University of Southern California Campus Photo

University of Southern California

Packing & Move-In Checklist

Packing & Move-In Checklist

You got the acceptance letter, now get all the dorm gear you require to make your first year a success!

Here you'll find a curated list of college-ready items to pack for campus moving day based on your college's official recommendations. We've also included items from other schools' suggestions and expert advice we've compiled from around the web. All of our recommendations are based on a balance between quality and value.

The checkmark next to an item indicates that it is included as an official recommendation from your school.

Picture List
School 21 Extras 61 All Items 82 Prohibited

Laptops

Power User (Windows)

Powerful laptops aren't just for gaming. If you're a computer science, engineering, or math major, then you'll need the extra power these machine provides. This laptop packs ridiculous power into a thin frame. For maximum performance select an option with six cores, at least 16GB RAM, and a dedicated graphics card - your simulations, CAD, and machine learning algorithms will be humming along. Keep an eye on the weight - it's hard to get a high performance laptop less than 4 pounds because each extra option you add will also add weight. You're going to be lugging that thing around campus so try to keep it as low as possible - while still getting the performance you want!

University of Southern California says...

Meets recommended specs for College of Letters, Arts and Science.
Meets Cinematic Arts Standard and High Performance specs. See major specific website for details.

Power User (Mac)

Macs are known for their performance when working with graphics and video. If you're an art, visual graphics, or design student, you're likely going to need the extra power that the MacBook Pro provides. These are great for keeping you connected to all your Apple devices and won't leave you short when it comes to working with the large photo and video files.

University of Southern California says...

Meets recommended specs for College of Letters, Arts and Science.
MacBook Pro required for Film and Television Production and Peter Stark Producing Program. See major specific website for details on which version to purchase.
Meets Cinematic Arts Standard and High Performance specs. See major specific website for details.

Standard User (Windows)

If you're like most students, you need a computer that lets you write papers, submit assignments, browse, stream and work on group projects. If that sounds like you, then a Lenova Yoga series laptop is probably what you're looking for. These consistently get high ratings for college students. The touch-screen is nice for group projects when people are reaching over your shoulder to show you something. Make sure you keep the weight down because you'll be taking it everywhere. Probably the most important thing that many people forget is the importance of a Solid State Drive (SSD) - this is what lets your computer boot up so fast. This series will fit your basic laptop needs. There are some different buying options, so here's a list to a few solutions.

University of Southern California says...

Meets recommended specs for College of Letters, Arts and Science.

Standard User (Mac)

If you have an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and you love all things Apple but only need a laptop for basic browsing, submitting assignments, email, and watching videos, then a MacBook Air is probably what you're looking for. Keep in mind that universities sometimes require software that may not be compatible with Macs. Most of the time, they'll have work-arounds but it's best to check with the school if you're thinking about an Apple.

General Dorm Stuff

Desk Lamp

With limited desk space, your lamp needs to take as little space as possible. It's also important to have a dimmable light so your late night study sessions don't keep up your roommate.

Desktop Fan

It's going to get hot in your dorm. This will keep things cool.

Samsung Electronics UN32N5300AFXZA 32" 1080p Smart LED TV (2018), Black
Television

You can't fit a big screen into that tiny dorm room. A 32" will be good enough for all your friends to binge watch your favorite series or lay waste to them during a weekend long video game saga. The thing to look for with TVs is that it's a 'Smart' because you want to have access to your TV apps directly - you don't want to occupy your laptop with casting. There's nothing wrong with watching GoT while writing that term paper - we won't judge!

University of Southern California says...

cable ready

Bedroom Stuff

Alarm Clock

This alarm clock is perfect for getting you out of bed for your 8 o'clock. It has FM radio so you can listen to the campus station and Bluetooth for streaming from your phone. Add a charging port for your phone and this little guy has everything you need, plus you can customize the color to match your room décor.

Blanket

An extra blanket can keep you warm during all night winter study sessions. Everyone's style is different but here's a link to a variety of blankets and throws.

Pillows

Your current pillows have drool stains and are completely flat. Get some fresh one.

