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Syracuse University

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 32 Extras 57 All Items 89 Prohibited

Electronics Stuff

Electronics Essentials

This Electronics Connections Starter Pack gets all your devices connected. WiFi is great, but during midterms and finals everyone on campus is using the same WiFi making it slow to a crawl. Having ethernet connections makes sure you can get your work done - make sure to buy an ethernet cable for each item you need (laptop, gaming system, smart TV).

  • Laptop Cable Lock
  • Power Strip / Surge Protector
  • Ethernet
  • HDMI
  • Extension Cord
  • Coaxial

Syracuse University says...

ALL general purpose extension cords are prohibited (even UL-approved). Only UL-listed grounded power strips with built-in fuse circuit breaker are permitted.
Coaxial cable for TV connection.

Gaming System

Video games are a fun way to spend some down time. But Time Management is the most important skill you need at college - so don't get sucked into playing too much.

Classroom Stuff

Laptop Backpack

Backpacks are essential. There are a lot of styles and purposes out there. Make sure you select on that is water proof - you'll find yourself on the way to class when the skies open up. Also, you'll be carrying your laptop most places you go, so make sure the backpack is designed for your size laptop. Here is one with over 5,000 reviews and a score over 4 stars. It's a good option - waterproof, has a lock and fits a laptop under 17" - but your backpack will be with your wherever you go so spend some time thinking about what you want!

Planner / Organizer

If you like keeping things organized on paper, a planner might help you keep assignments and appointments straight.

Calculator

You're gonna need to take some math classes - there's no way around that. So why not get the same calculator as your engineering roommates... they know a lot about this kind of stuff.

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.

Window Fan

If you don't have air conditioning, a window fan is a must. Even if you do have AC, you may want to let the springtime air into your stale dorm room. This fan can exhaust and intake, making it perfect for cooling or just circulating air.

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!

Syracuse University says...

No wall mounting, only free standing TVs are permitted.

Bedroom Stuff

Bedding

You're going to spend a lot of time in your bed - studying, reading, sleeping, playing on your phone. So make sure you get a comfortable bed set. Your bedding is the first thing people will notice when they walk in your room so let your personality shine here! Here's a link to a search that gives lots of ideas for bedding sets. The set you select should have everything you need (fitted sheet, flat sheet, quilt or duvet cover, pillow covers, etc.).

Syracuse University says...

Extra-long twin sheets

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.

Mattress Pad

Don't think of a mattress pad as saving the mattress from you, think of it as saving you from everyone who came before you! This will let you fall asleep without worrying about what you're laying on.

Pillows

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

Bed Rest Pillow

Great for reading in bed or on the rug.

Kitchen Stuff

Microwave

This microwave is small enough to fit comfortably in your dorm room. The most important thing about this microwave - you can turn the beeping sounds off. Which doesn't sound like a big deal until you're trying to make midnight popcorn while your roommate is sleeping with a midterm the next day! It's the little things.

Syracuse University says...

less than 1,000 watts.

Refrigerator

This fridge has lots of space for it's little size. The thing to look for with dorm refrigerators is the separate door for frozen items. The single door models won't keep your frozen dinners cold. And most important... you can fit a 12" pizza box in there!

Syracuse University says...

less than 5 cubic feet.

Bathroom Stuff

Medical Supplies Essentials

You're gonna wake up some days not feeling 100%. On those days, it's good to have some supplies to get you back on your feet so you don't miss too many lectures and assignments.

  • Thermometer
  • First Aid Kit
  • Ibuprofen
  • Antacid
  • Cold Medicine
  • Triple Antibiotic Ointment
  • Bandages
  • Acetaminophen
  • Facial Tissue (Kleenex)

Syracuse University says...

Prescription and non-prescription medication

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

Syracuse University says...

Personal hygiene items

Haundry Mesh Shower Caddy Tote, Portable College Dorm Shower Caddy Bag 8 Large Pockets Camping Gym Bathroom
Shower Caddy

You definitely want a mesh shower caddy - don't even bother with the hard ones! This will dry quick. This is also big enough to fit everything you need (including a towel). It comes in Pink, White, Blue, Light Blue and Black.

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.

Shower Flip Flops

Dorm showers are nasty! You need flip flops to keep the funk off your soles.

Outdoor Stuff

Flashlight

You're phone has a flashlight - but is it really bright enough to walk you home along the dark sidewalks and trails around campus? Plus, save your battery for texting and social media.

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.

Winter Boots

When it gets cold, your feet will thank you!

Winter Hat

Keep that big brain warm in the colder months.

Syracuse University says...

Gloves, hat, earmuffs, etc

Rain Boots

You're going to be walking a lot and rain boots do a great job keeping your feet dry,

Warm Coat

If your campus is going to get cold, you'll need a warm coat in the colder months.

Clothes

Don't forget to pack clothes. You don't need to bring everything you own, but you should bring enough to last between laundry loads (probably about ten outfits or so). Make sure you pack climate appropriate clothes. Most schools recommend that you pack for Autumn and then swap out your wardrobe to sinter clothes after you go home for Thanksgiving. Some things to remember are: Casual Clothes (This is what you'll wear most days); Athletic Wear (Even if you're not going to the gym, you might want to play Ultimate Frisbee on the quad); Forma Outfit (you might want to bring one or two formal outfits because you might start applying for internships sooner than you'd think); Swimsuit (for doing laps in the pool, or maybe water-balloon fights).

Syracuse University says...

Business casual and professional clothing (i.e. button-down shirts, dress pants, shoes, suit, etc.)

Prohibited Items

Syracuse Specifically Prohibited Items:

  • Large appliances, including air conditioners (only refrigerators less than 5 cubic feet and microwaves less than 1,000 watts are permitted)
  • Cooking appliances- ovens, hotplates, toasters, toaster ovens, crockpots, grills (including “George Foreman-type” grills) and other similar devices
  • Space heaters
  • Candles, incense, etc.
  • Wall mounted TVs (only free standing TVs are permitted)
  • Firearms, weapons, and fireworks
  • ALL general purpose extension cords (even UL-approved; only UL-listed grounded power strips with built-in fuse circuit breaker are permitted)
  • Halogen lamps and multi-heated floor lamps
  • Large pieces of furniture
  • Pets
  • Expensive or irreplaceable collectibles or jewelry

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 April 29, 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.
Report a mistake or suggest a new item.

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