Guidelines for Packing

*This page will be updated for 2026 NSO by June 1.

2025 Guidelines for Packing

You're eager to move to campus but now must decide what to pack. Look no further as we have gathered expert advice from students who have come before you! Use this list to understand what is provided in each room, the necessary items you should plan to bring, optional items you may wish to bring, and what is not permitted in the residences.

Pack bags/boxes that you will be able to carry/lift on your own. Most dorms have 2 to 3 floors - a few will have elevators, most do not. Remember that you'll move at the beginning and end of each school year, so bring enough, but not too much! Please note that Stanford does not provide on-campus storage for students over the summer break, so you will need to move out completely at the end of the school year. Click here for storage options and pricing.

What is Provided

Your room will include the following, so you do not need to bring these items:

• Extra-long (80") or regular twin bed for each roommate
  • Because many beds across campus are XL twin, we recommend purchasing XL twin sheets to use across your 4 years, even if your frosh bed ends up being a regular twin.
• Overhead light
• Bookcase, either attached to the wall or freestanding (for each roommate)
• Small closet or freestanding wardrobe (shared or individual)
• Mirror (shared or individual)
• Dresser drawers (for each roommate)
• Desk and chair (for each roommate)
• Trash and recycling collection system
• Cubby or shelf for toiletries (in the bathroom)
• Window covering
• Robe hook or towel bar (shared or individual)
• Heating system
• At least one communication outlet with Ethernet ports
   

The Necessities

You will need to provide the following necessities, although you do not need every item on the day you move in. Almost everything on this list can be purchased locally or online. There are a few convenience stores on campus, and many local stores nearby.

For your first night, you will need: government-issued ID, a blanket, a twin XL bed sheet, a towel, essential toiletries, a jacket, a change of clothes, and shoes.

• Government-issued ID, health insurance card, and other necessary cards (e.g., auto insurance card, bank/ATM card). Keep your driver’s license or passport on hand to show at Move-In. If you plan to pursue part-time employment on or off campus, you will need multiple forms of ID.
  • For convenience, consider opening a student checking account with the Stanford Federal Credit Union on campus.
  • Stanford Discounts for Personal Mobile Device Plans
• Medications and/or prescriptions
  • For convenience, consider transferring prescriptions to the Walgreens @ Vaden Pharmacy located in the Vaden Health Center on campus.
• Bedding (twin extra-long sheets fit the 80” extra-long mattresses)
  • For convenience, consider ordering a Dorm Bedding Kit from the Stanford Bookstore and picking it up upon arrival.
• Clothing (including a rain jacket and a coat)
• Toiletries (including a shower caddy to transport them to the bathroom)
• Towels (including a large bath towel or bathrobe, as the shower is down the hall)
• Shower sandals (plastic flip-flops to wear while you shower)
• Laundry supplies
• Hangers
• Computer
  • Review guidance from Tech Resources on Personal Computing, Other Devices, and Adaptive Technology.
  • If you will be arriving without a computer, consider purchasing a computer from the Stanford Bookstore and picking it up upon arrival.
  • You are not required to have your own personal computer. Computers and printers are available in every residence and across campus.
• Desk lamp (preferably LED design)
• UL-approved power strip/surge protector with built-in circuit breaker
• Flashlight and batteries (choose an LED flashlight for longer life)
   

The “You Decide” List

This list contains items that some view as necessities and others can live without:

• Computer accessories and Ethernet network cable (long)
• Bicycle, helmet, and bike U-lock
  • For convenience, consider ordering online from the Campus Bike Shop and picking up from Tresidder upon arrival.
  • Register bikes online for free.
• Please note: E-vehicles & large-battery devices are prohibited in the residences. No parking, storing, or riding non-OAE approved micromobility e-vehicles in residences, including hallways, stairwells, entryways, common areas, etc.
  • Per the Resident Agreement: Devices with large lithium-ion batteries, such as electric bikes, electric scooters, electric skateboards, etc. are prohibited inside any university residence due to the possibility of fires associated with overheating while charging.
  • If you bring an e-vehicle, plan to charge it and lock it outside the residence.
• Books (only a few)
• Photos & decorations
• Large plastic storage tubs (for under the bed)
• Sports equipment
• Musical instruments
  • Music Department rents lockers
• Microwave oven and/or mini-fridge (look for Energy Star-rated appliances and wait to coordinate with your roommate)
   

Things We Discourage You From Bringing

These items are not recommended, primarily for sustainability reasons. Please note that Stanford does not provide on-campus storage for students, so you will need to move out completely at the end of the school year. Click here for storage options and pricing.

• Holiday string lights
• Non-Energy Star-rated appliances
• Disposable products that are not sustainable
• Furniture
• Most electronic equipment, stereos, and TVs
• Drones or other unmanned aircraft
   

What You May Not Bring

These items are strictly prohibited, per the Stanford Residence Agreement:

• Candles, torches, incense, and open-flame devices
• Halogen lamps
• Non-University lofted beds
• Weapons and ammunition
• Appliances with open heating elements such as hot plates, toaster ovens, clothing irons, and electric heaters
• Mercury thermometers
• Pets of any kind (including aquatic), unless registered with the Office of Accessible Education.