What to Bring
Your guide to packing for college
There’s a lot to think about as you get ready to move to campus. This page covers what’s already provided in UCSC housing, what we recommend you bring, what to leave at home, and a few services that can help make move-in easier.
What comes in a room
All student rooms are furnished. Each student is provided with:
- Extra-long twin bed and mattress (39″x80″)
- Desk and chair
- Bookshelf
- Clothing storage (closet and dresser, or wardrobe unit)
- 1–2 trash and recycling bins (shared with roommates)
What to bring
This list includes the essentials we recommend for all students, whether you’re living in a residence hall or campus apartment. You’ll also bring clothes, of course—but try not to overpack. Space is limited, and our packing tips can help you decide what to bring now and what to leave for later.
Room basics
- Extra-long twin sheets (39”x80”), blankets, pillows, pillowcases
- Desk lamp (LED or CFL only—no halogen)
- Laundry basket and detergent (liquid or powder—no pods)
- Power strip with surge protection
- Hangers and a few storage bins or underbed containers
- Personal decorations (photos, posters, etc.)
Personal care
- Towels, bathrobe, shower caddy, and shower shoes
- Toiletries and hygiene products
- Face masks, hand sanitizer, thermometer
- Cleaning and disinfecting supplies
Everyday essentials
- Headphones and ear plugs
- School supplies
- Computer and lock (see Tech Tips below for details)
- Rain gear and umbrella
- Reusable water bottle, travel mug, plate, bowl, cup, and flatware
Emergency kit
In the event of a natural disaster or other emergency, you may need to be self-sufficient for a short time. Pack a small emergency kit in a backpack to keep in your room:
- Flashlight, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand crank radio
- First aid kit
- Reusable water bottle and some non-perishable snacks
- Extra clothes, sturdy shoes, and rain gear
- Small personal hygiene kit (travel-size toiletries, hand sanitizer, menstrual products)
- Dust/germ mask (N95 rated mask recommended)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (for sheltering-in-place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Phone charger or power bank
- Emergency contact info (including an out-of-area contact)
- A few comfort items: book, puzzle, or cards
Visit Ready.gov for more info about preparing for emergencies.
Renters insurance
While not something you pack, renters insurance is an important way to protect your belongings—like your laptop, gaming console, or other personal items—in case of theft, fire, or other damage. It can also provide liability protection in case you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property or to the residential facilities.
UC Santa Cruz strongly recommends that all students have renters insurance. The University is not responsible for any loss or damage to your personal belongings.
You can choose any provider, but as a service, the university has arranged for students to receive information about GradGuard Renters Insurance if they indicate an interest in their housing application. GradGuard is a student-focused plan that offers coverage for theft, fire, and accidental damage, with no credit check and worldwide protection.
If you’re covered under a family homeowner’s policy, that might work too—just have your family double-check and be sure you’re protected.
Optional extras
- Bike, helmet, light, and lock
- Games, cards, or sports gear
Campus apartments packing list
If you’re moving into an apartment, you’ll have access to a kitchen and bathroom shared just with your housemates. Unlike residence halls, apartment bathrooms are not maintained by custodial staff—so you’ll be responsible for cleaning and stocking them yourselves. Be sure to coordinate with housemates to avoid bringing duplicates of shared items.
Apartment essentials
- Dishes, flatware, dish towels
- Pots, pans, and cooking utensils
- Coffee maker and/or electric kettle
- Toaster (allowed in apartment kitchens only)
- Toilet tissue
Sammy’s top 3 packing tips
1. Bring less than you think you’ll need.
Pack what you need for the current season and your everyday routine—you can always bring, buy, or ship other items later.
2. Coordinate with your roommates.
There’s no need for every roommate to bring duplicate items if everyone is willing to share. Decide in advance who’s bringing what.
3. Choose storage that works after move-in.
Containers like soft-sided bins or collapsible totes can double as dorm storage. Avoid bulky containers and hard suitcases.
Optional add-ons for an easier move
These optional services can be helpful for making move-in smoother.
Microwaves, mini-fridges, and rental options
You’re welcome to bring a mini-fridge and/or microwave to campus—but you only need one of each in your room. Coordinate with your roommates to avoid duplicates and save space, time, and money.
Many students find it easiest to rent a MicroFridge combo unit (mini-fridge + microwave) from our campus partner. If you rent from myMicroFridge by Friday, August 29, 2025, your appliance will be delivered to your campus room before move-in.
Ship your items with Collegeboxes
Make your move-in easier with Collegeboxes by U-Haul, UCSC’s preferred student shipping and storage service. With FedEx pickup, shipping, and temporary storage included, your belongings will be safely stored near campus and delivered when you arrive.
Important Dates
- Order supply kits by August 18, 2025
- Ship boxes by August 28, 2025 for guaranteed in-room delivery
How It Works
- Sign up and order a supply kit
- Pack boxes & luggage
- FedEx picks up
- Boxes are delivered to your room before move-in day
For more information, Contact Collegeboxes.
What NOT to bring
To keep everyone safe and comfortable, certain items are not allowed in campus housing:
- Air conditioners (portable or window units), space heaters
- Alcohol or drugs and paraphernalia, including medical marijuana
- Amplified instruments, drum sets
- BBQ grills, propane, charcoal, or lighter fluid
- Candles, incense or incense-like materials, smoking devices, or other fire hazardous items
- Cooking equipment with exposed heating elements (e.g., hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens). These are NOT allowed in residence halls or other areas not intended for cooking.
- Disposable/single-use water bottles (use refillables!)
- Extension cords (unless they have built-in surge protection)
- Firearms, knives, other weapons, and ammunition
- Fireworks
- Halogen lamps or lava lamps
- Paintball guns, airguns, BB guns
- Pets (except fish in up to a 10-gallon tank)
- Second-hand furniture
- Skateboards, roller skates, inline skates, or hoverboards
Tech tips for campus
Here’s what to know when packing your devices:
Wi-Fi only
- Most rooms do not have Ethernet access. If you plan to bring a desktop computer, it must have a Wi-Fi adapter.
- Ethernet is only available in some areas (Merrill Residence Halls C+D, and University Town Center).
- Wireless routers are not allowed in upgraded ResWiFi locations.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a two-step authentication process that adds a second layer of protection to your UCSC account. You’ll need a second device (like a smartphone) to access UCSC systems securely.
TV and streaming
- Streaming television is available via Xfinity on Campus.
- If you plan to use a television set, you will need a Roku or Fire TV—Chromecasts are not supported.
Printers
- Only bring a printer if it supports Wi-Fi Direct or USB.
- Most standard wireless printers do not work with campus Wi-Fi.
Smart devices
- Some smart devices (e.g., Chromecasts, Sonos speakers) may not be supported.
- Gaming consoles and streaming devices can be self-enrolled. Visit the Getting Connected page to learn more.
Need tech help? Contact the ResNet office for tech support or compatibility questions.