What to Bring to Campus (and What to Leave at Home) - St John's University News

August 13, 2020

As we prepare for the start of the fall semester, the entire St. John’s community is excited about the return of students to campus. For students living in the University’s residence halls, the list of what to bring to campus (and what to leave at home) changes annually—and this year is no exception.

St. John’s has created a Move-in Survival Guide to help you through the process of joining the University’s residential community. Whether you are a new student or a returning Johnny, this guide is an invaluable tool to help you get the most out of your time on campus.

Below are some highlights of what are considered “must haves,” as well as items that specifically focus on maintaining your health all semester long.

Items to Consider

Mini refrigerator—A refrigerator is not necessarily a “must-have.” However, most students either bring one from home or rent one from University Logistics.

Microwave—Whether you bring your own, rent one, or rent a “micro-fridge” combination, a microwave adds a level of convenience to life as a residential student.

Baking Soda—A great way to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh is to keep an open box of baking soda inside. Your roommate will thank you.

Television—A Smart TV, Fire TV Stick, or similar device allows you to stream a wide range of programming in your room. You can also hook up your laptop to your TV via an HDMI cable and use it as a large-screen monitor.

Headphones—Since certain classes will be delivered online, headphones can help you maintain your focus (and allow your roommate to focus on his or her work, too). Plus, roommates may share a room, but they often don’t share musical taste.

Coffeemaker—If you cannot start your day without a fresh-brewed cup of coffee, a K-cup or similar coffeemaker is essential. Be sure to choose a model with an auto-shutoff feature.

Extension cords/power strips—Bring enough so that you can safely power the above items (and more).

Supplemental COVID-19 Packing List

The University’s number-one priority has always been the health and safety of the St. John’s community. To ensure a healthy environment for all, a student living on campus should consider bringing the following items with them this fall:

A thermometer
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
At least a 30-day supply of any prescribed medications. (It would be best if you can arrange for a 90-day supply so you have enough prescribed medications until you return home before Thanksgiving.)
Bottled water, sports drinks, tea, etc., to help you stay hydrated if you become ill.
Extra face coverings/masks. Students will be provided with two reusable masks. These masks should be washed after each use, so keep a few extra masks on hand.
Hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol. Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout campus. However, it is a good idea to have extra bottles at your disposal.
Cleaning supplies, such as disinfecting spray, paper towels, and Clorox wipes, to clean bathrooms, door handles, and other surfaces.

Leave It Home

There are certain items you cannot bring to campus under any circumstances. This includes

Weapons of any kind
Alcohol/drug paraphernalia
Space heaters of any kind
Halogen lamps
Candles, oil lamps, or incense
Hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, or air fryers
Pets of any kind
Non-University furniture/mattresses.

A complete list of prohibited items can be found on the Move-In Survival Guide page, under “Packing Lists.”

What to bring to campus is ultimately a personal decision. If you are unsure about a certain item, it is wise to follow the “when in doubt, leave it out” school of thought. You can always have something shipped to you at a later date or order it online. Most important, it is advisable to plan ahead. If you have some sort of a strategy about unpacking and where things will go in your room ahead of time, Move-in Day will go much more smoothly.