Congratulations on becoming a Wildcat! We can’t wait to see you when school opens! This summer, when you’re thinking about what to pack, you can use this guide so you know exactly what you can bring to campus, and what’s best to leave at home (your pet fish, for example).
Every dorm room on campus will already have a bed, bureau, desk and straight chair, and mirror. You are allowed to bring a desk chair, if you’d like. We’d love for you to express your personality through how you decorate your room, from minimalist to bohemian. And when it comes to packing up, here’s the list of what you may bring for your dorm room:
- comfy blankets
- your favorite pillow
- sheets (twin XL size) and pillowcases
- a mattress pad or cover
- towels
- a laundry bag (and detergent if you’re doing your own laundry; laundry service is available through E&R, The Campus Laundry, at eandrcleaners.com.)
- clothes/outerwear for the season ahead
- your toiletries
- a study lamp (there is a light provided within the desk, too)
- an alarm clock (with battery back-up)
- a dorm-sized refrigerator, 2.0 cubic feet or smaller
- a small wastebasket (we provide a small trash and recycling container in each room)
- clothes hangers
- a cell phone and charger
And here’s what to leave at home (because they’re a safety risk and we want you to be safe):
- televisions
- space heaters
- electric blankets
- halogen lamps
- furniture that’s not fire retardant
- battery-powered hoverboards and drones
- Any cooking/heating appliance (toasters, coffee makers, etc.)
- Wallpaper
You can bring wall decorations (hung with DormTape or Mounting Putty, both of which are for sale at the Campus Store). Many students bring flip-flops, a shampoo caddy, and a bathrobe for the walk to and from the shower. Feel free to bring a clock, radio, stereo, personal computer/tablet, hair dryer, razor, hair straightener, dorm fridge (small square), and a fan. Note that a box fan is provided in any dorms without central air conditioning. Computer monitors are limited in size to 32 inches. There are plenty of televisions located in common spaces of dorms, so there is no need to bring yours. You can bring circuit breaker-protected power strips, but that’s the only “extension cord” allowed. Finally, you may bring a hot water heater, but it needs to be used in the dorm kitchen for safety reasons. Most dorms already have one for community use.
And bring headphones if you like music. We require students to use them if listening to anything during quiet and study hours—which we know you will appreciate when you’re trying to get your work done.
Starting your boarding school journey is exciting—and packing is part of that adventure. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to email us. We want your room to feel like home from day one.