Packing for Amherst

As you prepare to join us on campus, please consider the following items for your packing list. Pack thoughtfully, and bring only what you need.

SPECIAL NOTE: The College will provide one refrigerator and one microwave per room. Please do not bring additional refrigerators unless you have a registered medical or nutritional exemption.  Personal microwaves are not permitted.  The College will not store your appliances.

What to Bring 

  • Bed linens (Twin Extra Long 39" x 80")
  • Pillow
  • Towels
  • Toiletries & other personal hygiene items
  • Shower shoes
  • Laundry bag/basket or hamper
  • High efficiency laundry detergent (washing machines and dryers do not require payment to use)
  • Basic cleaning supplies
  • School supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, etc.)
  • Clothes hangers
  • Cell phone charger
  • Laptop charger
  • Multi-outlet power strips
  • Umbrella/rain jacket
  • Winter coat, hat, gloves, boots
  • At least two forms of Government issued ID (Passport, birth certificate, social security card, driver's license)
  • Prescription medication
  • Health insurance card
  • Glasses or contacts

Things to Consider

  • Hair dryer & other grooming devices (automatic shutoff)
  • Fan
  • Flashlight
  • Small personal decorations
  • Foot locker/storage crates
  • Desk lamp (non-halogen)
  • Rain boots
  • Backpack/school bag
  • First-aid kit
  • Earplugs
  • Eye mask
  • Vacuum
  • Slippers
  • Plants
  • Snacks
  • Dishes, coffee mug, water bottle
  • Sponge
  • Soap

Please Leave at Home

  • LED light strips - they heavily damage walls, which will be billed to residents upon move-out
  • Area rugs
  • Stereo systems
  • Bulky furniture items

Prohibited Items

  • Microwave ovens  
  • Personal bed or mattress*
  • Coffee makers without automatic shut-off
  • Toaster ovens
  • Candles
  • Incense
  • Hot plates
  • Toasters
  • Waffle irons
  • Electric skillets of any kind
  • Halogen lamps
  • Small grills of any kind
  • Cinderblock bed risers. Only bed risers that are specifically-made for this purpose are permitted. They are to be no higher than 6 inches. The stacking risers are not permitted.
  • Air conditioners*
  • Animals* (other than fish in a tank 10 gallons or smaller volume) Amphibians, arachnids, and reptiles are not permitted.
  • Electric space heaters
  • Electric bikes, scooters, hoverboards, or other battery-assisted vehicles
  • Flammable liquids
  • Wireless routers
  • Wireless printers
  • Weapons
  • Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia (cannabis in any amount is illegal on all US college campuses, despite being legally available off campus)
  • Smoking paraphernalia
  • Vapor-producing items

*Except those approved by Accessibility Services Office

Communicable Disease Supplies

  • KN-95 Masks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Cleaning supplies (paper towels, cleaners, wipes)
  • Thermometer
  • Fever reducer (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
  • Water bottle (we have no-contact, fitered, bottle fillers in all first-year halls)

Additional Information

  • Items can be affixed to walls with Command Strips or with pushpins
  • We provide a small garbage can and a recycling bin to each room
  • Laundry is free - no need to bring quarters!
  • There is a shared vacuum cleaner for student use in each residence hall
  • We have mirrors in every room
  • Even though small amounts of cannabis is legal in Massachusetts, federal law disallows its presence and use on campus
  • Wall coverings (posters, tapestries, curtains) may only cover up to 20% of wall surfaces