Guidelines for Packing

You may hear people say that going to college was one of the biggest moves of their lives. You will soon find out whether this holds true for you as you begin the process of packing in preparation for your move to Stanford.

GUIDELINES FOR PACKING

What to Bring

Based on the expert advice of the students who have come before you, the following is a list of what you will likely need or want in your room. Keep in mind that over the next four years you will be moving at the beginning and end of every school year. Therefore, we recommend you start by bringing only the necessities. Be sure to pack everything in boxes that you can lift and carry, as you may need to carry your belongings on and off shuttles by yourself, or up and down the stairs in your residence.

While we include a list of necessities below, you do not need to have every item in hand on the day you move in. For your first night, be sure that you have bed linens, a blanket, a towel, essential toiletries, and a jacket. Almost everything on the list can be purchased locally or online. There are a number of stores (including Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Target, and Wal-Mart) located within a few miles of campus, and several specialty shops in downtown Palo Alto and the Stanford Shopping Center. All of these shopping areas can be easily accessed by bike, the free Marguerite campus shuttle service, public transportation, or Zipcar rental.

Since you will not know your roommate(s) until you arrive, we recommend that you wait to meet them before buying or renting large items such as microwaves and refrigerators. Stanford prides itself on being an energy conscious campus. Coordinating with your roommate(s) to minimize the number of appliances and electronics in your room is the sustainable approach.

 

What is Provided

Your room will include the following, so you will not need to pack, ship, or purchase these items:

  • Extra-long (80”) twin bed (for each roommate; certain rooms in Roble Hall have standard-sized beds)
  • Overhead light
  • Bookcase, either attached to the wall or freestanding (for each roommate)
  • Small closet or freestanding wardrobe (shared or individual)
  • Mirror (shared or individual)
  • Dresser drawers (for each roommate)
  • Desk and chair (for each roommate)
  • Wastebasket and recycling bin
  • Cubby or shelf for toiletries (in the bathroom)
  • Window covering
  • Robe hook or towel bar (shared or individual)
  • Heating system
  • At least one communication outlet with two Ethernet ports, a telephone line, cable, and a shared landline telephone

 

The Necessities

Be sure to bring these items with you or make plans to purchase them upon your arrival:

  • Government issued ID and necessary cards (e.g., auto insurance card, bank/ATM card, driver’s license, health insurance and prescription cards). Make sure you have your driver’s license or passport ready to show at move-in. If you plan to pursue part-time employment on or off campus, you will need multiple forms of ID.
  • Bedding (twin extra-long sheets fit our 80” extra-long mattresses)
  • Clothing (including a rain jacket and a warm coat)
  • Toiletries (including a shower caddy to transport them to the bathroom)
  • Medications and/or prescriptions
  • Towels (including a large bath towel or bathrobe, as the shower is down the hall)
  • Shower sandals (plastic flip-flops)
  • Laundry supplies
  • Desk lamp (preferably LED design)
  • Surge protector (get the largest one available that also helps prevent cord fires)
  • Extension cord (UL approved, two or three-pronged;you do not need a heavy-duty cord)
  • Hangers
  • Flashlight and batteries (choose an LED flashlight for longer life)

 

The “You Decide” List

This list contains items some view as necessities and others can easily live without:

  • Camera
  • Large plastic storage tubs
  • Books (only a few—you will pick up plenty more for your classes)
  • Sports equipment (baseball glove, Frisbee, etc.)
  • Photos
  • Computer, Ethernet network cable (as long as possible), and computer accessories such as headphones
  • Bike and helmet
  • Mini-refrigerator and microwave oven (look for Energy Star-rated appliances, and wait to coordinate with your roommate)

 

Things We Discourage You From Bringing

To support Stanford’s sustainability goals, please think twice before bringing the following items that are less energy efficient:

  • Holiday string lights
  • Non-Energy Star-rated appliances
  • Disposable products that are not sustainable
  • Most electronic equipment, such as stereos and televisions

 

What You May Not Bring

The following items are strictly prohibited in the residence halls:

  • Candles, torches, incense, and open-flame devices
  • Halogen lamps
  • Non-University lofted beds
  • Dangerous weapons and ammunition (must be stored with Stanford Department of Public Safety)
  • Appliances with open heating elements such as hot plates, toasters, and electric heaters (toaster ovens and clothing irons are allowed)
  • Mercury thermometers
  • Pets of any kind (including aquatic)