College Packing List

What should you bring to your first year of college? With recommendations from students and parents, we have developed this college packing list.

Bath

  • Bath robe 
  • Shower Caddy 
  • Washcloths
  • Bath/Hand Towels 
  • Beach Towels
  • Shower Shoes/ Flip-Flop 
  • Slippers 
  • Toiletries 
  • Hair Dryer

    Laundry

    • Laundry Detergent/ Fabric Softeners 
    • iron and small portable ironing board/ steamer
    • Laundry Bag/Basket
    • Dry Rack/Lines 
    • Lint Brush
    • Sewing Kit 
    • Stain Remover 
    • Hangers

    Kitchen

    • Travel Mug 
    • Ceramic Mug 
    • Plates & Bowels 
    • Silverware 
    • Tupperware 
    • Water Bottle or water filtration pitcher
    • Can opener 
    • Ziploc Bags

    Health/Cleaning 

    • Thermometer 
    • Disinfecting Wipes 
    • Face Masks 
    • First Aid Kit 
    • Hand Sanitizer 
    • Over the Counter Medicine (Advil, DayQuil/NyQuil, Tylenol, etc.)
    • Prescription Medicine (if needed)
    • Cleaning supplies for your room and bathroom

    Miscellaneous

    • Small fan 
    • Trash can/ Recycling bins 
    • Backpack 
    • Umbrella 
    • Ear Plugs 
    • Essential Tool Kit 
    • Suitcase/ Duffle bag 
    • Desk Accessories 
    • Tie/Belt Hangers
    • Handing shoes/sweater rack 
    • Picnic Blanket
    • Command Hooks 
    • Flashlight
    • Desk Lamp
    • Decorations to personalize your room

    Entertainment/Tech

    • External backup
    • Ethernet cable
    • Laptop/Devices 
    • Headphones 
    • Device chargers
    • LED Bulbs 
    • Bed Lamp 
    • External Backup
    • Power strip with built in circuit breakers
      • 15 amps rating
      • 14-gauge wire
      • Built in circuit breaker
      • 1875 watts maximum power
      • UL listed

      Sleep

      • Twin XL sheets 
      • Pillows 
      • Comforter 
      • Blankets 
      • Mattress cover/pads
        • Memory Foam 
      • Back Rest 
      • Under Bed Storage Bins 
      • Storage Bins 
      • Alarm Clock

      You may rent the following from BU Vending Services, and save your back from hauling them yourself!

      • Microfridge
      • Electronic safe

      Here’s what not to bring!

      • Candles, incense
      • Cinder blocks 
      • Extension cords 
      • Microwaves oven 
      • torchère -style halogen lamp 
      • Heating/ food preparation appliances (other than a hot-air popcorn popper)
      • Coffee makers – including single-cup brewers such as Keurig, Nespresso, etc.
      • Sun Lamp
      • Hoverboards 
      • Air conditioner
      • Electric Blanket 
      • Grils (Propane, charcoal, etc.)
      • Wireless hub

      For more information, visit Housing’s packing suggestions.