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Move-In Monday: Pack List

Elmira, NY (07/15/2019) — The Fall Term is quickly approaching and so today kicks off our summer "Move-In Monday" series. Over the next few weeks, the Residence Life team will share tips and tricks to get new students packed, moved, and settled into life at Elmira College. Starting with what to take to college, and what to toss into the "stay-at-home" pile.

Before you start shopping, here are the items that the Residence Life team recommends you pack. Many big-box stores create their own college supply list, but the EC team pulled together this list below to get you started.

Items to take to college:

  • Your student ID card (you should have received this during Summer Orientation)
  • Television (optional): most lounges have a TV on the floor. If you do bring a TV make sure it is small.
  • Microwave (optional): most pantries have one on the floor
  • Mini-fridge or a micro-fridge combo unit; standard sized mini-fridges only please (four cubic feet or smaller)
  • Computer - Apple or PC, laptop or desktop
  • Desk lamp with a glass or metal dome/bulb cover; make sure you have the correct light wattage for the lamp
  • Alarm clock
  • Laundry bag or basket
  • Laundry soap or detergent (liquid is best)
  • Stain remover or stain stick
  • Sewing kit (needles and thread, safety pins, two-sided tape, etc.)
  • Cups, plates, and eating utensils (there is a sink in the pantry to wash dishes)
  • Twin XL bedding (Twin XL size will fit on all campus mattresses)
  • Mattress topper for your bed (optional, but you'll love yourself for it)
  • Anything to decorate your room and make you feel at home (e.g., pictures of family, friends and/or pets; only 20% of your wall space can be covered)
  • Command Strips or tape to hang decorations
  • Organizer/planner/calendar
  • Backpack
  • Bike and a (good) bike lock (optional)
  • Fan
  • Bath towels, soap, robe, etc.
  • Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
  • Shower shoes or flip flops
  • Shower caddy for toiletries
  • Small can-opener
  • First aid kit, including Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, ace bandage, etc.
  • Tylenol, Advil, or other pain reliever
  • Umbrella
  • Raincoat with a hood
  • Rain shoes/boots
  • Swimsuit(s)
  • Workout and/or sports clothes
  • "Dress" clothes (for formal occasions or class presentations)
  • Hangers for your clothes (all rooms have a closet/wardrobe)
  • A lockbox for any valuables
  • Textbooks
  • School supplies


If you forget something, don't worry. There are many shopping options, such as grocery, discount, and big-box stores, all located within a 15-minute drive from campus.

More importantly, here are the items to toss into the "stay-at-home" pile:

  • Pets (fish in a 10 gallon or smaller aquarium are okay)
  • Firearms - even if you hunt or shoot for sport
  • Expensive clothing and accessories that you will be worried about
  • Out-of-season clothes (your closet is only so big)
  • Anything with an open heat component such as a hot plate, griddle, coffee pot/heater
  • See list of "Fire Safety" in the Student Code of Conduct to know what is absolutely NOT allowed and will break fire code (examples include: candles, halogen lamps, and tapestries).

If you have questions about your residence hall, pack list, or anything else in-between, the Residence Life team is here to help you. Click here to learn more about each of them.

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