Items You Should Bring

Backpack
Blue Tape
Calendar
Cell Phone and Charger
Cleaning Supplies 
Clothes and shoes that can get dirty (for service projects)
Comforter, Blankets, and Pillows
First Aid Kit
Flashlight
Hangers, Shoe Rack, and Plastic Hooks
Health Insurance Information
Heavy Winter Coat, Hat, and Gloves
ID/Driver’s License
Laptop computer
Laundry Bag and Detergent
Other Toiletries
Power Strips and Extension Cords
Prescription Medication(s)
School Supplies
Shampoo and Body Wash
Sheets (Twin, Extra Long)
Shower Shoes and Shower Caddy
Thermometer
Towels
Trashcan
Umbrella

Other Items To Consider:
Bike and Bike Lock
Board Games
Containers, Under-bed Storage Bins
Cooking Utensils
Cups, Plates and Utensils
Desk Lamp
Dish Soap
Dry Erase Board & Markers
Extra Shelving Units, Crates, Plastic
Face Masks
Iron/Ironing Board or Steamer
Microwave
Portable Vacuum
Postage Stamps
Small Fan
Small Refrigerator (no larger than 4 cubic feet)
Snow and/or Rain Boots
Suit and/or Semi-Formal Attire (for special events you may attend)


Information on:
Computer Supplies
Textbook Purchasing & Rental
Shipping Items to Campus


Printable Packing List (PDF)


Tips

  • Talk with your roommate(s) prior to packing so you can avoid bringing duplicate items.
  • Save the boxes you bring your stuff in for when you have to pack up again in May
  • Memorize your room number and MSC number right away
  • You can do a lot of shopping after you arrive and have seen your room. See below to download a list of popular places for students to shop in St. Louis.

Things to Avoid

Air-Conditioning Units
Candles
Electric Appliances with Exposed Coils
Gas or Charcoal Grills
Guns/Weapons
Halogen Lamps
Hot plates
Incense
Pets (other than fish)
Toaster
Water Beds

View the complete list of prohibited items on the Residential Life website.

Shopping in St. Louis

On Campus

The Campus Store and Bear Necessities, two on campus stores, also have items for your room. Also, make sure to talk to your roommate so you don’t end up with two of everything! Students Sharing with a Purpose (SWAP), a student-run non-profit, offers a reuse and exchange store called the Trading Post, complete with its own South 40 storefront. Members of the WashU community can both donate and take items for free, including books, clothing, room items, office supplies, electronics, furnishings and more.


Off Campus

The Campus Store and Bear Necessities, two on campus stores, also have items for your room. Also, make sure to talk to your roommate so you don’t end up with two of everything! Students Sharing with a Purpose (SWAP), a student-run non-profit, offers a reuse and exchange store called the Trading Post, complete with its own South 40 storefront. Members of the WashU community can both donate and take items for free, including books, clothing, room items, office supplies, electronics, furnishings and more.