top of page

PACKING TIPS

Everyone's packing list will be a bit different, but here are a few tips and ideas to get you started with preparing to move into a dorm. Also, check out the story highlights on the @lyons_hall Instagram for more packing hacks!

click HERE to check-out a comprehensive packing list

to edit your own, go to file > make a copy

Screen Shot 2022-06-13 at 9.29.26 PM.png
Website Design (7)_edited.png

MUST HAVE

  • Bedsheets, comforter, blankets, pillows, mattress pad/foam topper

    • size: Twin XL

  • Refrigerator (under 5 cubic feet)

    • keep in mind that there is a communal fridge on each floor if you don't want one in your room

  • Laundry bag OR hamper

  • Laundry detergent, dryer sheets, stain remover

  • Hangers

  • FANS (bed, clip-on, desk, etc.)

  • ​Command hooks (different sizes)

  • Masking Tape (for posters & pictures)

  • School supplies (binders, notebooks, paper, etc.)

  • Plates, bowls, cups, silverware, mugs

  • Paper towels

  • Cleaning supplies (Clorox Wipes, GlassPlus, Pledge, Swiffer, etc.)

  • Soap (hand & dish)

  • Tissues

  • Extra storage

    • best to purchase after arriving​

Don't forget to coordinate with your roommates. You don't want to end up with two of everything!

MUST HAVE

  • Shower caddy

    • pastic (vs. mesh) is recommended since caddies are placed on shelves​

  • Shower shoes (i.e. cheap flip-flops)

  • Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razor

  • Skincare

  • Towels (2x large, 2x small, & beach)

  • Hairbrush / Hair Accessories

  • ​Makeup

Website Design (8)_edited.png

NICE to HAVE

  • ​Drying rack

  • Lamp & extra lightbulbs

  • Chair cushion

  • Drawer organizers

  • ​Makeup mirror

  • Keurig

  • Tacks

    • all desks have cork boards​

  • Futon OR comfy chair

    • especially for a quad common room (coordinate w/ roommates)

  • TV

  • ​Extra lighting (desk lamp, tall lamp, etc.)

  • Decorations & pictures

  • Throw pillows

  • Rug

    • best if purchased after seeing the room

  • Envelopes & stamps

  • Clip-on table OR hanging storage for a lofted bed

  • De-wrinkle spray

  • Storage & cart for snacks

  • Storage ottoman

  • Shoe Rack (either hanging OR regular)​​

  • ​Speaker

Since you won't be sure exactly what your room likes until you move in, we recommend buying large items like extra storage, carpets, and furniture after you arrive and see your room.  There are multiple Targets nearby as well as a Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

NICE to HAVE

  • Robe OR velcro towel wrap

  • Lufa

  • Basic medicine kit

  • Straightener, curler. hairdryer

Website Design (9)_edited.png

MUST HAVE

  • Laptop & charger

  • Phone & multiple chargers

    • recommended: an extra-long (10 ft.) charger if you plan on lofting your bed​

  • Power strips & surge protector

  • Headphones OR AirPods

  • Batteries

NICE to HAVE

  • iPad OR tablet

  • Digital clock

  • Amazon Alexa

  • Flashlight

  • Mouse & mousepad

  • Hardrives

Website Design (10)_edited.png

MUST HAVE

  • Backpack

  • Planner

  • ​Notebooks, folders, binders (can be bought at the bookstore or Target in South Bend)

  • Pencils, pens, sharpies, flair pens, highlighters

  • Calculator

  • Post-it notes

  • Index cards

  • Scissors, tape, stapler

  • 3-hole punch (if you use binders)

  • Drawer organizers

NICE to HAVE

  • Pencil sharpener

  • Back-up calculator

  • Dry erase board, markers, eraser

  • Cable clips

  • Ruler

  • Electrical tape

Website Design (11)_edited.png

MUST HAVE

  • Dresses & fancy outfits (for formal events & dances)

  • Black outfit for our Lyons photo

  • License/State ID

  • Suitcase OR duffel bag (for traveling during breaks)

  • Umbrella, raincoat, rain boots

  • Winter coat, snow boots, hats, gloves, & scarves (all a must in South Bend)

NICE to HAVE

  • Themed clothing (for dances... think Disco, USA, Hawaiian, etc.)

  • Game Day outfits

    • as much ND, blue, gold, and green as possible

  • Bike & bike lock

  • Beach towel

    • for enjoying the nice weather and lying out on the quad

  • Sunscreen

  • Passport

  • Shower speaker

DO NOT BRING. . .

  • Pets

    • non-carnivorous fish are okay, but tanks cannot exceed 30 gallons

  • Self-stick floor tiles OR carpet tape

  • Nails, adhesive squares, poster putty

    • only blue tape or 3M are allowed

  • Candles, Incense, etc. (or any items with open flames)

  • Microwaves

    • Lyons has one on each floor (in the lounges)

  • Printer

    • Lyons has one in the 2nd floor lounge and other buildings on campus have them already

  • Toaster OR Toaster Oven

  • Air Conditioners (including dual-purpose fans A/C units)

    • only bring fans

PACKING/UNPACKING ADVICE

  • have a full water bottle with you when you move in. Lyons will be HOT during August

  • bring a fanny pack/small backpack/small purse and wear it while you’re moving in - or wear shorts with pockets large enough to hold all of these things

    • this will be super helpful to keep track of your phone, ID card, and room key

    • everything is pretty hectic and getting shuffled around during move-in, so this will save you from stressing about where you put things down, and if they accidentally got moved when you weren’t looking

    • put a granola/protein bar in here too in case you get hungry; there’s likely a big gap before the next scheduled meal

  • take as many items as you can out of its packaging when you’re home unless you need the packaging once you’re at school

  • wash sheets/blankets at home so they are clean and fresh once you’re there

    • sometimes they smell weird when taken right out of the packaging, so wash them at home before you arrive

  • don’t bring anything too valuable or anything that you’d be super sad if it got lost or broken

  • don’t bring a ton of cash

    • everything on campus is pretty much covered by your meal plan/campus dollars, and you can pay for pretty much anything else with your debit/credit card

    • there are ATMs on campus if you want more cash once you arrive

  • communicate with your roommates about which person is bringing what, especially items like fridges, TV, rugs, etc. 

  • have a quick chat with your roommate within the first few days about what you’re both willing to share and what you would rather keep as private/personal items

  • wipe down surfaces with paper towels/Clorox before you do any unpacking

    • this will help with dust and it’s better to start with everything sanitized

  • let your bedding be the last thing you put in the car or at least have it be easy to access because this should be the first thing you unpack and set up

    • this will be super helpful because once your bed is made, you can put your clothes on top of it so that you can unpack those after the rest of the room is set up

bottom of page