What to Bring

Pack your bags!

This list will get you started on what to bring to campus and what to leave at home. Look at the floorplan of your assigned room via the MyHousing/Dining portal (Application Status section) and check out the information page for each hall (via our Residence Halls page) before you purchase anything. Also, many of these items can be shared, so discuss this list with your future roommates!

Please do not ship anything to campus before you get instructions, and then only to your CofC Complex address, which you will get from Mail Services in late July. We also ask that you limit how much you ship, especially if it's something you'll need immediately. You can expect delays at the beginning of the semester - last year Mail Services processed more than 15,000 packages in the first month of classes!

What to Bring

Use this list to plan your packing. Don’t forget to talk to your roommate(s) and suitemates about stuff you can share.
  • Basics

    • Backpack or shoulder bag
    • School supplies (The College of Charleston Bookstore sells supplies, too, in case you forget anything!)
    • Calendar or planner
    • Keychain and vertical ID card holder
    • Umbrella, raincoat and boots for rainy days
    • Face coverings and COVID-19 self-tests
    • Go-bag: a bag with spare sheets, charger, toiletries and medications that can be taken with you in the event of a hurricane evacuation

  • Bed and Bath Items

    • Check your room layout and bed size to determine which type of sheet set you should bring (either twin XL or full). Our mattresses are all foam and super comfortable.
    • Pillow
    • Blankets or comforter (machine washable and small enough to fit in the laundry machines)
    • Towels
    • Bathmat with no rubber backing, so that it can be washed
    • Shower tote or caddy
    • Small wastebasket
    • Toiletries and first aid items
    • Decorative shower curtain (We provide a regular shower liner.)
    • Personal thermometer
    • Hand sanitizer

  • Laundry and Clothing Care

    • Laundry detergent (We have high-efficiency washers. Look for the “he” symbol when buying detergent.)
    • Fabric softener, wool dryer balls, stain remover
    • Laundry basket or laundry bag
    • Hangers (Hanging space is limited.)

  • Electronics

    • Chargers for all devices you are bringing
    • TV and any streaming devices you might have. (The College does not provide cable TV.)
    • Computer and/or tablet (Some students bring a printer.)
    • Headphones or earbuds
    • Surge protector (Extension cords of any kind are prohibited.)

  • Kitchen Items

    • Coffee maker (Keurig style is allowed, but regular pot style is not.)
    • Personal pots, pans, baking sheets, pot holders, and cooking utensils (Check to see if you are living in a space that has a full kitchen.)
    • Can opener
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and plastic bags
    • Sponges, dish soap, and dish-drying rack

  • Decorations

    • Photos
    • Posters (Use painter’s tape to adhere posters to walls so that you do not damage the paint.)
    • Desk lamp
    • Storage bins

  • Cleaning Supplies

    • Vacuum cleaner, broom, mop, or other floor cleaners
    • Cleaning wipes or spray
    • Paper towels
    • Trash can (We provide trash bags in each hall and house.)

What to leave at home

These items are not allowed. We will never be able to list everything you are not allowed to have on campus; however, here is a list of some common things we have seen that are not allowed. If you have a specific item you are not sure about, please contact  Campus Housing or Residence Life.

  • Appliances with open heating elements (e.g., electric woks, deep fryers, hot plates, toasters/toaster ovens, air fryer, etc.)
  • Open flame devices (e.g., candles, incense and candle warmers - even unlit)
  • Combustible fuels (e.g., gasoline, kerosene, etc.)
  • Decorative or empty alcohol containers
  • Pools or hot tubs
  • Grills (e.g., charcoal and gas, as well as George Foreman style)
  • Pets (Fish - yes, only fish - in a tank of 10 gallons or less are allowed.)
  • Space heaters, personal air conditioners, or halogen lights/lamps
  • Two-wheeled electric-powered scooters (e.g., hoverboards, e-bikes, e-scooters)
  • Weapons, firearms or replicas, knives (except flatware), and fireworks
  • TV mounting brackets
  • Amplified music and drum sets
  • LED strip lights
  • Although allowed, please limit additional furniture (like soft seating and futons) due to space.