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.

  • Any cooking device with exposed heating elements and/or no automatic shutoff (e.g., air fryer or toaster with exposed elements, deep-fry cooker, electric frying pan, hot plate, electric stovetop, griddle)
  • Grills or griddles (e.g., charcoal and gas, as well as George Foreman style)
  • Microwaves over the size limit (max is .7 cu. ft and 700-watt). Note: All halls/houses already have a microwave; we do not recommend bringing another one.
  • Mini fridges over the size limit (each resident may bring one 2.5 cu. ft mini fridge or two residents may share a 4.6 cu ft. mini fridge) Note: All halls/houses already have some form of refrigeration; we do not recommend bringing a mini fridge.
  • Ice makers
  • Any appliance that is not energy star. All appliances in the room should not exceed 20 amps.
  • Fog, smoke, and haze machines
  • Open flame devices (e.g., candles, incense and wax warmers - even unlit)
  • Combustible fuels (e.g., gasoline, kerosene, etc.)
  • Decorative or empty alcohol containers
  • Pools or hot tubs
  • Pets (Fish - yes, only fish - in a tank of 10 gallons or less are allowed.)
  • Space heaters, personal air conditioners, or halogen lights/lamps
  • Any motorized device that has to be charged in the residence hall (the lithium batteries are a fire hazard) including but not limited to hoverboards, one-wheels, e-bikes, scooters, etc.
  • Weapons, firearms or replicas, knives (except flatware), water guns, airsoft guns, and fireworks
  • Extension cords
  • TV mounting brackets
  • Amplified music or instruments and drum sets
  • Screws, nails**
  • LED strip lights
  • Although allowed, please limit additional furniture (like soft seating, headboards and futons) due to space and sustainability initiatives. Furniture is subject to approval by the College's Fire Marshal.

** Any method used for hanging items in rooms must not cause damage to walls. Damage is billed back to residents at the end of the academic year. Students should note any damage to walls upon their arrival via the online room-condiiton report. We recommend pushpins for sheetrock and Command strips in buildings with cinderblock walls.