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 can also help you protect your property with insurance, or rent a refrigeration unit for your room.

What to Bring to Campus

Bedding

  • Twin-size comforter
  • Twin-size extra-long sheets
  • Bed pillow(s)
  • Extra blanket
  • Mattress cover
  • Foam mattress topper

Room Necessities

  • 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 and Harris Halls are not air-conditioned)

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
  • Your favorite Bucknell sweatshirt/gear!

Safety

  • UL-approved extension cord(s), 3-prong only
  • Surge protector/power strip(s)

Academic Items

  • Computer/laptop
  • Backpack
  • Notebooks
  • Binders
  • Pens/pencils
  • Tape
  • Stapler and staples
  • Scissors

Technology

  • Headphones
  • iPad/e-reader
  • Phone charger/docking station
  • Television
  • Game consoles

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
Checklist

Download our printable packing-for-college checklist

Download

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 will be a smoke-free campus starting Aug. 1, 2024
  • 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 are OK
  • Weapons of any kind — including, but not limited to firearms, ammunition, bow and arrow, swords, knives and paintball/pellet guns
  • Extension cords

Additional Resources

Contact Details

Housing Services