What to bring. . . | Principia College

What to bring. . .
First, consider the following reasons for packing moderately!

Things change—you change rooms and roommates every semester, and you have to lug around everything you bring. Your roommate(s) may have brought lots of things, too, and storage areas are limited.
Please make sure that anything you bring is covered on your family’s insurance because Principia’s insurance does not cover student possessions.
Remember, if you’re in a sports camp before the semester starts, pack things for sports camp separately from the things you’ll drop off and store in your house for the term.

Basic Essentials:

alarm clock
cell phone (AT&T has a tower on campus and gets best coverage here)
backpack and/or book bag
bedding—sheets (2 sets, all beds are extra-long twin)
comforter and pillow(s)
towels and washcloths
a calendar and desk/school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, desk lamp, etc.)
extension cords and surge protectors for equipment (must be UL-listed for 1875 watts or greater with a fuse)
wastebasket
clothes hangers
laundry bag or basket
laundry detergent (liquid is better for our machines)
toiletries and a basket (plastic or plastic coated) for storing your toiletries
calculator (for math, science, and some business courses)
umbrella
trunk (a good place to lock up valuables)
clothes for all seasons, temperatures (90°F/32°C with humidity to 0°F/-20°C), and special occasions (costume, formal)
a debit or ATM card compatible with the machine on campus (American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Cirrus, Plus, Maestro, Shazam, Quest), or you can get a local bank account when you arrive; the Bookstore will only accept cash, checks, and credit cards when paying for books and supplies
plastic tubs with lids for trunk room storage

Creature Comforts (optional):

bicycle and lock
camera
sports equipment
electronic equipment or appliances (must be 1100 watts or less)
small refrigerator (up to 3.5 cubic feet; you’ll be charged $28/semester for electricity)
iron, if you want your own (most houses have an iron and ironing board)
crates or bookshelves
wall hangings (must use wall grooves or moldings to hang pictures and putty-type adhesive to hang posters); tapestries must be fireproof

Please do not bring: