Unpacking your packing list
When thinking about what to pack for your first semester at college, it may seem like there’s a lot to cover. Here’s a quick student-curated list of some essential items (and some not so essential items, too) to help you break down what you’ll need to pack up.
Essentials
At Skidmore, we recognize that every incoming student will have different priorities when preparing for their first semester. (Have a stuffed friend that’s been with you since childhood? Bring them!) But here are a few more general items that we think you might find necessary during your time here.
A triple-person dorm room at Skidmore College.
Bedding
Sheet set in twin XL
Mattress cover
Comforter and blanket
Pillows
Laundry essentials
Laundry bag/hamper
Hangers
Liquid laundry detergent – Pods will not dissolve in campus machines
Dryer sheets
Clothing
Raincoat
Winter coat, hat, gloves, boots, and scarf
Fall/spring and winter clothes
Personal health and hygiene
Shower shoes
Shower caddy
Bath towel(s) and wash cloths
Soap, shampoo, etc.
Tissues
First aid kit including a thermometer, basic pain relief, cold medicines, cough drops,
etc.
Hand sanitizer and face masks
Prescription medications – and/or transfers to mail-order or local pharmacies
Cleaning supplies
Wastebasket (and trash bags)
Paper towels
Multisurface cleaner
Disinfecting wipes
Important documents/identification
Health insurance card
Passport and/or driver’s license
Copy/scans of proof of identification (birth certificate, social security card)
Electronics
Mini fridge – Maximum 3.3 cubic feet. Coordinate with roommate(s).
Computer
Surge protector (Must have on/off switch, be no longer than 6 feet, provide 600 or
more joules of protection and be UL 1449 compliant)
Headphones
Chargers (Bring a backup!)
The twin xl bed in one of Skidmore's dorm rooms.
School supplies
Scissors
Notebooks
Folders
Pens and pencils
Calendar
Highlighters
Notecards
Sticky notes
Tape
Scissors
General supplies
Reusable water bottle
Snacks
Umbrella
Tips and extras
Though not strictly necessary, there are certainly a few items out there that can make your life a little easier this semester — and more fun!
Decorations
LED string lights
House plant
Pictures
Posters
Command strips/hooks
Small throw rug (2’x3’)
Comfort items
Mattress pad
Sleep mask
Fan
Bathrobe
Air freshener spray/essential oil diffuser
Entertainment
Xbox, PlayStation and/or Switch
Monitor/TV and streaming stick
Boardgames/cards
Room items
Under-bed storage bins/drawers (no taller than 30”)
Clip-on lamp
Desktop vanity mirror
Closet organizer (hanging rack or stacking crates)
Desk storage/organizer
Keurig (*coffee makers, kettles, hotplates, and other appliances with exposed heating
surfaces are not allowed)
Brita
View from the window seat of one of Skidmore's dorm rooms.
General
Small sewing kit
Stain spray/remover stick
Lint brush
Outdoor blanket
KN95 face masks
If you’re bringing a car
Plenty of students spend their first few years at Skidmore without a car — so no pressure
to bring one! But if you are planning to bring your own wheels, consider putting these
on your packing list:
Registration and insurance cards
Ice scraper/snow brush
Small shovel
Emergency Car Kit (flashlight, blanket, jumper cables)
Items to leave at home
Of course, with every list of dos comes a list of don’ts. There are several items that you may want to bring with you but that are not allowed in Skidmore’s dorms. To avoid unnecessary confiscations and fines, review the list below before zipping up your suitcases.
Fire hazards
Curtains
Tapestries
Halogen lamps
Tricolor octopus lamps
Candles and incense
Extension cords
Microwaves
Space heater
Small appliances with exposed heating (e.g., toasters)
Banned substances
For those below the legal age: alcohol and related paraphernalia (funnels, beer pong
tables, etc.)
Drugs and related paraphernalia (grinders, hookahs, bongs, etc.)
Cigarettes, vapes and smoking paraphernalia (rolling papers, pods, ash trays, etc.)
General
Weapons
Bed risers
Stereo systems/amps
Finally, when packing, remember that this list isn’t the final word. You know best what your needs are, and if you forget something — don’t fret! has you covered with a range of , , and other dorm must-haves. Skidmore Shop also offers competitive pricing on and .
In case of further questions or for a final list of prohibited items, please contact Residential Life at reslife@skidmore.edu.