Packing Information
Each year, the Office of Student Living and Learning has crafted a packing list for students. While not exhaustive, this document provides our list of “Our Essentials, Our Maybes, and Our Leave It Behinds." We recommend that students also consult other resources and lists online and in stores for a more comprehensive list.
Our Essentials
- Clothes and shoes (consider space-saving hangers)
- Formal dress clothes for Convocation, career fairs, formal events, organization inductions, etc.
- Cold weather clothing, including a winter jacket, boots, gloves, and beanie
- Bedding and pillow (Twin XL sheets, except for students in City Station West and Polytechnic, which will need full/double sheets).
- Toiletries, hygiene products, bath towels, shower caddy, shower flip-flops/shoes, toilet paper (for apartments)
- Laundry: detergent, dryer sheets (if you use them), pop-up hamper
- Desk lamp (most desks will have a fluorescent tube light, but many students like another light); will need a floor lamp for Albright, Beman, Brinsmade, City Station West, and Colvin, as these bedrooms do not have overhead lights.
- Book bag (customized backpack provided if purchasing laptop from Rensselaer), textbooks, and school supplies (consider shipping books; the Mail Center will not store packages for the upcoming academic year prior to August 1st)
- Headphones/earbuds with a microphone (for online meetings, music, and gaming)
- Power strip (must be UL certified and have grounding, overcurrent protection, and a visible reset)
- Computer (not necessary if purchasing a laptop through Rensselaer); Ethernet cord (review your computer’s ports to see if you need an adapter); electronics such as a cell phone and charging cords
- Thermometer and medication (prescription and over the counter)
- Health/First Aid Items: Masks, hand sanitizer, and tissues
- Fan
- Umbrella and/or rain jacket
- Small garbage bin and trash bags
- Water bottle (reusable)
Our Maybes
- Refrigerator and microwave (lease with our preferred vendor!).
- Food and coffee maker
- Dishes, cups, and utensils (at most bring one of each) with sponge and dish detergent
- Broom and/or vacuum (Connect with roommate/suitemates about sharing.)
- TV (smart or with streaming device), game consoles, and other electronics
- Games, hobby items, and extra books
- Bicycles*, sports equipment, and other items for fun outside
- Electric bikes fall under RPI's E-Micromobility Device policy and are recommended to be left behind. See the E-Micromobility Device policy for further information: RPI E-Micromobility Device Policy.
- Decorations (photos, etc.); easily removable mounting strips or tape
- Iron and ironing board (If you are doing it now, bring it; if you are not, you probably are not going to start, so leave it behind.)
Our Leave It Behind
- Printer (too big; there is one in most buildings, and most papers will be submitted online)
- Area rug (if you find you need one, consider purchasing or ordering one after arriving.)
- Organizational sets for your desk (you don’t need as many school supplies as you think you need, and you definitely don’t need organizers to hold them).
- Battery-Powered Micromobility Devices (See policy for more information: RPI E-Micromobility Device Policy)
- Prohibited items
Labeling Luggage, Bags, and Boxes
We ask that all students write the following information in permanent marker on cardboard boxes and on stickers/mailing labels that can adhere to luggage and bins.
- First and Last Name
- RIN
- Building and Room #
- Cell Phone Number