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, shoes, and a face mask to wear while you move in.

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)
Face masks
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 Stanford's Student Technical Support Team 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 lock
- For convenience, consider ordering online from the Campus Bike Shop and picking up from Tresidder upon arrival.
- Register bikes online for free.
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: