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Move to Mac Packing List

Get ready for your move to Mac! Here’s a helpful planning list when prioritizing what you’ll need. In general, rooms are standard dorm room size. We recommend bringing less so you don’t overcrowd your room.

Provided

  • Bed with twin mattress, extra long, 36 x 80. 
  • Desk
  • Dresser and Closet
  • Each hall has at least one laundry room. (Students can use washers and dryers for free, but must provide their own detergent.)
  • Each hall has shared kitchens with microwaves and ovens.
  • A vacuum cleaner is available for checkout in each residence hall
  • An iron and ironing board are available for check-out in each residence hall

Basic room dimensions are listed under Residence Halls. All campus-provided items must remain in the room throughout the year.

Not allowed in Residence Hall Rooms

  • Microwave
  • Air conditioner
  • Nails or tape that damages walls or paint
  • Small appliances with an open coil heater such as a hot plate or toaster oven
  • Halogen lamps
  • Candles or incense

Packing List

MUST HAVENICE TO HAVE
Bedding1-2 sets sheets (twin xl) and pillowcases
1-2 pillows
Comforter/bedspread/quilt
Foam mattress pad
Back rest pillow
Blankets
LaundryPortable Laundry bag/basket
Clothes hangers
Laundry Detergent (washing and dryer machines are free on-site)
Drying rack for laundry
Bath2-3 towel sets (bath, hand, washcloth)
Shower caddy (including soap/shampoo etc.)
Shower shoes (flip-flops)
Personal CareShampoo/Conditioner/Soap
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Glasses/Contacts/Solution
Prescription Medications
Nail clipper
Preferred toiletries like lotions, make-up, shaving items, Q-tips, small mirror, brushes, comb, other hair care items, etc. 
Over the counter medications
Small first aid kit
Two N-95 or KN-95 masks
COVID-19 rapid test
ClothesClothes (we don’t recommend bringing your whole wardrobe – bring the basics, plus a few extra favorites, layers and light jackets, socks and underwear)
Robe
2-5 pairs shoes
Cold weather coat, boots, mittens/gloves, hat (if from a warm weather climate, wait to get them in Minnesota)
Purse/wallet
Belts
Jewelry/watch
Rain gear and umbrella
Study MaterialsBackpack
4-5 Notebooks
Pens/Pencils/Permanent markers
Laptop and charging cord
Cell phone and charger/charging cord
Earbuds/headphones
Stapler/Staples/Tape
HDMI adapter
Portable speaker
Sticky notes or other notepads
Food/BeverageWater bottlePlate/Bowl/Cup and silverware set
Mug with lid
Dish soap and scrubber
Room*

Mini trash canTrash bags
Mini fridge that meets Macalester space requirements (less than 3.6 cubic ft.)
Fan (residence halls are not air conditioned)
Rice cooker
Coffee maker/electric kettle (no open coils)
Desk lamp (only lighting in room is overhead fixture)
Other decorative lights – LED or small lamps
Cleaning supplies – paper towels, sanitizing wipes, dust clothes
Surge protector/extension cord UL approved
Storage bins
Command hooks and strips (for hanging without damage to walls)
Art, posters, pictures
Area rug
*Check with roommate if possible to avoid duplication and/or talk about preferences

Note: For items that you need after you arrive, here are a few sources:

  • Dormify: A great way to order all your move-in essentials from the comfort of your home!
  • Free swap: A place for Macalester students to donate or take free items
  • ACE Hardware (about 2 blocks from campus)
  • CVS on Fairview (about 4 blocks from campus)
  • Target on University (just over a mile from campus)
  • Mac Groveland Neighborhood Facebook pages
  • Packages sent to you are held in the Campus Center for your pick-up 

Mail to:
Jane/Joe Q. Student (please use student’s middle initial)
Macalester College (no box number is needed)
1600 Grand Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55105-1899

In addition to the list above there are a variety of other grocery, retail, second-hand/thrift stores accessible by bus. If you’re curious about where to get something be sure to check with your Resident Assistant and/or older Mac classmates.