What to Bring & What to Leave Behind
Grab the gear you'll need for living and learning at Bucknell.
We've prepared the packing list below to help you know what to pack — and what you should leave at home.
We've also provided helpful information about obtaining property insurance (strongly recommended), renting a refrigerator for your room and more.
What to Bring to Campus
Sleeping
- Twin-size comforter
- Twin-size extra-long sheets
- Pillow(s)
- Pillowcase(s)
- Extra blanket/throw blanket
- Mattress cover
- Foam mattress topper
Showering & Getting Ready
- Shower caddy
- Bathing products (soap/bath gel)
- Dental care products
- Hair care products
- Hair dryer
- Hair brush/comb
- Bath towels
- Washcloths
- Bathrobe
- Hygiene products
- Shaving items
- Over-the-door hook
Wardrobe
- Seasonal clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes, winter and rain boots
- Flip-flops (for use in the shower)
- Formal clothes for presentations or interviews
Laundry Needs
- Laundry supplies (detergent and dryer sheets)
- Laundry basket
- Hamper
- Drying rack
- Steamer/iron and ironing board
Self-care Kit
- Mild pain and/or fever reducer (Tylenol)
- Anti-inflammatory (Advil)
- Allergy medication (Zyrtec)
- Antihistamine (Benadryl)
- Antacid (Tums)
- Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium)
- Stool softeners
- Decongestant (Sudafed PE)
- Cough medication
- Cough drops
- 1% hydrocortisone cream
- Band-aids of various sizes
- Hot/cold pack
- Wound-care supplies (gauze pack and medical tape)
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
Your Room
- Phone charger/docking station
- Surge protector/power strip(s)
- UL-approved extension cord(s), 3-prong only
- Headphones
- Desk lamp
- Trash and recycling can
- Area rug
- Hangers
- Storage crates
- Under-bed containers
- Food storage containers
- Plates, cups, bowls, utensils
- Can opener
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Small tool kit
- Disinfectant wipes for personal spaces
Optional Items To Consider Buying Together With A Roommate
- Entertainment devices: Television, streaming device, game console, tablet, etc.
- Microwave — 750 watts or less, see additional information under Housing Resources section — and/or air fryer
- Mini refrigerator — 4.5 cubic feet or less, see additional information under Housing Resources section
- Keurig or coffeepot with auto shutoff
- Window screens. We recommend adjustable screens as window sizes in residence halls vary. Please contact housing for more information at housing@bucknell.edu.
- Standing fan
- Cleaning supplies
Decorations
- Poster tack/putty, 3M Command strips
- Photographs
- Posters
- Curtains with tension rod
Studying
- Computer/laptop
- Backpack
- Notebooks
- Binders
- Pens/pencils
- Highlighters
- Tape
- Stapler and staples
- Scissors
What to Leave Behind
- Car — first-year students are not eligible to apply for parking permits or park on campus. Additional parking information.
- Air conditioner
- Candles — even if only used for decoration or if the wick has been removed
- Incense
- Halogen lamp
- Space heater
- Microwave over 750 watts
- Blender
- Two-prong extension cords
- Tobacco or nicotine products — Bucknell is a smoke-free campus
- Other personal cooking appliances — toaster/toaster oven, George Foreman Grill, hot plate, hot pot, oil popcorn popper, panini press, rice cooker
- Pets — non-carnivorous fish in a tank of less than 30 gallons are permitted. Service and emotional-support animals in campus housing.
- Weapons of any kind — including, but not limited to, firearms, ammunition, bows and arrows, swords, knives and paintball/pellet guns
