Packing for Amherst

As you prepare to join us on campus, please consider the following items for your packing list. Pack thoughtfully, and bring only what you need.

SPECIAL NOTE: The College will provide one refrigerator and one microwave per room. Please do not bring additional refrigerators unless you have a registered medical or nutritional exemption.  Personal microwaves are not permitted.  The College will not store your appliances.

What to Bring 

  • Bed linens (Twin Extra Long 39" x 80")

  • Pillow

  • Towels

  • Toiletries & other personal hygiene items

  • Shower shoes

  • Laundry bag/basket or hamper

  • High efficiency laundry detergent (washing machines and dryers do not require payment to use)

  • Basic cleaning supplies

  • School supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, etc.)

  • Clothes hangers

  • Cell phone charger

  • Laptop charger

  • Multi-outlet power strips

  • Umbrella/rain jacket

  • Winter coat, hat, gloves, boots

  • At least two forms of Government issued ID (Passport, birth certificate, social security card, driver's license)

  • Prescription medication

  • Health insurance card

  • Glasses or contacts

Things to Consider

  • Hair dryer & other grooming devices (automatic shutoff)

  • Fan

  • Flashlight

  • Small personal decorations

  • Foot locker/storage crates

  • Desk lamp (non-halogen)

  • Rain boots

  • Backpack/school bag

  • First-aid kit

  • Earplugs

  • Eye mask

  • Vacuum

  • Slippers

  • Plants

  • Snacks

  • Dishes, coffee mug, water bottle

  • Sponge

  • Soap

Please Leave at Home

  • Refrigerators (The College will provide one refrigerator (no freezer) and one microwave per room.)

  • Area rugs

  • Stereo systems

  • Bulky furniture items

Prohibited Items

  • Microwave ovens (The College will provide one microwave per room. Only College-provided microwaves are approved.)

  • Personal bed or mattress*

  • Coffee makers without automatic shut-off

  • Toaster ovens

  • Candles

  • Incense

  • Hot plates

  • Toasters

  • Waffle irons

  • Electric skillets of any kind

  • Halogen lamps

  • Small grills of any kind

  • Cinderblock bed risers. Only bed risers that are specifically-made for this purpose are permitted. They are to be no higher than 6 inches. The stacking risers are not permitted.

  • Air conditioners*

  • Animals* (other than fish in a tank 10 gallons or smaller volume) Amphibians, arachnids, and reptiles are not permitted.

  • Electric space heaters

  • Electric bikes, scooters, hoverboards, or other battery-assisted vehicles

  • Flammable liquids

  • Wireless routers

  • Wireless printers

  • Weapons

  • Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia (cannabis in any amount is illegal on all US college campuses, despite being legally available off campus)

  • Smoking paraphernalia

  • Vapor-producing items

*Except those approved by Accessibility Services Office

Communicable Disease Supplies

  • KN-95 Masks

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Cleaning supplies (paper towels, cleaners, wipes)

  • Thermometer

  • Fever reducer (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

  • Water bottle (we have no-contact, fitered, bottle fillers in all first-year halls)

Additional Information

  • Items can be affixed to walls with Command Strips or with pushpins

  • We provide a small garbage can and a recycling bin to each room

  • Laundry is free - no need to bring quarters!

  • There is a shared vacuum cleaner for student use in each residence hall

  • We have mirrors in every room

  • Even though small amounts of cannabis is legal in Massachusetts, federal law disallows its presence and use on campus

  • Wall coverings (posters, tapestries, curtains) may only cover up to 20% of wall surfaces