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 with a surge suppressor 
  • Umbrella/rain jacket
  • Winter coat, hat, gloves, boots

Things to Consider

  • Hair dryer & other grooming devices (automatic shutoff)
  • Fan
  • Desk lamp (non-halogen)
  • First-aid kit
  • Earplugs
  • Eye mask
  • Vacuum
  • Slippers
  • Water bottle
  • Soap & sponge

Prohibited Items

  • LED light strips with adhesive backing 
  • All cooking appliances including (e.g., microwave ovens, toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates, electric skillets, grills)
  • Coffee makers without automatic shut-off
  • Candles and incense
  • Halogen lamps and bulbs regardless of wattage 
  • Cinderblock bed risers. (Purpose-built bed risers that are no higher than 6" are permitted)  
  • Space heaters, regardless of energy source 
  • Electric bikes, scooters, hoverboards, or other battery-assisted micro-mobility vehicles
  • Flammable liquids
  • Wireless routers and printers (see Information Technology's Acceptable Use Policy)
  • 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 such as (e-cigarettes, vape pens) and other battery-operated vaping devices that heat a solid or liquid until it becomes an aerosol (mist). 
  • Large personal furniture items (e.g., bed* or mattress*, sofas, stuffed chairs) (Effective 9/3/2024)
  • Air conditioners* (including floor and window units and dehumidifiers) 
  • Animals* (other than fish in a tank 10 gallons or smaller volume) Amphibians, arachnids, and reptiles are not permitted.

*Except those approved by Student Accessibility Services 

Additional Information

  • Items can be affixed to walls with Command Strips and other non-destructive adhesives
  • The College provides a small garbage can and a recycling bin to each room
  • Laundry is free - no need to bring quarters!
  • The College provides a shared vacuum cleaner in each residence hall
  • Wall coverings (posters, tapestries, curtains) may only cover up to 20% of wall surfaces