Packing List & Prohibited Items

Although we wish our students could bring every item they want to campus there are local/state guidelines, as well as Union College policy that prohibit the following items from being used or stored in residence on campus

Independent Microwaves:

• Only microwaves attached to microfridges are permitted.

Extension/octopus cords:

• Only outlets and circuits that are surge-protected are allowed.

Candles/Incense:

• Anything with an open flame is not allowed in the residence halls.

Portable grills or any open heating elements:

• This includes toaster & toaster ovens, hot plates, George Foreman grills, waffle irons, traditional coffee pots, etc. Toasters and other small cooking appliances are allowed in residential spaces with a kitchen.

3D Printers:

• 3D printers of any type are not permitted in residence halls.

Pets/Animals:

• Pets and animals are not permitted on campus. The only animals allowed in the residence halls are fish in a 10-gallon or smaller tank.

Air conditioners/Heaters:

• Air conditioners and electric heaters are not permitted.

Fireworks and other explosives:

• Propane, charcoal, lighter fluid, and other outdoor grilling items are prohibited within residence halls.

Lights/Lamps:

• Halogen lamps, paper lanterns, string lighting (non-battery powered), and lava lamps are not permitted.

Alcohol Paraphernalia:

• Cans and/or bottles that contain or formerly contained alcohol may not be stored, collected, or used as decorations in student rooms, suites, or apartments regardless of resident age.

Bikes:

• Hallways, stairwells, lounges, or other common spaces are not designated storage areas for personal items. Motorbikes and motorscooters are not permitted inside the residence halls.

Waterbeds or lofts:

• Waterbeds are not permitted in residence. Only College-supplied loft configurations are permitted in residence.

Knives or any other weapons:

• Dangerous objects are not allowed inside residence halls, as they pose a threat to our community.

Room Decoration Guidelines:

• Tapestries and flags that cover the majority of the room walls are not allowed.
• Cloth curtains are not allowed.
• Students who wish to have curtains must purchase fire-resistant curtains.
• String lights are only allowed if they are battery-operated LED lights.
• Other decorations and posters may not be hung over, or attached to the smoke detectors, heat detectors, fire sprinkler heads, sprinkler pipes, alarm notification devices, or overhead lights.

Drugs and paraphernalia:

• The College adheres to all state and federal regulations for alcohol and drug use.
• Paraphernalia — such as bongs, pipes, or empty cans/bottles — are not perceived as decorations and should not be brought to the campus.
• Smoking paraphernalia: The College prohibits smoking of any kind, and the use of smoking (tobacco/cannabis) products on College Property, including electronic smoking devices, on all College Property. Smoking products are any substance containing tobacco/cannabis leaf, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco/cannabis, hookah tobacco/cannabis, ashtrays, grinders, lighters, matches, or any other preparation of tobacco/cannabis.

We know that packing can be a monumental task for students. To help with this process, we've compiled a list of room essentials below:

Organization & Storage

• Bedside lamp
• Alarm clock/clock radio
• Mini trash can
• Storage bins
• Desk Lamp
• Fan
• Mini toolkit (screwdriver, hammer, and wrench)
• Command Strips

Linens & Laundry Supplies

• Sheets (Twin XL)
• Pillows & Pillowcases
• Blankets
• Comforter/bedspread (Twin XL)
• Clothes Hangers
• Laundry Basket/Bag
• Laundry detergent, fabric softener, and stain remover

Desk Supplies

• USB flash drive
• Stapler & staples
• Pens/pencils
• Label of various sizes
• Tape
• Scissors

Electronics

• Laptop (printer is optional, there are many printing locations on campus)
• HDMI cord
• Power strip with surge protection
• Headphones
• Charging cords

Bathroom & Toiletries

• Shower caddy
• Shower shoes
• Soap, shampoo, etc.
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Dental floss
• Comb/brush
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Razor & shaving cream
• Feminine hygiene products
• Contact lens supplies

Miscellaneous

• First aid kit (band-aids, over-the-counter medication, etc.)
• Umbrella
• Backup pair of eyeglasses
• Paper towels
• Trash bags
• All-purpose cleaner
• Food storage containers
• Dish soap
• Wet wipes
• Tissues
• Bowl, plate & cup
• Water Bottle
• Silverware
• Can/bottle opener