Menu
Search the Union College website
Residential Education

Packing List & Prohibited Items

Planning your room on campus is almost as much fun as moving in. To help students prepare for their transition to residence hall living, the following Packing List outlines the essential items needed for a comfortable and successful move-in experience. Additionally, the Prohibited Items List highlights items that are not allowed in the residence halls to ensure safety, comfort, and compliance with all residential policies and college policies. Students and their families are encouraged to review both lists carefully to avoid any issues during the move-in process. For any questions or concerns, the Residential Education & Housing team is available to assist.

What to Bring

  • Organization & Storage
    • Bedside lamp
    • Alarm clock/clock radio
    • Mini trash can
    • Storage bins
    • Desk Lamp
    • Fan
    • Mini toolkit (screwdriver, hammer, and wrench)
    • Command Strips
    • Clothes Hangers
  • Linens & Laundry Supplies
    • Sheets (Twin XL)
    • Pillows & Pillowcases
    • Blankets
    • Comforter/bedspread (Twin XL)
    • 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

Prohibited Items

  • Appliances
    • Independent Microwaves (not part of micro-fridge)
    • Portable and/or George Foreman grills
    • Open heated elements (including traditional coffee pots, waffle irons, and hot plates)
    • Toasters/ Toaster Ovens: (only allowed in residential kitchen spaces)
    • Fridges larger than 5.0 cubic feet (only one fridge per room permitted)
  • General Fire Hazards
    • Candles
    • Incense
    • Fireworks
    • Explosives (propane, charcoal, lighter fluid, other outdoor grilling items)
  • Room Decorations
    • Halogen Lamps
    • Paper Lanterns
    • String Lighting (non-battery powered)
    • Lava Lamps
    • Tapestries/flags that cover more than 50% of the wall
    • Any decoration hung on/over smoke detectors, heat detectors, sprinkler heads, sprinkler pipes, or ceiling
  • Miscellaneous
    • Pets/Animals (fish in a 10-gallon or smaller tank are permitted)
    • 3D Printers
    • Knives
    • Weapons
    • Waterbeds
    • Self Loft Kits
    • Air Conditioners
    • Space Heaters
    • Motorbikes/motorscooters
  • Alcohol, Drugs & Paraphernalia

    The college adheres to all state and federal regulations for alcohol and drug use. The following items are prohibited regardless of age:

    • Bongs
    • Pipes
    • Empty Cans/Bottles of alcohol as decoration
    • Illegal/Illicit Drugs
    • 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.

Personal Property Insurance

Union College insurance policies do not cover students' personal possessions that are lost, stolen, or damaged. We strongly encourage that all students carry their own renter's insurance. Families may also check if a homeowners policy already covers losses at college.

Our preferred renter's insurance vendor is Grad Guard. Grad Guard offers multiple packages that meet the needs of our students at low costs.