Unpacking your packing list

When thinking about what to pack for your first semester at college, it may seem like there’s a lot to cover. Here’s a quick student-curated list of some essential items (and some not so essential items, too) to help you break down what you’ll need to pack up.  

Essentials

At Skidmore, we recognize that every incoming student will have different priorities when preparing for their first semester.  (Have a stuffed friend that’s been with you since childhood? Bring them!) But here are a few more general items that we think you might find necessary during your time here.  

Bedding 

Sheet set in twin XL 
Mattress cover 
Comforter and blanket  
Pillows 

Laundry essentials 

Laundry bag/hamper  
Hangers  
Liquid laundry detergent – Pods will not dissolve in campus machines 
Dryer sheets 

Clothing 

Raincoat  
Winter coat, hat, gloves, boots, and scarf  
Fall/spring and winter clothes 

Personal health and hygiene 

Shower shoes  
Shower caddy  
Bath towel(s) and wash cloths 
Soap, shampoo, etc.  
Tissues  
First aid kit including a thermometer, basic pain relief, cold medicines, cough drops, etc. 
Hand sanitizer and face masks 
Prescription medications – and/or transfers to mail-order or local pharmacies  

Cleaning supplies 

Wastebasket (and trash bags) 
Paper towels 
Multisurface cleaner  
Disinfecting wipes 

Important documents/identification 

Health insurance card 
Passport and/or driver’s license  
Copy/scans of proof of identification (birth certificate, social security card) 

Electronics 

Mini fridge – Maximum 3.3 cubic feet. Coordinate with roommate(s).
Computer 
Surge protector (Must have on/off switch, be no longer than 6 feet, provide 600 or more joules of protection and be UL 1449 compliant) 
Headphones  
Chargers (Bring a backup!)

School supplies  

Scissors  
Notebooks 
Folders 
Pens and pencils 
Calendar 
Highlighters 
Notecards  
Sticky notes  
Tape 
Scissors 

General supplies 

Reusable water bottle 
Snacks  
Umbrella 

Tips and extras 

Though not strictly necessary, there are certainly a few items out there that can make your life a little easier this semester — and more fun!  

Decorations 

LED string lights 
House plant 
Pictures 
Posters 
Command strips/hooks 
Small throw rug (2’x3’) 

Comfort items 

Mattress pad  
Sleep mask  
Fan 
Bathrobe  
Air freshener spray/essential oil diffuser 

Entertainment 

Xbox, PlayStation and/or Switch  
Monitor/TV and streaming stick  
Boardgames/cards 

Room items 

Under-bed storage bins/drawers (no taller than 30”) 
Clip-on lamp  
Desktop vanity mirror 
Closet organizer (hanging rack or stacking crates) 
Desk storage/organizer 
Keurig (*coffee makers, kettles, hotplates, and other appliances with exposed heating surfaces are not allowed)
Brita  

General 

Small sewing kit  
Stain spray/remover stick  
Lint brush  
Outdoor blanket  
KN95 face masks 

If you’re bringing a car 

Plenty of students spend their first few years at Skidmore without a car — so no pressure to bring one! But if you are planning to bring your own wheels, consider putting these on your packing list: 
 
Registration and insurance cards 
Ice scraper/snow brush  
Small shovel  
Emergency Car Kit (flashlight, blanket, jumper cables)

Items to leave at home 

Of course, with every list of dos comes a list of don’ts. There are several items that you may want to bring with you but that are not allowed in Skidmore’s dorms. To avoid unnecessary confiscations and fines, review the list below before zipping up your suitcases.   

Fire hazards 

Curtains  
Tapestries  
Halogen lamps  
Tricolor octopus lamps 
Candles and incense 
Extension cords 
Microwaves  
Space heater  
Small appliances with exposed heating (e.g., toasters) 

Banned substances  

For those below the legal age: alcohol and related paraphernalia (funnels, beer pong tables, etc.)   
Drugs and related paraphernalia (grinders, hookahs, bongs, etc.)  
Cigarettes, vapes and smoking paraphernalia (rolling papers, pods, ash trays, etc.)  

General 

Weapons  
Bed risers 
Stereo systems/amps  

Finally, when packing, remember that this list isn’t the final word. You know best what your needs are, and if you forget something — don’t fret! Skidmore Shop has you covered with a range of health and beauty products, cleaning supplies, and other dorm must-haves. Skidmore Shop also offers competitive pricing on books and computers.  

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In case of further questions or for a final list of prohibited items, please contact Residential Life at reslife@skidmore.edu.