap/body wash
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Towels
• Washcloths/loofah
• Bedding
• Foam mattress pad
• Pillows
• Pillowcases
• Twin XL sheet set (and an extra set), 36” x 80”
• Your favorite comforter, quilt or bedspread

Cuisine

Bonus: Each residence hall includes a full kitchen for students to use!

• Blender
• Coffee maker
• Dish soap
• Dishes (a few bowls, plates and at least one microwavable dish)
• Hand mixer
• Juicer
• Plastic dish bin (for washing dishes)
• Silverware
• Sponge/dish wand sponge

Documents and financials

• Social Security card/Passport (for employment purposes)
• Checks Credit/debit card
• Driver’s license
• Emergency contact list
• Financial aid documents
• Health/dental insurance cards

Home

• Posters + pictures

Laundry

Bonus: Laundry is free in residence halls!

• Clothes hangers
• Clothes iron
• Dryer sheets
• Laundry bag/hamper
• High efficiency (HE) laundry detergent (required)
• Sewing kit
• Stain remover

Medical

• Air freshener
• Allergy medicine
• Bandages
• Cold and flu medicine
• First aid cream
• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Multivitamins/supplements
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Prescription medicine
• Sunscreen
• Vaporizer

Ready for anything

• Cleaning supplies (dust cloths, disinfecting wipes, etc.)
• Duct tape
• Fan
• Flashlight
• Hanging storage organizer
• Padlock (to lock your dresser drawer)
• Paper towels
• Rain boots
• Suitcase
• Tool kit
• Umbrella
• Winter boots

Tech

• Alarm clock
• Chargers (phone, laptop)
• Earbuds/headphones
• Extension cord
• External hard drive
• Flash drive
• Laptop + accessories
• Power strip
• Removable hanging strips/hooks

Things to connect on with your future roommate

The upside of small-space living with a roommate is sharing major appliances (roommate assignments are sent in June). Talk it over and figure out who’s bringing what to share!

• Carpeting — area rug, carpet squares or remnant carpet (12’ x 15’ is recommended) Bonus: Some halls have carpeting!
• Futon/Couch — Futon frame less than 80 inches to fit under lofted bed
• Room layout — Watch for self-lofting instructions with your room assignment!
• Microwave (900 watt or less is recommended)
• Gaming systems
• TV
• Mini-fridge (any dorm size) Bonus: You can rent one and support your hall council at collegeproducts.com

Here’s what every residence hall double room has two of for you and your roommate

• Chairs
• Desks
• Dressers
• Mattresses and bed frames
• Mattress pads (upon request)
• Wastebaskets

Leave these behind

These items are fire hazards and not allowed in halls. Any item with an open heating element and most appliances used for cooking purposes (except microwaves) make this list.

• Air conditioner (including portable)
• Air fryers
• Candles
• Deep fryer
• Electric blanket
• Electric candle warmer
• Electric griddle
• Electric mattress pad
• Electric skillet
• Electric wok
• Fondue pot
• George Foreman grill
• Halogen lights
• Halogen make-up mirror
• Incense
• Indoor/outdoor grill
• Instapots
• Lava/oil lamps
• Pizza oven
• Plug-in scents
• Potpourri simmer pot
• Rice cooker
• Sandwich maker
• Slowcooker/crock pot
• Toaster
• Toaster oven
• Waffle maker
• Wax warmers

Leave these behind

• Disposal wipes

Move-in day tips

Packing up

• Pack your vehicle the night before move-in day.
• Pack your things in easy-to-transport containers, like plastic bins or boxes. Try to keep boxes at a manageable weight to avoid injury and soreness.
• If you have one, bring a dolly or moving cart. They come in handy when moving.
• Remember to bring tools to help while moving in, like a rubber mallet, carpet knife, carpet tape, duct tape, etc.

Morning of your day

• Plan for extra travel time, just in case. To keep the day running smoothly, it’s important to get there at your scheduled time.
• Eat a healthy breakfast and bring granola bars to snack on. Moving in can take a while, and carrying boxes is no fun on an empty stomach.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. 

Moving in

• Keep an eye out for parking rules and postings to help find where you need to be.
• Check in at your hall’s front desk and get your room access
• On move-in day, elevators are limited and available only in select halls. Be prepared to use the stairs!
• Housing is here to help! Housing personnel and student helpers will be on site to answer your questions and help you move in.
• Need a drink? Stop by the Front Desk of Towers to purchase water, soda, etc.

Safety dos and don’ts of living on your own

Do … 

• Be sure you have your mobile credentials (Blugold ID) uploaded to your phone and bring it with you everywhere. You will need it to access residence halls and academic buildings, use your meal plan, borrow materials from the library and so much more! In certain halls, you will use this to access your room. Keep it with you so you don’t get a lock-out charge.
• Keep your door locked if you and your roommate aren’t home. Do store sensitive information and valuables in a safe or a locked drawer.
• Tape down electrical cords out of foot’s reach. Tripping isn’t fun, and it’s even less fun if your TV or microwave falls with you.

Don’t …

• Abandon your stuff, particularly your laptop. If you need to step away for a few minutes, make sure a friend is there to watch it.
• Overload your electrical outlets or power strips, and never plug a power strip into another power strip. If it feels hot, make sure to unplug it.
• Microwave metal or anything that’s not microwave-safe.
• Give your door combination code to other people. That way you won’t get unexpected guests, whether you’re home or not.