Acknowleging that everyone's needs and preferences are different, getting ready to pack everything you own to begin your college career can be a challenge. Many items are optional and there's no way to make sure you have everything, but here are some suggestions as far as the troublesome little items that always seem to be left behind... use this checklist to make sure the odds and ends are taken care of:
- Your personal computer or laptop (curriculum dependent)
- RJ-45 network cable or wireless card (optional)
- TV, radio, and CDs/DVDs
- MP3 player
- Electronic game gear
- Sporting equipment
- Eating utensils for late night snacks
- Cube personal refrigerator (less than 3 cubic feet)
- Desk lamp
- Clothes iron
- Grounded, surge-protected multiple outlet box (UL approved)
- Extra pillows
- Laundry detergent
- Sheets (twin size, extra long)
- Postage stamps and envelopes
- Your address book
- Wall and appointment calendars
- A coffeemaker
- Over-the-counter and prescription medications
- Bathing suit
- Personal hygiene items (soap, razors, deodorant)
- Suntan or sunblock lotion
- Alarm clock
- Calculator
- Broom and dustpan
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Late night snacks - mac n' cheese, pretzels, etc.
- Extra loose-leaf paper and notebooks
And what not to bring...
You should not even consider packing the following items:
- Toaster oven
- Microwave oven -- there's one conveniently located in every residence hall
- Extension cords of any type
- Any cooking equipment (except hot pots, they are OK)
- Hot plates or anything with an open or exposed heating element
- Pets (except fish)
- Candles
- Incense
- Amplifiers or an excessive number of speakers
- Kegs, beerballs, taps, or any drug/alcohol paraphrenalia
- Firearms or other weapons (including hunting equipment, which will need to be stored off campus)
- Dartboards
- Air conditioners
- Waterbeds
- Wireless Routers or Access Points (we have extensive wireless coverage in the dorms, and personal wireless routers can cause interference)
If you have questions as to whether specific items are permitted, or why any of the above items are not permitted, call Residential Life at 1-800-4-ALFRED or (607) 587-4326.