Packing Guide

Move-In Day is always a stressful time for students and their families. For first-year students this excitement and nervousness is heightened, and for parents it can be bitter-sweet. Here are some resources to help make your move-in as stress free as possible. This packing guide is meant to help get you started on packing for college. Students aren't limited to this list, nor do they need to bring everything on this list.

Things to Bring

  • Bedroom items:
    • Pillows, blanket, comforter, mattress pad, and bed linens—twin XL size.
    • Alarm clock
    • Window fan
    • Rugs
    • Reading/desk light
    • Laundry basket/bag
    • Clothes hangers
    • Laundry supplies (no quarters needed!!)
    • Cleaning supplies
    • Iron and ironing board
    • Small refrigerator (not to exceed 6 cubic feet in capacity or draw more than 2 amps at 100 watts)
    • Microwave (low wattage - 600-800 watts)
    • Streaming capable TV (no cable access in student rooms)
    • Radio/stereo/speakers/headphones
    • Power strips
    • Garbage can
    • Storage containers
  • Study items:
    • Memo/bulletin board
    • Stapler and staples
    • Scissors
    • Notebooks
    • Highlighters
    • Folders
    • Laptop/tablet/computer
    • Desktop printer
    • Desk organizer
  • Personal items:
    • Backpack
    • Towels and washcloth
    • Toiletries
    • Plates, cups, silverware
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Shower caddy for your toiletries
    • Raincoat and/or Umbrella
    • Keurig-style coffeemaker 
    • Filtering water container/pitcher
    • Snacks (lots of snacks!)
    • 3M Command hooks
    • Decorations to personalize your room - posters, photos of family and friends, etc.
    • Clothes - Bring what you need for the warm months, and consider bringing winter clothes later (including gloves/hats/coats).
    • Shoes for every season

Things to Leave at Home

  • Candles and incense (including candle/wax warmers)
  • Window air-conditioning units
  • Ceiling fans
  • Coffee pots (except Keurig-style)
  • Electric kettles
  • Hot plates
  • Space heaters
  • Extension cords
  • Halogen lamps
  • Toasters/toaster ovens
  • Illegal drugs, fireworks, or firearms
  • Pets
  • Waterbeds

If you have questions about what is and is not permitted in the residence halls, contact the Residential Life Office at reslife@owu.edu or 740-368-3175.

Remember, Delaware is a very pedestrian-friendly town. Within walking distance you will have access to almost anything you will need, so don’t be afraid to get off campus and explore. There are places for haircuts, an eye doctor, a chiropractor, martial arts studios, drug stores, a hardware store, a bicycle shop, a music store, and tons of shops and restaurants all within two blocks of campus. A Wal-Mart, the hospital, and several grocery stores are all within a mile. City parks are scattered all over town and offer trails, tennis courts, grills, a pool, a fishing pier, and more! Every Saturday morning and Wednesday afternoon, weather permitting, there is a farmer’s market on Sandusky St. with assorted fresh foods and flowers!