You don’t need to pack your whole room to come to college, but you’ll want to make sure that you have some odds and ends covered.
This list isn’t all-inclusive, but there are some things we couldn’t live without once we got here. Before you get to campus, be sure to also familiarize yourself with the computer supplies you’ll need, textbook purchasing and rental information, and shipping items to campus.
Packing list
Items to bring
| Backpack | |
| Blue Tape | |
| Calendar | |
| Cell Phone and Charger | |
| Cleaning Supplies | |
| Clothes and shoes that can get dirty (for service projects) | |
| Comforter, Blankets, and Pillows | |
| First Aid Kit | |
| Flashlight | |
| Hangers, Shoe Rack, and Plastic Hooks | |
| Health Insurance Information | |
| Heavy Winter Coat, Hat, and Gloves | |
| ID/Driver’s License | |
| Laptop computer | |
| Laundry Bag and Detergent | |
| Other Toiletries | |
| Power Strips and Extension Cords | |
| Prescription Medication(s) | |
| School Supplies | |
| Shampoo and Body Wash | |
| Sheets (Twin, Extra Long) | |
| Shower Shoes and Shower Caddy | |
| Thermometer | |
| Towels | |
| Trashcan | |
| Umbrella |
Items to avoid
| Air-Conditioning Units | |
| Candles | |
| Electric Appliances with Exposed Coils | |
| Gas or Charcoal Grills | |
| Guns/Weapons | |
| Halogen Lamps | |
| Hot plates | |
| Incense | |
| Pets (other than fish) | |
| Toaster | |
| Wall-mounted or adhesive lighting | |
| Water Beds |
Other items to consider
| Bike and Bike Lock | |
| Board Games | |
| Containers, Under-bed Storage Bins | |
| Cooking Utensils | |
| Cups, Plates and Utensils | |
| Desk Lamp | |
| Dish Soap | |
| Dry Erase Board & Markers | |
| Extra Shelving Units, Crates, Plastic | |
| Face Masks | |
| Iron/Ironing Board or Steamer | |
| Microwave | |
| Portable Vacuum | |
| Postage Stamps | |
| Small Fan | |
| Small Refrigerator (no larger than 4 cubic feet) | |
| Snow and/or Rain Boots | |
| Suit and/or Semi-Formal Attire (for special events you may attend) |
Tips
| Talk with your roommate(s) prior to packing so you can avoid bringing duplicate items. | |
| Save the boxes you bring your stuff in for when you have to pack up again in May | |
| Memorize your room number and MSC number right away | |
| You can do a lot of shopping after you arrive and have seen your room. See below to download a list of popular places for students to shop in St. Louis. |
Shopping in St. Louis
The Campus Store and Bear Necessities, two on campus stores, also have items for your room. Also, make sure to talk to your roommate so you don’t end up with two of everything! Students Sharing with a Purpose (SWAP), a student-run non-profit, offers a reuse and exchange store called the Trading Post, complete with its own South 40 storefront. Members of the WashU community can both donate and take items for free, including books, clothing, room items, office supplies, electronics, furnishings and more. St. Louis has several nearby options for shopping off campus too.