Packing List: What to Bring

Wondering what you should bring to campus?

The lists below will give you an idea of what's already furnished in your residence hall room and also what you should bring/not bring with you to campus.

Before you arrive on campus, you may want to talk to your roommate to decide who will bring certain items (like the TV, mini fridge, microwave, etc.) It's a great way to avoid duplication and to save money!

Every room is furnished with:

• Beds
• Mattresses
• Desks
• Chairs
• Dressers
• Closet space for each occupant
• Blinds/drapes
• Carpet

What to bring:

• Bedding: Extra-long single twin sheets are a must. Also, bring your pillow, pillowcases, blankets/quilts, and duvet/comforter/bedspread.
• Sheet straps: To keep sheets from coming off the mattress.
• Mattress topper: Makes your mattress just a bit comfier.   
• Personal items: Bring towels, hairdryer, alarm clock, toiletries, and a carrying case for easy trips to the bathroom.
• Electronics: Talk with your roommate about who will bring the TV. Many students also bring music and gaming devices of their choosing. Other electronics you might consider include a single-serve coffee maker, UL-approved surge protector/power strip, and extension cords.
• Something that reminds you of home: Whether it's photos, an old stuffed animal, a quilt, or some other memento, these items will help you adjust to your new life at Knox.
• Fan: This will provide a way for you to control your room temperature, especially in September and late May when it can get hot in residence halls.
• Dishes: You may also want to consider bringing a set of dishes (plate, bowl, silverware, and cup).
• HE laundry detergent: All washers are high efficiency. Using regular detergent will leave soap in your clothes and cause problems with the machines. Bring detergent made for high efficiency machines. 
• Hamper or laundry bag: You don't want to have to haul your clothes down to the laundry in a garbage bag!
• Hangers: Bring 10 more than you think you will need.
  
• Winter/rain boots: The campus can get quite muddy and snowy during the winter and spring.
• Winter coat/winter clothes: Campus can get pretty chilly towards the end of fall term. A heavy winter jacket, mittens or gloves, and scarves can help with the chilly fall and winter days! 
• Ear plugs and an eye mask: This is recommended for students who are light or early sleepers.  
• 3M hooks and/or sticky tack: These are a popular choice for safely mounting items on your walls. We encourage decorating your room; it will be your new "home away from home."
• Curtains and an adjustable rod: Residence halls come with blinds, but if you need total darkness to sleep, you might want to pack some black curtains and a way to hang them. College is prime daytime napping season!
• Desk lamp: Please keep in mind that halogen lamps are not permitted.
• Reusable water bottle: Very convenient!
• Cleaning supplies: Basic cleaning supplies like paper towels, Shout, Clorox wipes, etc. will help keep your room clean.
• Microwave and refrigerator: The fridge must be the small, energy-efficient type and a maximum of 4.1 cu. ft.  Microwaves should be no more than 900 watts.
• School supplies: Don’t forget your backpack or book bag, notebooks, pens, and other supplies. The Knox Bookstore also stocks everything you might need.
• Transportation: If you bring a car, please note that parking is limited and that a (free) Knox College vehicle permit is required. If you love riding your bike, then bring it with you. You can register your bike with Campus Safety.  Your bike can be stored in your room, in specific storage areas on campus designated for bikes, or locked to outdoor racks (the metal U-shaped lock is encouraged). Bikes cannot be stored in stairwells or suite areas. 
• Insurance for personal property: Knox College is not responsible for personal belongings. We strongly recommend that you get renters insurance coverage. As our resident, you’re eligible to purchase coverage through GradGuard’s student renters insurance program. Knox does not receive compensation for providing this student benefit. This preferred rate is available to you because you’re a Knox student. GradGuard’s Renters Insurance is underwritten by Markel® American Insurance Company. Claims and coverages are subject to language, limits and exclusions, and policy. Visit GradGuard.com/knox to get more information about their coverage and a quote.
• Considering student employment? Appropriate identification is required and original documentation must be presented to complete the required tax forms. You will find a list of appropriate identification on page 5 of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification (PDF). Learn more about student payroll and how to get copies of the tax forms.

What not to bring:

• Your entire collection of books and movies: They'll weigh down your luggage, and you won't have nearly enough time to read/watch them all. Pick a few favorites, and leave the rest.
• Couch/sofa and other furniture: You do not have as much room in your residence hall as you may think. Many a sofa has landed in the dumpster during move-in because someone has no place to keep it ... and no way to get it back home. Invest in a foldable chair or floor cushions so if you want to have friends in your room everyone can have a place to sit. It's definitely not a crucial item, but it can come in handy and also make a room feel more comfortable.
• Too many clothes: If you haven't worn it in the past year, you probably won't wear it here! You also don't need more than one gown or suit/tuxedo. They will take up lots of space in your luggage and closet, and in all likelihood, you will not go to more than one formal dance in a given year.
• Too many knick knacks: If your Magic 8 ball, slinky, and Legos are taking up half your desk, you'll have a hard time using it to study.
• Firearms or weapons of any kind: This includes air rifles, swords, BB guns, sling shots, etc.
• Any appliance requiring 220 volts or 900 watts or higher
• Appliances with exposed heating coils or wires: This includes air conditioners, space heaters, electric skillets, hot plates, toasters, and toaster ovens. Halogen lamps are prohibited.

Lists compiled by current students and Student Development

For more complete information on rules, policies, and procedures, view the Student Handbook.