Bathroom Stuff

Toiletries Essentials

Don't forget your toiletries. Everyone likes different smells and flavors so we don't have any product recommendations. But here's a list of toiletry kits that will give you an idea of the kinds of things you need to remember along with some other bathroom essentials.

  • Toiletry Kits (shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, razor, shaving cream, comb, toothpaste, lotion, cotton swabs, chapstick, floss, mouthwash, etc)
  • Hand Towels
  • Nail Care Kit
  • Brush
  • Loofah / Sponge Poof
  • Plunger / Cleaner
Towels

It can be cold in the winter walking from the bathroom back to your room, so why not splurge a little and get these extra soft and warm towels. They come in a variety of colors, but one thing to remember is that if you want to use bleach to get your towels extra clean then you may want to consider white.

Toilet Paper

If you're in an apartment, you'll need to bring toilet paper. If you have a common bathroom, the university usually provides it.

Cleaning & Organization Stuff

Laundry Essentials

This Laundry Starter Pack has everything you need to keep your roommate from using nose plugs whenever you walk in. Don't forget the drying rack for hanging things that don't get quite dry and you don't want to fork over another dollar. Also, you're probably going to need a sewing kit at some point - pick it up now to avoid being in a tight spot when your button falls.

  • Laundry Pods
  • Stain Remover
  • Air Freshener
  • Clothes Drying Rack
  • Mini Iron
  • Travel Ironing Pad
  • Hangers
  • Sewing Kit
  • Hamper

University of Southern California says...

Hangers,

Pride Stuff

USC Hoodie
University of Southern California

You got into USC, now it's time to show your pride. Here's a collection of T-shirts, hoodies, hats... even socks. Show your family and friends where you're heading.

University of Southern California

Start tagging everything you own with your school logo - maybe even some things you don't own. Watch out Mom's SUV!

You can also pick-up mugs, blankets, cups, lanyards... however you want to show your pride.

Stuff to Upgrade & Refresh

Charging Block

You're gonna lose your charging block. These can be used for any phone, so it's a good idea to have a couple extras lying around.

Cell Phone (Apple)

Maybe it's time to upgrade your iPhone. You're going to be using it a lot while you're at college.

Charging Cable (Apple)

"Where's my charging cable?!?!" - Yeah, you need a back-up... or two.

Cell Phone (Android)

Even if it's not time to re-up your cell plan, it might be a good time to upgrade your phone. You'll be using it a lot.

Charging Cable (Android)

"Where's my charging cable?!?!" - Yeah, you need a back-up... or two.

Prohibited Items

USC Specifically Prohibited Items:

  • Pets - The only pets allowed in university housing are fish in aquariums of 10 gallon or less capacity.
  • Air-conditioning Units - If your housing assignment does not have AC, you cannot install or place a stand-alone unit in your room yourself. This is a physical alteration of the property, prohibited for safety and security reasons.
  • Dish/Satellite TV Receivers - Installing such a unit is a physical alteration prohibited for safety reasons. Remember: all housing facilities come with free digital cable TV service.
  • WiFi Routers - All buildings have USC Wireless and Guest Wireless. Installing your own router can interfere with the USC signal and is a violation of policy.

The following items are generally prohibited on college campuses. Confirm with your school the status of these and any other items.

  • Space heaters & air conditioners
  • Hot plates, deep fryers, & toaster ovens
  • Water beds
  • Weightlifting equipment
  • Halogen lamps & oil lamps
  • Candles & incense
  • Weapons such as rifles, handguns, and knives
  • Cigarettes, e-cigs, & hookahs
  • Thermometers containing mercury
  • Chemicals such as propane, charcoal, gasoline, paint thinner, and lighter fluid
  • Fireworks & firecrackers
  • Pets & live plants
  • Hover boards
  • Swimming pools & hot tubs

Sources

Last updated on May 17, 2020. Recommendations are made based on official university guidelines and expert advice but may become outdated. Please consult university website for the most up-to-date guidelines before making a purchase. Commissions may be earned on qualifying purchases.
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