A Cal Bear’s Guide for What to Bring and What Not to
It’s the Packing List.
Welcome to Cal, our newest Golden Bears! It is an exciting time in your life, but also a stressful time in your life. And, that is totally understandable. You are starting a brand new chapter in your story of life and what to pack is just the beginning. Here’s a guide for all things Cal dorm necessities (and extras).
What you should know about the room before you buy anything.
- The room is small. It doesn’t mean you can’t have a lot of stuff; it just means you have to maximize it. This means using spaces in creative ways, like bunk bed stairs as a show rack.
- The space is yours to customize. You have a chance to make it exactly what you want to be. If you like posters, put up posters. If you want to grow a hanging plant, hang one next to the window.
- Be respectful to your roommate, if you have one. A shared living space means coexisting with someone else and making everyone comfortable in their home.
- You can request a micro-fridge in your room. The fridge is small but enough to keep some snacks and drinks. Just don’t forget about said snacks and drinks. And the microwave on top is perfect for your instant ramen and mac and cheese needs.
- Your room comes with a chair, table, extra-long twin bed with mattress, closet, and dresser.
Now let’s get into the good stuff.
Bedding
- Foam Topper (you NEED this)
- Twin XL bed sheets
- Pillows and their cases
- Duvet/Comforter
- Throw pillow
- Second sets of everything for washes if needed
Room
- Extension Cord
- Power Strip
- Lamp
- Bulletin/Dry Erase Board
- Photos
- Adhesive Strips
- Posters
- Wall Décor
- Under-Bed Storage (soo key to maximizing your space)
- So Much Under Bed Storage
- Mirror
- Clothes Hangers
- Shoe Rack
- Mirror
- Decorative Lights
- Wall Tape (make sure you can safely remove them or else you will get billed at the end for damages)
- Headphones (you can’t play music out loud in libraries)
Laundry
- Laundry Hamper
- Detergent/Tide Pods
- Dryer Sheets
- Stain Remover Pen
- Lint Roller
- Quarters
Bath
- Shower Shoes (this is a must)
- Shower Caddy
- Body Towel
- Face Towel
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Dry Shampoo
- Body Wash
- Face Wash
- Lotion
- Deodorant
Food
- Napkins
- Utensils
- Plates
- Reusable Water Bottle (we are at Berkeley; we don’t use plastic bottles)
- Water Pitcher
- Water Filters
- Paper Towels
- Disinfecting Wipes
- Dishwash
This list is long but it’s not exhaustive. Rather, this is a baseline for things that you will find helpful and probably go out to get if you don’t already have it. As you move through your first semester, you’ll buy more stuff that you think you need, and you’ll buy more stuff that you will actually need. Just remember that what comes in, must come out. Especially for out of state students, all of your stuff will have to go to storage or a family/friend’s place. Do your future self a favor by making sure that you don’t have so much stuff that you can’t handle move out.
Happy Packing!
