Suggested Packing List

Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase the things you need to live in the residence halls! It’s much easier to make most purchases at home, pack, and bring the items with you to campus. Should you forget something on arrival day, essential item shopping is available within three miles of campus and department store shopping is about 15 miles from campus.

With all the confusion of moving in and for the benefit of others who may be carrying your load, it is wise to clearly label your belongings with your Name, Hall, and Room Number.  Keep in mind this is only a suggested list of things to bring to campus, so don’t worry if you are not planning on bringing something on the list.    

General questions may be directed to the Office of Residence Life at 330.569.5232.

We Provide the following:

  • Bed frame and mattress (Twin, Extra Long 80″)
  • Desk
  • Desk Chair
  • Dresser
  • Closet or Armoire
  • Mirror
  • Shades or Blinds
  • Ceiling Light
  • Hardwired Internet Connection Port
  • Vacuums (available to borrow in each area office)
  • Kitchenettes
    • Located throughout buildings provide a sink and microwave for general use.

Essentials to Bring With You

  • State ID/Driver’s License Passport, Certified Birth Certificate, and/or Social Security card
    • These items are generally needed to work on campus. Contact Human Resources for a complete list of items needed for working on campus (HR@hiram.edu)
  • Medical Insurance Card
  • Automobile Insurance Card
  • Checkbook, Debit Card, and/or Credit Card
  • Prescriptions, Medicine, and Vitamins

Room Essentials

  • Comforter/Bed Spread/Blankets
  • Bed Linens (Twin, Extra Long 80″)
  • Mattress Pad
  • Pillows and Pillow Cases
  • Alarm Clock
  • Flashlight
  • Electric Fan
  • Desk or Reading Lamp (No Halogen Bulbs)
  • First Aid Kit with Bandages, Pain Relievers, and Antiseptic
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Surge Protectors (with a self-tripping circuit breaker)
  • Trash Can and Trash Bags

Laundry Essentials

  • Laundry Hamper, Bag, or Basket
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Fabric Softener Sheets
  • Stain Remover
  • Fabric Freshener (i.e.: Febreze)

Kitchen Essentials

  • Paper Towels and Napkins
  • Antibacterial Dish Soap
  • Small Sponges
  • Microwaveable Plates, Bowls, Cups, Mugs, and Reusable utensils
  • Plastic Airtight Containers
  • Plastic Storage Bags

Suggested List of School Supplies

  • Book Bag or Backpack
  • Desk Calendar
  • Daily Planner
  • Calculator
  • White-Out
  • Stapler and Extra Staples
  • Staple Remover
  • Sticky Notes
  • Rubberbands
  • Tape
  • Pens and Pencils
  • Highlighters
  • Markers, Crayons, or Colored Pencils
  • Dry Erase Markers
  • Notebooks, Notebook Paper, Binders, and Folders
  • Paperclips and Safety Pins
  • Scissors
  • Index Cards
  • Three-hole Punch

In Your Closet and Drawers

  • Hangers
  • Air Freshener
  • Casual Clothing (i.e.: jeans, t-shirts)
  • Socks and Underwear
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit
  • Semi-formal Attire (Dress Shirt and Tie/Dress)
  • Tennis Shoes
  • Slippers/House Shoes
  • Shower Shoes (i.e.: Flip Flops)
  • Winter Coat, Gloves, Hat, and Scarf
  • Winter Boots
  • Umbrella
  • Light Jacket or Hooded Sweatshirts
  • Workout Gear

Bathroom Essentials

  • Shower Caddy
  • Bath Towels
  • Bathrobe or Large Bath Towel
  • Soap or Shower Gel
  • Wash Cloths or Loofah
  • Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Hair Care Products
  • Skin Care Products
  • Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Holder
  • Dental Floss
  • Mouthwash
  • Cotton Swabs
  • Tissues
  • Deodorant
  • Razor and Shaving Cream
  • Comb or Hairbrush
  • Hair Dryer, Curling/Flat Iron (with auto shut off)
  • Contact Lenses and Solution

Non-Essentials

  • Music and Headphones
  • Television
  • DVD/Blu-ray Player
  • Movies
  • Video Game Consoles and Games
  • Mobile Phone (and charger)
  • Wall decorations (pictures, posters, removable cling on decor, etc)
  • 3M Command Strips, Poster Adhesive, Non-Staining Sticky Tack (no nails, tacks, or adhesives that peel away paint on the walls)
  • Window Treatments and Expansion Rods (shades or blinds are provided)
  • Storage Crates, Boxes, or Other Storage for Under the Bed
  • Iron (with auto shut off) and Ironing Board
  • Mini-refrigerator (3 cubic feet max, 117 volt, 60 cycle AC, 45 watts, 1.5 amp, hermetically sealed, self-lubricating compressor, 3’3″ high, 18″ wide, 21″ deep maximum)
  • Microwave
  • Coffee Maker
  • Playing Cards and Board Games
  • Pleasure Reading Books
  • Small Tool Kit
  • Small Sewing Kit
  • Sports Equipment (cannot be used within the Residence Halls)
  • Sunscreen and Insect Repellent

Items to Leave at Home (Not Allowed in campus housing)

  • Electric Skillet
  • Hot Plate (Any cooking unit with an exposed heating element)
    • George Foreman Style Grills and Air Fryers are Permitted for Use in the Kitchenettes Only.
  • Immersion Heating Devices
  • Oil Popcorn Poppers
  • Toasters/Toaster Ovens (Allowed in Townhouses)
  • Outlet Adapters
  • Halogen Lamps
  • Space Heaters
  • Sun Lamps
  • Wireless Router
  • 3D Printers
  • Extension Cords (Surge Protectors with a Self-Tripping Circuit Breaker are Allowed)
  • Air Conditioners (unless you have consent from Disability Services & Residence Life – must be installed by a college employee)
  • Candles
  • Tobacco, Marijuana, Nicotine, Vapes, and Other Drug Products
  • Potpourri Burner/Incense
  • Waterbeds
  • Self-Provided Lofts (lofting materials can be obtained from a Residence Life staff member)
  • Contact Paper/Wallpaper/Wall Paint
  • Stolen Property (i.e.: Street Signs, Wet Floor Signs, and Other Stolen Property)
  • Weapons (including small knives), Firearms, Fireworks or Other Explosives, Orbeez, Paintball, Airsoft, or Stun Guns