Move-in day is approaching quickly. Please carefully read through the lists below to know what first-year students typically bring to college. Not all items are required and vary by personal preference or needs.
Must haves:
- Alarm clock
- Bedding:
- Blanket, comforter, linens (extra long twin, two sets), mattress pad and cover, pillows
- All-purpose wardrobe (weather in Gambier ranges from hot to cold):
- T-shirts, tops, jeans, casual clothes
- Sweatshirts/pullovers are useful in the fall and the transition to spring.
- PJs, socks, underwear
- Hangers (bring more than you think you’ll need!) and other clothes storage
- Shoes:
- Prepare for all seasons and all terrains (Middle Path can get muddy)
- Athletic shoes, comfy walking shoes, dress shoes, snow boots, etc.
- Winter supplies:
- Heavy winter coat, gloves, scarves, hats
- Rain supplies:
- Rain coat, rain boots, umbrella
- First-aid kit:
- Bandages, Neosporin, ibuprofen, prescription medications, etc.
- Surge protector (not simply an electrical or power strip — make sure that it has surge protection)
- Bathroom supplies:
- Toiletries, shower caddy, towels, washcloths, shower shoes, glasses/contacts
- Laundry supplies:
- Bag or basket, detergent, dryer sheets, quarters (machines take K-Cards and quarters: $2 for washer, $1.50 for dryer)
- Flashlight
- "First Things First" booklet — mailed to you in late June
Things you probably should bring:
- Cleaning supplies:
- Cleaning agents (i.e. Clorox wipes, Windex wipes)
- Freshener sprays (Febreze, Lysol, etc.)
- Paper towels
- Desk/office supplies:
- Planner and/or desk calendar
- Bulletin board, dry-erase board or memo board (used on your door), hanging hooks, and thumbtacks
- Stapler, tape, markers, pencils, pens, glue, sticky tack, etc.
- Desk/reading lamp (non-halogen)
- Stationery, stamps, address book
- Snack supplies:
- Dishes, can opener, flatware, water bottle, mug/travel mug
- Dish detergent
- Snacks (i.e. granola bars, oatmeal, popcorn, dried fruits, chips, etc.)
- Computer equipment:
- Computer, software, surge protector, charger
- Clothes for special occasions:
- Semi-formal and formal for special occasions or dances
- Swimsuit
- Information received from Kenyon (brochures, forms, etc.)
- Useful small things:
- Key chain/lanyard (for room key and K-Card), ear plugs, small tool kit, sewing kit and scissors
- Cell phone, iPod, charger, external hard drive, flash drive, chargers, etc.
- Useful room additions:
- Extra large pillows for your bed
- Small electric fan (Lewis, Norton and Gund are NOT air-conditioned)
- Clothes-drying rack (if you have lots of clothes not to be put in the dryer)
- Iron (if you have clothes that wrinkle easily)
- Storage:
- Under-the-bed storage containers
- Stacking crates
Optional/fun things to consider buying:
- Outdoor equipment:
- Game equipment: frisbees, tennis/squash/racquet ball racquets, etc.
- Bicycle, helmet and lock (many students enjoy biking to class or along the Gap Trail, just be sure to register your bike with Campus Safety upon arrival)
- Decorations:
- Pictures, posters or tapestries (that can be easily hung with gentle tape or 3M adhesives that will not damage the walls)
- There are restrictions on hanging items; please check Kenyon's rules
- Command hooks or strips
- Fun clothes for themed events (Halloween, decade parties, preppy parties, etc.)
- Games:
- Apples to Apples, Bananagrams, cards and Catch Phrase are popular
Items to possibly share with your roommate(s):
- Microwave: Available at a local store or for rent with a microfridge unit.
- Refrigerator: No larger than 4.8 cubic feet. You can purchase one from a local store (Wal-Mart, Kmart, etc.) or rent one (www.bedloft.com)
- Rug (see the website for your room dimensions: kenyon.edu/firstyearhousing.xml)
- Stereo equipment, TV, video game consoles, etc. (rooms do not have cable access)
- Printer (many students opt for a printer in their rooms; however, printing is free across campus)
- Small vacuum or a broom (check to see if your room is carpeted or not: kenyon.edu/firstyearhousing.xml
Prohibited items:
- Air conditioners or other large appliances that draw 110 volts or more
- Candles, incense, fireworks
- Refrigerators larger than 4.8 cubic feet
- Hot plate, toaster, toaster oven, George Foreman grill, sandwich maker or other appliance with an open coil or burner
- Hoverboards
- Non-approved animals (other than fish in a tank of ten gallons or less)
- Firearms (including air guns), weapons, knives
- Halogen lamps
- Propane tanks
Don’t over pack!
These items are provided: Single extra-long twin bed (height adjustable and bunkable), desk and chair, wardrobe, dresser, trash can, window blinds or curtains, permanent light fixture above desk or on the ceiling.
There are no residence hall storage rooms available for students to store items throughout the year, so everything brought must fit in the room. If you forget something, you can always buy it here or order it online.