Packing Checklist
We encourage students to pack minimally for the fall semester. Also, consider the durability of what you bring to campus and what might end up happening to items when you no longer need them – how long will they last? Can they be donated, reused, or recycled, or will they end up in a landfill? Pitt-Bradford prides itself on being a sustainable campus and this extends to your stay in our residence halls. Limit items only to what you can transport in one trip.
What to Bring
Appliances
The following appliances are permitted in Pitt-Bradford residence halls. However, we strongly recommend bringing only what you know you will actually use. Coordinate with roommates/suitemates when possible to avoid duplication.
- Blender
- Coffee maker without burner
- Fan (helpful for cooling and for background noise in a busy atmosphere)
- Iron with auto-shutoff
- Slow cooker/crockpot (not pressurized)
Bedding (Blankets, Mattress Pad, Pillows, Sheets)
All residence hall beds at Pitt-Bradford are extra-long twin twin-size
Before you buy a mattress pad, try sleeping on your bed for a week and decide what you may need, if anything. Foam mattress pads cannot be recycled and are the largest source of landfill waste during move-out.
If you decide to shop later, local retail establishments in the area carry these items.
Cleaning Supplies
We recommend that you bring your own cleaning supplies to keep your living space tidy and neat! You may want to coordinate with your roommate or suitemates in bringing the following items: disinfecting wipes, paper towels, dish soap, and a multipurpose and/or multi-surface cleaning spray.
Apartment and suite residents will want to add toilet bowl cleaner, toilet brush and a cleaning product that can be used on showers and sinks.
Documents
Panther Card, driver's license, ATM card, social security card, insurance cards, and any other documents that you might need.
First Aid Essentials
Stay healthy and safe by packing the following first aid essentials: acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for aches and fever, thermometer, band-aids, and a first aid kit.
Furnishings/Room Decorations
Pitt-Bradford is your home away from home, so make sure you bring what you need to make your residence hall feel organized and comfortable.
- Alarm clock
- Dry erase board
- Lamp (non-halogen)
- Pictures/Posters
Laptop and Other Electronics
All residents are encouraged to bring a laptop and accessories (charger, cooling pad, etc.).
You may want to bring electronics such as a TV or gaming system. If you have roommates or suitemates, you should contact them and agree on what large electronic items you plan to bring to campus. Please limit your TV to 32” or smaller to be sure it fits in your residence.
Also, be sure to bring a power strip(s) with a surge protector.
Laundry Supplies
Be sure to bring all you need to keep your clothes fresh, clean and organized including a hamper or laundry bag, detergent, dryer sheets/dryer balls and hangers.
Reusable Mug, Water Bottle, Utensils and Shopping Bag
Bring a reusable coffee/tea travel mug to keep your favorite beverages at the perfect temperature.
Reusable water bottles are a must – fill them up at hydration stations across campus to stay hydrated and avoid plastic water bottles.
Reusable utensils and a reusable shopping bag can further reduce your waste.
School Supplies
Don't forget your school supplies! You may need the following:
- Backpack
- Calculator
- Notebooks
- Paper
- Pencils/Pens
- Post-its
- Stapler/Tape
The Panther Shop carries a variety of these items, or you may wish to buy them at a local retailer. Some students prefer to start with the minimum and purchase additional supplies after receiving the syllabus for each of their courses.
Shower Supplies and Toiletries
Towels and washcloths are necessities, and a robe is recommended.
A small tote or shower caddy will help you easily move your toiletries to and from the bathroom and is an important way that you can keep your toiletries safe and secure.
Make sure to remember shampoo, conditioner, antiperspirant/deodorant, and toothpaste.
What to Bring Later
You do not need to ship or bring all your belongings at once! Pack lighter by shipping some of your seasonal items later. Be sure to factor these items into your packing plan for moving out. You may want to ship some items back home before the residence halls close at the end of the spring term.
Winter Clothing & Accessories
While Bradford gets cold during winter, temperatures usually remain reasonable until October. Therefore, we recommend you bring or ship your winter items and accessories, like jackets, sweaters, snow boots, hats, gloves, and scarves later.
What the University Provides
Available to Borrow from Your Resident Advisor
- Broom
- Mop
- Snow shovel
- Vacuum cleaner
Per Apartment or Suite
- Microwave* (per room in Livingston Alexander House)
- Mini-refrigerator* (per room in Livingston Alexander House)
- Recycling and trash bins
- Shower curtain(s)
- Plunger
- Wi-Fi
Per Student
- Bed frame and mattress – Twin XL
- Desk and chair
- Wardrobe
Supplies Available through Your Resident Advisor
- Garbage bags
- Toilet paper
*Please Note:
Refrigerators and microwaves are a useful way to keep snacks fresh, cook meals, and have cold drinks in your room, but they are also energy-intensive and often discarded during move-out.
At Pitt-Bradford, a mini-fridge and microwave are supplied for each suite or apartment, and for each bedroom in Livingston Alexander House.
If apartment or suitemates wish to have a refrigerator in their bedroom, we strongly encourage you to reach out to your roommate to discuss sharing one. If you buy or rent appliances, ensure they are Energy Star certified.
Refrigerators must be 4.2 cubic feet or smaller, and microwaves must be 800 watts or smaller.
What Not to Bring
The following items are not permitted in the residence halls. Please review the Student Code of Conduct and Residential Handbook for all University and on-campus policies.
Appliances Not Allowed in the Residence Halls
- Air conditioners
- Air fryers
- Charcoal, gas, or indoor grills
- Coffee makers with burner
- Hot plates/induction cooking devices
- Kettles/water boilers
- Open flame cooking devices or heating units
- Refrigerators larger than 4.2 cubic feet
- Rice cookers/steamers
- Space heaters
- Toasters/toaster ovens
- Waffle makers
This list is not all-inclusive. Any appliance not specifically noted in the permitted appliances section should be considered prohibited in campus housing. If you are unsure if an item is permitted, please contact Residential Life and Housing prior to bringing it to campus.
Extension Cords
Extension cords are not permitted, but we recommend that you bring a power strip(s) with a surge protector.
Furnishings/Room Decorations Not Permitted
- Candles, candle warmers, and wax warmers
- Couches, futons, and recliners
- Darts and dart boards
- Electric blankets
- Halogen lamps, high-intensity quartz lamps, and lava lamps
- Homemade and upholstered furniture
- Incense and incense burners
- LED strip lights and adhesive-mounted lights
- Live-cut holiday decorations such as trees
- Lofts and waterbeds
- Non-University mattresses
Other Prohibited Items
- Airsoft guns, gel blasters, paintball guns, and other toy guns
- Charcoal and lighter fluid
- Controlled substances
- Drinking games, beer funnels, and beer/water pong tables
- E-cigarettes, hookahs, and vapes
- Exterior radio/TV aerials
- Fireworks of any kind
- Hoverboards
- Weapons and ammunition
Pets
Pets are not permitted in residence halls, except aquarium fish (Limit of 1 tank per resident, capacity of 10 gallons or less).
Assistance and service animals are permitted with approval from Disability Resources and Services.