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 HAVE	NICE TO HAVE
Bedding	1-2 sets sheets (twin xl) and pillowcases 1-2 pillows Comforter/bedspread/quilt	Foam mattress pad Back rest pillow Blankets
Laundry	Portable Laundry bag/basket Clothes hangers Laundry Detergent (washing and dryer machines are free on-site)	Drying rack for laundry
Bath	2-3 towel sets (bath, hand, washcloth) Shower caddy (including soap/shampoo etc.) Shower shoes (flip-flops)
Personal Care	Shampoo/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
Clothes	Clothes (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 Materials	Backpack 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/Beverage	Water bottle	Plate/Bowl/Cup and silverware set Mug with lid Dish soap and scrubber
Room*	Mini trash can	Trash 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

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.