Let's make packing easy!
Packing to move to residence can be stressful because you don't want to forget anything. To make it easier, we've created a handy list for you! Please note that this list is just a guide to help you, based on input from our past first-year Gryphons. We've left off the "basics" like your clothes, shoes, and your cell phone! If there is anything that you're not sure about, send an email to housing@uoguelph.ca or open up the Live Chat box through our website (bottom right chat box is open during office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm).
What to Bring
- Personal toiletries and hygiene products (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
- Masks, sanitizers, and wipes
- Bath towels, hand towels, and facecloths
- Headphones
- Alarm clock
- Backpack
- Blankets, sheets, pillows, mattress cover. All beds are standard twin size, excluding Gordon Hall.
- Clothes hangers
- Dishes, cutlery, mugs, and glasses
- A bar-size fridge for your snacks and drinks
- Health Card and other ID
- Additional lamps and lighting (no halogen lamps)
- Laundry basket and supplies (detergent, etc.)
- A power bar
- Pens, pencils, and other school supplies
- Personal computer (laptop)
- Pictures, posters, and things to personalize your room
- Shower shoes
- Snacks
- Toilet paper (it is supplied, but some like their own!)
- Umbrella
- University documents (including your room assignment information and Move-In Map)
- A personal fan
- Storage containers
- Clothes for hot and cooler weather
- Reusable travel mug and water bottle
For students living in residences with a fully equipped kitchen (such as East Village and the East Residence Suites), you will also want to bring:
- Dishes and cutlery
- Dish soap
- Pots and pans
- Groceries
Residence First Aid Kit
Bringing a first aid kit is a good idea for emergencies! Here is what we recommend you bring:
- A copy of your immunization record
- Adhesive bandages (multiple sizes)
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing ≥60% alcohol
- Antiseptic wound cleanser (for example, alcohol or iodine pads)
- Tensor bandages for sprains
- Digital Thermometer
- Tweezers for removing splinters etc.
- Allergy medication, such as an antihistamine, or epinephrine prescribed by your doctor, such as an Epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) if indicated
- 1% hydrocortisone cream to treat minor skin irritation, such as itching caused by bug bites or poison ivy
- Antibacterial ointments or creams to apply to wounds to prevent infection
- Cold and flu medications, such as decongestants or throat lozenges
- Adequate supply of condoms
- Ear plugs to reduce noise
- Insect repellent containing DEET
- Sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, SPF 30 or higher
What NOT to Bring
- More than one vehicle!
- Alcohol (during Orientation Week)
- Alcohol paraphernalia (like funnels, pipes, bongs, drinking hats, etc.)
- Beer bottles, bubbas, kegs, mini-kegs etc.
- Candles or incense - open flames are not permitted
- Drum sets
- Electric/gas heaters or heat lamps
- Explosives (fireworks, etc.)
- Large exercise equipment (treadmills, stationary bikes, Peloton, etc.)
- Large pieces of furniture (ie. folding tables)
- Halogen lamps - they pose a fire hazard!
- Wireless printers and routers
- Hot tubs
- Kitchen appliances for use in your bedroom, including toaster, microwave, freezer, laundry machines, hot plate, sandwich maker, and indoor grill. East Residence and East Village excepted because you have a full kitchen. Small appliances can be used in kitchen lounges.
- Landline phones or fax machines
- Pets (except non-dangerous fish)
- Satellite dishes
- Water coolers
- Water beds
- Weapons
Important Notes
Keurig-type coffee makers?
Yes, you can bring them. However, please use them in the residence kitchens and kitchenettes that are designed for this purpose. Using a coffee maker (of any type) or other small kitchen appliances (kettles, toasters, etc.) may set off a fire alarm.
In a multi-occupancy room?
Check with your roommates to avoid bringing duplicates! Only one fridge may fit in some rooms, you are strongly encouraged to share when possible and re-assess after move-in.
Create a Move-In Label. This will help ensure your belongings are not lost during move-in.
