Skip to content
Home » All Posts » What to bring when you move to campus 

What to bring when you move to campus 

College students live pretty busy lives. When you’re not running to class or tackling assignments, you’ll want your room to be a comfortable place to recharge. To help you plan, here’s a guide on what’s already provided in your on-campus housing, what you should bring with you and what you should not bring.  

You can make your move easier by buying some of these items locally. Pacific’s Stockton Campus is just a few minutes’ drive away from Target and the Weberstown Mall.

Have more questions? Be sure to check Pacific’s Housing FAQ for details about campus living.  

What your dorm includes 

Rooms in Pacific’s residence halls, apartments and Greek housing come fully furnished. While room size vary, you can always count on these essentials:

  • A twin XL mattress and bed frame
  • Dressers
  • A desk
  • A desk chair
  • A closet or armoire

Keep in mind: University-provided furniture cannot be removed or placed in storage, so plan your packing accordingly if you’re thinking about bringing additional furniture. 

What you should bring 

While your room comes with the basics, It’s up to you to make it feel like home. 

Along with the essentials listed below, you’re welcome to bring personal items like devices, chargers, books, small decorations and other entertainment, but try to keep it minimal. You’re sharing the space, so a little goes a long way.  

 Here are the must-haves for living in Pacific housing: 

  • Twin XL bedding
    • Bed sheets
    • Pillows and pillowcases
    • Blanket(s)
    • Comforter
    • Mattress topper
  • Bath towels
  • Shower caddy and shower slippers
  • Toiletries
    • Toothbruth and toothpaste
    • Floss
    • Brush/comb
    • Prescription and over-the-counter medications
    • Your bathroom essentials
  • Laundry bag or basket
  • Laundry detergent
  • Under-the-bed storage bags or bins
  • Hangers
  • Desk lamp
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Extension cord or power strip
  • Clothing

You can also bring larger appliances, depending on where you’re living. If you’re in a residence hall, you’re allowed to bring a TV, microwave (900 watts or less) and a mini fridge (up to 3.2 cubic feet). Don’t feel like hauling your own? You can also rent a microwave or minifridge instead.  

If you’re living in an apartment, bring kitchen essentials like pots and pans, utensils, plates and other cooking supplies. Here’s a complete list of recommendations.  

Pro tip: Reach out to your roommate before Move-In Day. You can find their email in the housing portal when viewing your housing assignment. For bigger or more expensive items, coordinate with them so you don’t bring doubles.  

Not sure how to reach out to your roommate for the first time? Here are some tips and an email template you can follow.  

What you should not bring 

Some things just don’t belong in a dorm room, especially if they’re hazardous, disruptive or against housing policies. Some items that are strictly prohibited:  

  • Illegal or controlled substances
  • Large holiday or string lights
  • Water-filled furniture
  • Exterior antennas
  • Outdoor clotheslines
  • Dead plants or trees
  • Fireworks
  • Any form of weapon, including air or bb guns

Pets aren’t allowed in campus housing, unless they are approved emotional support or service animals. The only exception is fish, as long as their tank is 5 gallons or smaller.  

Any appliance with an open heating element is a fire hazard and not allowed in residence halls. This includes:  

  • Hot plates
  • Sun lamps, lava lamps and halogen lamps
  • Incense
  • Candles and candle warmers
  • Space heaters

Toasters and coffee pots are only permitted in apartment kitchen areas. If you’re unsure about a particular item, please contact Residential Life and Housing at IAmHome@Pacific.edu or209.946.2331.  

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *