Packing Tips

Coming to MHC!

Most people know some of the usual essentials that a new student should bring to college, but it's hard to think of everything. Explore our college packing list for all the essential stuff you'll need (and the things you don't) for your residential hall room.

Please be aware of housing deadlines for new students and new students requesting housing accommodations.

Packing green

Mount Holyoke College is committed to reducing our collective impact on the environment, and you should think about "being green" in your hall and your room. Easy things you can do include choosing a light emitting diode (LED) for your desk lamp, bringing a reusable water bottle and coffee mug, and planning to plug any small appliances into a power strip that can be turned off to avoid using energy when not in use. LED bulbs and recycling bins are available from the Eco-Reps at the beginning of the semester.

Resources for new students

The Office of Residential Life is excited to welcome you to campus and to the engaging residential experience here at Mount Holyoke. We cannot wait to meet you, welcome you to our beautiful campus and help you create a new home at Mount Holyoke College.

For more information see our resources for new students page and note all deadlines.

What to bring and what not to bring

Every student may have different needs, but this list is a good place to start. Make sure to talk to your roommate about sharing before bringing doubles of larger items such as refrigerators.

If you don't have a preference, please consider using scent free products as some students are sensitive to fragrances.

Items listed in the "what not to bring" section are not allowed in the residence halls and will be confiscated if brought to campus!

What to bring

Click on the arrows to view the category lists.

  • Bed and bath

    • sheets for regular twin-size bed
    • comforter, blanket or quilt
    • pillows/pillowcases
    • mattress pad
    • waste basket
    • clothes hangers
    • towels and washcloths
    • toiletries
    • nail clippers
    • flip flops (for showers)
    • shower caddy (to hold soap, shampoo, etc.)
    • bathrobe
    • trash can liners (8 gallon)
    • cleaning supplies
    • under bed storage or closet organizer (Beds at their lowest level have a height of 13.5 inches; beds at their highest level have a height of 23.5 inches)
    • throw rug
    • full-length mirror
  • Health-related items

    • mini first-aid kit
    • prescription medications
    • prescription for eye glasses or contacts
    • OTC medications: ibuprofen benadryl, cough medicine, etc.
    • hand sanitizer
    • thermometer
  • Laundry items

    • bag/basket
    • detergent
    • dryer sheets
    • dryer balls, an eco alternative to dryer sheets
    • drying rack
    • mini sewing kit
  • IDs and important documents

    • ATM Card
    • checkbook
    • credit cards
    • driver's license/state ID
    • insurance cards
    • passport/visa
    • social security card
    • lock box
  • Suggested clothing

    • underwear
    • weather-related clothing: winter jacket, rain boots, umbrella, bathing suit, etc.
    • mittens, gloves, scarves
    • hoodies
    • socks
    • tights
    • pants, jeans, shorts, sweatpants
    • skirts/leggings
    • long and short sleeved blouses, tees
    • dresses
    • pajamas
    • sneakers (with white rubber soles for physical education classes)
    • slippers
    • sunglasses
  • Electronics / small appliances

    • fan
    • cell phone and charger
    • plug adapters, if applicable
    • power strip with surge protector and on/off switch
    • flashlight
    • headphones
    • laptop and charger
    • alarm clock
    • refrigerator (must be under 3.1 cubic feet, look for Energy Star rating)
    • small microwave (700 watts maximum)
  • Miscellaneous items

    • school supplies: pens, pencils, paper, highlighters, note cards, etc.
    • backpack or bookbag
    • posters and pictures
    • ear plugs
    • 3M command hooks
    • calendar
    • dry erase board
    • bike & bike lock
    • reusable water bottle and/or travel mug
    • bug spray
    • sunscreen

What not to bring

Click on the arrows to view the category lists.

  • Prohibited electronics, Electric & Appliances:

    • electric blankets
    • space heaters
    • heat generating humidifiers or vaporizers
    • air conditioners of any kind
    • halogen lamps
    • multi-position floor lamp
    • routers
    • outside TV and radio antennas
    • extension cords with no UL ratings/surge protection (aka: Zip Cord)
  • Prohibited appliances

    • heating appliances (toaster ovens, toasters, hot plates, etc.)
    • air fryer, Instantpot, pressure cookers
    • refrigerator over 3.0 cubic feet

  • Prohibited furniture

    • upholstered furniture
    • beds of any kind
    • papasan chair
    • beanbag chair
    • lofts

  • Prohibited miscellaneous items

    • candles & incense, paper lanterns
    • mercury thermometers
    • pets (other than fish)
    • weapons
    • cannabis of any kind
    • illegal drugs
    • weapons

Packing Checklist

This recommended checklist is divided into categories, and will guide you in what to bring (and not bring) to your residence hall room.

Packing Tips

These are a few important key things to remember!

Air Travel Tips

Keep these tips in mind if you're coming by plane.