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
Bedding
- Twin-size comforter
- Twin-size extra-long sheets
- Pillow(s)
- Extra blanket
- Mattress cover
- Foam mattress topper
Bathing/Hygiene Necessities
- Hair care products
- Hair dryer
- Bath towels
- Washcloths
- Shower caddy
- Bathing products (soap/bath gel)
- Bathrobe
- Dental care products
- Hygiene products
- Shaving items
- Over-the-door hook
Clothing
- Seasonal clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes and winter boots
- Flip-flops (for use in the shower)
- Rain boots
Optional Room Items
- Microwave — 750 watts or less, see additional information at the bottom of this page — and/or air fryer
- Mini refrigerator — 4.5 cubic feet or less, see additional information at the bottom of this page
- Keurig or coffeepot with auto shutoff
- Desk lamp
- Trash and recycling can
- Storage crates
- Under bed containers
- Hangers
- Area rug
- Cleaning supplies
- Storage containers (for food)
- Plates, cups, bowls, utensils
- Can opener
- Window screens. We recommend adjustable screens as window sizes in residence halls vary. Please contact housing@bucknell.edu for more information.
- Standing fan (Larison Hall is not air-conditioned)
Academic Items
- Computer/laptop
- Backpack
- Notebooks
- Binders
- Pens/pencils
- Tape
- Stapler and staples
- Scissors
Technology
- Headphones
- iPad/e-reader
- Phone charger/docking station
- Television
- Streaming devices
- Game consoles
Safety
- UL-approved extension cord(s), 3-prong only
- Surge protector/power strip(s)
Laundry Needs
- HE laundry supplies (detergent, fabric softener, etc.)
- Laundry basket/hamper
- Drying rack
Health Supplies/First Aid
- Mild pain and/or fever reducer (Tylenol)
- Anti-inflammatory (Advil, Aleve, Motrin)
- Antihistamine/allergy medicine (Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec)
- Antacid (Maalox, Rolaids, Pepto-Bismol, Tums)
- Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium)
- Stool softeners
- Decongestant
- Cough medication
- Cough drops
- 1% hydrocortisone cream
- Hot/cold pack
- Wound-care supplies (bandages, wraps)
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Soup packets
- Soothing teas
Decorations
- Poster tack/putty, 3M Command strips
- Photos/pictures
- Posters
- Curtains with tension rod
What to Leave Behind
- Car — first-year students are not eligible to apply for parking permits or park on campus. Additional parking information.
- Tobacco or nicotine products — Bucknell is a smoke-free campus
- 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
- Other personal cooking appliances — toaster/toaster oven, George Foreman Grill, hot plate, hot pot, oil popcorn popper, panini press, rice cooker
- Blender
- Pets — non-carnivorous fish in a tank of less than 30 gallons are permitted
- Weapons of any kind — including, but not limited to firearms, ammunition, bow and arrow, swords, knives and paintball/pellet guns
- Extension cords, two-prong
