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Clemson Home

Packing List

What to Bring

Consider bringing the following items. These are approved for use in University Housing and are not provided. Be sure to check with your roommate(s) so duplicate items are not brought.

  • A few dishes (bowl, plate, flatware)
  • Bedding to fit an extra-long twin mattress: mattress cover/topper, sheets, pillows, blankets
    • Important note: Residents in Douthit Hills West (Buildings A, B, C and D) will need bedding to fit a full-size mattress instead.
  • Broom and dustpan or small vacuum
  • Can opener
  • Clothes for the Fall semester
  • Clothes hangers
  • First aid kit/medicine
  • Flip-flops for showering
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Folding chairs, inflatable seating, etc.
  • Laptop (CCIT’s List)
  • Laundry basket, detergent and fabric softener (for HE machines)
  • Power strip (no extension cords)
  • Push pins or white sticky tack
  • Re-usable water bottle
  • Storage bins
  • Television, mini-projector or tablet
  • Trash can
  • Toiletries
  • Towels (bath, hand, washcloth)
  • Umbrella, raincoat and boots

Additional Items for Suites

  • Bathroom cleaning supplies
  • Shower curtain
  • Toilet paper

Additional Items for Apartments

  • Bathroom cleaning supplies
  • Cooking utensils
  • Cookware
  • Dishes
  • Most normal kitchen appliances, including microwave ovens, may be used in apartment
    kitchens. These include: George Foreman Grills®, Panini presses, coffee makers and Keurig machines, blenders, slow cookers and toasters (not toaster ovens)
  • Shower curtain
  • Toilet paper

What to Leave Behind

We ask that residents do not bring the following items. This is done to keep our residents safe and our residence halls in good condition. These items are prohibited in all University Housing.

  • Air conditioners and space heaters
  • Candles and wax warmers
  • Change for the washer/dryer – we offer limitless laundry in all our residential communities! (Not prohibited – just not needed.)
  • Cooking appliances for the residence hall (i.e. rice cooker, toaster oven, hot plate)
  • Extension cords
  • Flushable Wipes (should not be flushed)
  • Fog, Smoke and Haze Machines
  • Grills
  • Halogen lamps
  • Hoverboard
  • Incense
  • LED strip lights that are not installed per manufacturer directions or plugged directly into a wall outlet (no adhesive strips)
  • Microwaves
  • Parachute canopies on the ceiling
  • Pets other than fish. Fish are the only pets allowed in University Housing and their aquarium cannot exceed 10 gallons. If you need a Emotional Support Animal, reach out to Clemson University Student Accessibility Services.
  • Printer – Clemson offers no-cost printing quotas to all students each semester (Not prohibited – just not needed.)
  • Refrigerators over 3.6 cubic feet
  • Screws, nails
  • Shower head/bidet - alterations of this nature are not permitted in residential spaces
  • Weapons, explosives and fireworks

*Common bathroom areas will be cleaned by custodial staff – all residents who have a sink, bathroom or kitchenette in their space will be responsible for their own cleaning.

Room decorations such as posters, curtains, bulletin boards, etc. may be used along with push pins and white sticky tack. However, no drilling or nailing is allowed. Curtains (tension rod recommended) must be fire resistant.

Packing Tips and Ideas

Less is More

  • Contact your roommate(s) prior to move-in to avoid duplication of items
  • Remember, move-in and move-out are busy times, and the smaller your load the easier it is to handle
  • Space is always limited, so don’t bring anything you aren’t sure you’ll need
  • Pack your stuff carefully to bring the fewest boxes possible

Be versatile

  • Crates can be great for move-in and as shelves for your room
  • Instead of bringing a futon, bring inflatable or folding furniture
  • Folding ottomans can be great storage and seating
  • Folding chairs are easy to transport and store, but provide extra seating when needed

Limit Your Wardrobe

  • Think about the occasions you’ll need clothes for and pack accordingly. Remember, you don’t need everything.
  • Limit your clothes to just what will fit in your clothes basket. Closet and dresser space is limited, so be selective!
  • Bring clothes that work for multiple occasions and can be versatile.

Ditch the bulk and go small

  • Instead of a TV, plan to watch on your laptop or phone or bring a small projector
  • Instead of bringing a minifridge, consider renting a Microfridge
  • Instead of large furniture, find more portable seating options
  • Instead of big decorations, go for small personalization

Wall Hooks

While we know that Command Strips are a staple for college housing, we have started to see damage in some of our residence halls after constant long-term use of the strips on drywall. To make sure our living spaces continue to be well-maintained and attractive for all current and future residents, we do ask that you consider using alternatives if possible. We love when our residents personalize their spaces and show off their personalities, so check out this list of decorating options that have worked well for other students.

  • High and Mighty Hooks* (for drywall only)
  • White sticky tack for posters and pictures
  • Tension rods for curtains and storage needs
  • Over the door hooks for doors, beds, etc.
  • Magnetic hooks for metal surfaces, including lofted bed
  • Freestanding shelving (wire shelving can be versatile, portable, and may have hooks)
  • Freestanding towel or drying rack
  • Suction cup hooks for smooth surfaces
  • Clamp hooks and shelves
  • Push pins for lightweight items
  • Monkey hooks* for heavier items
  • Helpyhooks*
  • Push pin hooks

We encourage you to get creative with your room and figure out ways to make it your own. There are plenty of options and you can always look online for more ideas!

Note: Some communities have cinder block walls and will not be able to use many of our alternatives. For these communities, damage will be minimal and Command Strips may be your best option. These communities include the Shoeboxes (Benet, Cope, Geer, Sanders, Young), Bryan Mall (Barnett, Byrnes, Lever, Manning, Mauldin, Smith) and Thornhill Village.

*Clemson Home is not endorsing any specific products. Brand names are used only as common identifiers for general product types such as adhesive strips, drywall hooks, etc.