Packing for College

Room 1

When it comes to decorating your room, you may be as creative as you like. Posters, plants, and throw rugs are a few typical items. Please take care not to damage walls or floors with prohibited items like double-sided tape, tacks, and nails. 

Gettysburg recognizes the importance of bringing what you need for living a comfortable and productive life in your new home on campus.

Bringing just the essentials will allow for both a speedy move-in and move-out process. To make it easier on you — and whomever will be assisting you with moving — remember these helpful suggestions/guidelines:


  • Only pack essentials.
  • Remove bulky items from original boxes and pack them in plastic bins, which are easily transported and can be stored under the bed or in a closet and used as extra storage space.
  • Do not bring any additional furniture such as headboards, shelves, futons, etc.
  • Wall/door decorations can be minimal and applied in a manner that will not damage university property.

What is Provided

  • Desk and chair for each resident
  • Closet for each resident
  • Window shades
  • Dresser for each resident
  • Bed and mattress for each resident (mattress size: 39" x 80" x 6 1/2")
  • Trash bin (28 1/8 qt. size)
  • Recycle bin (28 1/8 qt. size)
  • MicroFridge, a combination microwave/refrigerator/freezer is placed in all first-year rooms. Because of its energy efficiency, this is the only microwave approved for use in the residence halls. (Questions? Call 717-337-6700).


Additional information about your bed and furniture.

What to Bring

    • Clothing

      • Seasonal clothing
      • Nicer clothing for job interviews and events
      • Rain gear (rain boots, raincoat, umbrella)
      • Comfortable walking shoes
      • Winter boots (we do get some snow each winter)
      • Flip-flops (for use in the shower)

    • Bedding

      • Twin-size extra-long sheets and comforter (mattress size: 39" x 80" x 6 1/2")
      • Pillow(s)
      • Extra blanket
      • Mattress cover
      • Mattress pad and/or foam topper

    • Room Necessities

      • Desk lamp
      • Under bed storage containers
      • Hangers
      • Surge protector/power strip(s)
      • UL-approved extension cord(s)
      • Fan
      • Cleaning supplies
      • Broom or Swiffer
      • Trash bags

    • Bathing/Hygiene Necessities

      • Bath towels
      • Hand towels (paper towels are not provided in the bathrooms)
      • Wash cloths
      • Shower caddy
      • Bathrobe (some people like wearing one to walk down the hall, some wear a towel, and some fully change in the bathroom - it depends on your preference)
      • Bathing products (soap/bath gel)
      • Hair care products (shampoo)
      • Hair dryer
      • Dental care products
      • Shaving items
      • Over-the-door hook

    • Laundry Needs

      • Laundry supplies (detergent/pods, fabric softener, etc.)
      • Stain remover
      • Laundry basket/bin
      • Dryer sheets

    • Academic Items

      • Computer/laptop
      • Backpack
      • Notebooks/loose paper
      • Note cards (various sizes)
      • Binders
      • Pens, pencils, highlighters
      • Other office supplies (tape, stapler, staples, scissors, paper clips, etc.)

    • Technology

      • Headphones/ear buds
      • iPad/eReader
      • Phone charger (ideally with a long cord)

    • Health Supplies/First Aid

      • Prescription medications (if any)
      • Over-the-counter medications (e.g. pain relievers, allergy medicine, etc.)
      • Cough drops
      • 1% hydrocortisone cream
      • Hot/cold pack
      • Wound-care supplies (bandages, wraps)
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Tissues
      • Face masks

    • Decorations

      • Poster tack/putty
      • 3M Command strips
      • Photos/pictures
      • Posters

    • Miscellaneous

      • Employment documents (If you intend to have a job on or off-campus, you will need your original and unexpired identification documents. You can find the list of acceptable documents by visiting the U.S.C.I.S. website.) Scans and photocopies legally cannot be accepted.
      • Health insurance card(s)

Optional Items to Consider Bringing


  • Coffee maker or Keurig with auto shut-off
  • Mirror
  • Hangable shoe rack
  • Bike and bike lock
  • Mirror
  • Drying rack
  • Small bulletin board or white board
  • Second set of sheets
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Water pitcher with a filter (Brita)
  • Rug(s) (9' x 12' is a good approximation for most rooms)
  • Curtains (wait to purchase until you arrive since curtain rod sizes vary)
  • Baking soda for the fridge to keep it fresh
  • Small plastic drawer for your desk/dresser to keep track of small items
  • Paper towels
  • Disinfecting wipes (Clorox, Lysol)

What to Leave at Home

  • Candles (even if only used for decoration)
  • Incense
  • Electrical appliances with an exposed heating source (e.g. toaster ovens, toasters, hot plates, air fryers)
  • Guns, firearms, knives longer than three-inches, or weapons of any type, including BB and pellet guns
  • Room-heating devices, including all space heaters, kerosene or oil lamps, and alcohol burners
  • Pets/animals
  • Fireworks, smoke bombs, sparklers, etc.
  • Dartboards and darts
  • Nails, hooks, double-faced adhesive tape, LED light tape, or other items that will damage walls
  • Halogen lamps
  • Air conditioners

Please note that the above list is not an exhaustive list. Please review a comprehensive list of Prohibited Items and Prohibited Conduct.

Related Information

    • Residency Requirement

      • Gettysburg College is a residential campus and all full-time students are required to live in College housing, with the exception of students who commute from home.

    • Shipping Information

      • Students can ship packages to Gettysburg and pick them up on Move-In Day. If you are part an approved early arrival group, you can pick them up during the Post Office’s hours Monday - Friday). The Post Office is in the College Union Building (CUB).
      • Your mailing address is:


        {Student Name}
        Gettysburg College - Campus Box {your box #}
        300 North Washington Street
        Gettysburg, PA 17325

        * Do not use room number or residence hall in your address.*

      • Your campus box number will be assigned later in the summer, so we encourage you to wait to ship things until later in July. Your Campus Box number will be listed in CNAV>My Housing once it is assigned.
      • You will keep the same box # the entire time of your enrollment.
      • Mail is delivered to your box Monday through Saturday.
      • Outgoing mail is processed Monday - Friday until 4:00 p.m.
      • Questions? Email CampusPostOffice@gettysburg.edu

    • Air Conditioning: Conditioned vs. Non-Conditioned Halls

      • Hanson and Huber Halls are air-conditioned, while Paul, Rice, and Stine Halls are not air-conditioned.
      • Students who require air conditioning for medical reasons can request accommodation through the accommodations office. They need to email the accommodations office to receive information about the required documentation that must be submitted for review.
      • Once approved for a medically necessary air-conditioner, the approval is valid for the student's entire duration at the College.
      • If a student is assigned to a non-air-conditioned hall and approved for an air conditioner through the disabilities accommodation process, the College will provide a window unit for their room.
      • Privately-owned air-conditioning units are not permitted in college buildings.

    • Personal Property Insurance

      • The College does not carry insurance on personal property of students and is not responsible for the loss or damage of such property. Students are strongly encouraged to provide their own personal property insurance.

    • Resources