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 winter jacket, boots, gloves, and beanie
- Bedding and pillow (Twin XL sheets; except for students in City Station South, City Station West, and Polytechnic which will need full/double sheets) Consider purchasing from Dormify- the bedding is shipped and a portion of the cost goes to on-campus programming. For information on your campus address visit the Student Mail Center webpage.
- 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 floor lamp for Albright, Beman, Brinsmade, City Station South, 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- Mail Center will not store packages before August 1, 2024)
- Headphones/earbuds with microphone (for online meetings, music, gaming)
- Power strip (must have grounding, overcurrent protection, a visible reset)
- Computer (not necessary if purchasing laptop through Rensselaer); Ethernet cord (review your computer’s ports to see if you need an adapter); electronics such as cell phone and charging cords
- Thermometer and medication (prescription and over-the-counter)
- Masks (we will provide more when you arrive), hand sanitizer, and tissues
- Fan- you will not need it long
- 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 or vacuum (connect with roommate/suitemates about sharing)
- TV (with Coaxial cable), game consoles, and other electronics
- Games, hobbies, and extra books
- Bicycle, sports equipment, and other items for fun outside
- Decorations (photos, etc); easily removable mounting strips or tape
Our Leave It Behinds
- Printer (too big; there is one in most buildings and most papers will be submitted online)
- Iron and ironing board (unless you are doing it now, you probably are not going to start)
- 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 definitely not organizers to hold them)
- Prohibited items
Labelling 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