Packing List
Packing for college for the first time can bring a whirlwind of emotions: excitement, worry, hope and maybe even nerves. But don’t worry! With a positive mindset, you’ll be perfectly prepared to embark on this new chapter of your life.
Daily Living Essentials: Sleep, Eat and Stay Healthy
Consider your residence hall room and/or apartment your home away from home where you will sleep, eat and get ready for your days and nights. You won’t want to forget these essential things for all your living needs.
✓ Twin XL bedding (two fitted and flat sheets, comforter, pillowcases, mattress protector etc.) if you are assigned to Chesapeake, Chester, Choptank, Dogwood Village, Manokin, Nanticoke, Pocomoke, St. Martin, Severn or Wicomico Halls
✓ Full size bedding (two fitted and flat sheets, comforter, pillowcases, mattress protector etc.) if you are assigned to Sea Gull Square or Sea Gull Village
✓ Mattress topper
✓ Pillows (for sleeping and decorative)
✓ Extra blankets
✓ Towels (body, face and hand)
✓ Sleep mask
✓ Ear plugs
✓ Mini Fridge (3.4 CU Ft. Suggested) – or you may rent a Microfridge from our partner (https://gobreez.com/) (except SGS/SGV)
✓ Coffee maker (pod machine recommended)
✓ Bowls, plates and cups
✓ Coffee mug
✓ Water bottle/reusable cups and glasses
✓ Silverware
✓ Can/bottle opener
✓ Dish soap and sponge
✓ Cleaning Supplies and Disinfectant wipes
✓ Paper towels and dish towels
✓ Bathroom essentials (toilet paper, plunger, etc.)
✓ Bath robe
✓ Basic Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, etc.)
✓ Shower caddy
✓ Shower shoes
✓ Dryer sheets
✓ Laundry Detergent (only needed in Chesapeake, Sea Gull Square and Sea Gull Village)
✓ Laundry hamper
✓ First Aid Kit
✓ Magic Mount for halls with concrete walls and Push Pins for halls with drywall
✓ Fan
✓ Desk lamp
✓ Fan
Decor Essentials: Make Your Room Feel Like Home
For some students, less is more and for the more extra personality, extreme is the only way to be. Just remember that your roommate may have their own style, so try to coordinate your decorating whenever possible. Here are some suggestions for items to bring to help make your room have a homey vibe.
✓ Family photos
✓ Dry-erase wall calendar or board
✓ Plants
✓ Posters or other art
✓ Area rug, if desired
✓ Curtains and tension rod
Organize Like a Pro: Maximize Your Space
From your desk to your closet to your bed, the more organized you can keep your space, the roomier your room/apartment might feel. This space saving swag can turn you into an organizational CEO.
✓ Storage bins
✓ Food-storage containers
✓ Drying rack for laundry
✓ Desk organization trays
✓ Small trash bin
✓ Clothes hangers
✓ Tension rod/curtain (suggested for halls without closet doors)\
✓ Power strip|
✓ Cable organizer
✓ Charging station (for phones, watches, ear buds, etc.)
Keep A Running List: Add as Needed
While this college packing checklist may seem extensive, your personal list will continue to grow and expand as you near the start of your college experience. Your room should be a sanctuary where you feel comfortable and safe. Continue to add items that are personal to you and fit your needs. Make sure all your items are properly labeled with your name and room number to make move-in day go smoothly. Don’t forget to connect with your new roommate to collaborate on a space you’ll both love.
Additional Suggested Items for Apartment-Style Halls
If you are assigned Chesapeake Hall, Sea Gull Square or Sea Gull Village, chat with your roommates are these shared items:
✓ Common Area Cleaning Products
✓ Small vacuum
✓ Trash Can
✓ Counter-top appliances
✓ Television
✓ Pots/Pans, Flatware, Drinkware
✓ Kitchen storage containers
✓ Food items, including condiments and spices
✓ And the list goes on and on!
Leave These at Home: What Not to Pack
For a full list of items not to bring to campus, please visit our Residence Hall Information Book. You may also reach out to the Housing Office directly.
✓ Animals, lab specimens and/or pets of any kind, with the exception of fish in an aquarium (10-gallon limit) and approved service animals and emotional support animals (approved through Office of Access and Accommodations)
✓ Candles (lit and unlit), incense, and any other open flame source;
✓ Storage of motorcycles, motorbikes and any gasoline engine or gas/oil. This also includes using, possessing, charging, and/or storing of electronic skateboards, including self-balancing hover boards/scooters and other similar equipment is prohibited in all university residence halls
✓ Wired or wireless routers
✓ Outside TV or radio antennas
✓ Storage or use of flammable or explosive liquids or gases, with the exception of artist tube paints
✓ Water beds
✓ Possession and/or use of fireworks, explosives, firearms and weapons, knives or anything which resembles a weapon
✓ Prohibited electrical appliances, particularly stand-alone microwaves, hot plates, and toaster ovens (unless they are in the apartment kitchen);
✓ Weights and barbells
✓ Full or empty beer kegs, beer party balls, alcohol paraphernalia and flaming beverages
✓ Tape, nails, screws, adhesives (including contact paper and glues)
✓ Live Christmas trees
✓ Halogen and Lava lamps
✓ LED strip lights
✓ Cinder blocks/bricks
✓ Bean bag chairs