What to Bring to Campus

What to bring to campus (and what to leave at home)

This list will get you started on what to bring to campus and what to leave at home. Look at the floorplan of your assigned room via the MyHousing/Dining portal (Application Status section) and check out the information page for each hall (via our Residence Halls page) before you purchase anything. Also, many of these items can be shared, so discuss this list with your future roommates!

Please do not ship anything to campus until August 3, 2022, and then only to your CofC Complex address, which you will get from Mail Services in late July. We also ask that you limit how much you ship, especially if it's something you'll need immediately. You can expect delays at the beginning of the semester - last year Mail Services processed more than 15,000 packages in the first month of classes!

WHAT TO BRING

Basics

  • Backpack or shoulder bag
  • School supplies (The CofC Bookstore sells supplies, too, in case you forget anything!)
  • Calendar or planner
  • Keychain and vertical ID card holder
  • Umbrella, raincoat, and boots for rainy days
  • Face coverings and COVID-19 self-tests (Note: Free tests are available through COVID.gov but likely cannot be mailed to your CofC Complex address. It's best to bring some with you.)
  • Go-bag: a bag with spare sheets, charger, toiletries and medications that can be taken with you in the event of a hurricane evacuation or move to an isolation space

Bed and Bath Items

  • Check your room layout and bed size to determine which type of sheet set you should bring. (Our mattresses are all foam and super comfortable.)
  • Pillow
  • Blankets or comforter (machine washable and small enough to fit in the laundry machines)
  • Towels
  • Bath mat
  • Shower tote or caddy
  • Small wastebasket
  • Toiletries and first aid items
  • Decorative shower curtain (We provide a regular shower liner.)
  • Personal cleaning supplies
  • The College provides toilet paper to all halls and houses.
  • Personal thermometer
  • Hand sanitizer

Laundry and Clothing Care

  • Laundry detergent (We currently use high efficiency, front loading washers in the residence halls. Look for the “he” symbol when buying detergent.)
  • Fabric softener, wool dryer balls, stain remover
  • Laundry basket or laundry bag
  • Hangers (Hanging space is limited.)

Electronics

  • Cell phone with charger
  • TV and any streaming devices you might have
  • Computer and/or tablet (Some students bring a printer.)
  • Headphones or earbuds
  • Surge protector (Extension cords of any kind are prohibited.)

Kitchen Items

  • Coffee maker (Keurig style is allowed, but regular pot style is not.)
  • Personal pots, pans, baking sheets, pot holders, and cooking utensils (Check to see if you are living in a space that has a full kitchen.)
  • Can opener
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and plastic bags
  • Sponges, dish soap, and dish-drying rack

Decorations

  • Photos
  • Posters (Use painter’s tape to adhere posters to walls so that you do not damage the paint.)
  • Desk lamp
  • Storage bins

Cleaning Supplies

  • Vacuum cleaner, broom, mop, or other floor cleaners
  • Cleaning wipes or spray
  • Paper towels
  • Trash can (We provide trash bags in each hall and house.)

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME (These items are not allowed.)

We will never be able to list everything you are not allowed to have on campus; however, here is a list of some common things we have seen that are not allowed. If you have a specific item you are not sure about, please call Campus Housing or Residence Life.

  • Appliances with open heating elements (e.g., electric woks, deep fryers, hot plates, toasters/toaster ovens, air fryer, etc.)
  • Open flame devices (e.g., candles, incense and candle warmers - even unlit)
  • Combustible fuels (e.g., gasoline, kerosene, etc.)
  • Decorative or empty alcohol containers
  • Pools or hot tubs
  • Grills (e.g., charcoal and gas, as well as George Foreman style)
  • Pets (Fish in a tank of 10 gallons or less are allowed.)
  • Space heaters, personal air conditioners, or halogen lights/lamps
  • Two-wheeled electric-powered scooters (e.g., hoverboards, e-bikes, e-scooters)
  • Weapons, firearms or replicas, knives (except flatware), and fireworks
  • TV mounting brackets
  • Amplified music and drum sets
  • LED strip lights
  • Although allowed, please limit additional furniture (like soft seating and futons) due to space.