What to Pack

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. Roommate(s) may bring 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:

  • Bible and Science and Health
  • alarm clock
  • cell phone (AT&T has a tower on campus and provides the best on-campus coverage)
  • backpack and/or book bag
  • bedding—extra-long twin 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 toiletries
  • calculator (for math, science, and some business courses)
  • umbrella
  • trunk (a good place to lock up valuables)
  • clothes for all seasons and for special occasions (costume, formal social events)
  • 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

What NOT to bring . . .

  • firecrackers (they’re illegal in Illinois)
  • weapons: knives, guns (including Airsoft), etc.
  • hazardous materials of any kind
  • waterbeds or any personal furniture
  • candles and incense (no open flames are allowed)
  • landline phones and answering machines (Principia provides voicemail)
  • toasters, hot plates, popcorn poppers that use oil
  • Halogen lamps