What should I pack?

What should I pack? 

As you get ready to move into your new, you are probably wondering what to bring. Keep reading for more details about what to bring (and what not to bring) to your traditional or suite-style residence.  You can also download a printable checklist here!  

Pro Tip: Travel light, bring a reminder of home with you, and know that if you forget anything, the W Store has you covered. Visit their website to learn more about their exclusive dorm essentials bundle that includes everything you need to get started. 

What to bring (Traditional rooms & Suites)

School supplies

Browse school supplies available through W Store.

  • Backpack
  • Binders, paper, and notebooks
  • Pens and pencils
  • Stapler, scissors, ruler, pencil sharpener, three-hole punch
  • Computer paper
  • Thumbtacks, pushpins, paper clips

Documentation

  • WatCard (if you have it already)
  • Health card
  • Bank card
  • Driver's licence/other ID card

Appliances and electronics

Browse appliances and electronics available through W Store.

  • Cellphone
  • Alarm clock
  • Fan
  • Extra lamp (not halogen)
  • Automatic shut-off coffee maker (Keurig or Tassimo) or kettle.
  • Computer, printer and all required cables
  • External hard drive or thumb drive
  • Power bar with a surge protector
  • Headphones
  • Camera
  • Mini fridge (maximum 5 cubic feet)

Clothing

Browse official Waterloo and Waterloo Warriors clothing available through W Store.

  • Clothes
  • Shoes suitable for walking
  • Slippers
  • Bathrobe
  • Hangers

Bath, laundry grooming

  • Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush / toothpaste, razor, and other toiletries
  • A container to transport toiletries to and from the washroom
  • Flip flops for the shower
  • Towels and wash cloth
  • Hair dryer
  • Tissue
  • Cold medicine, pain reliever, prescribed medication, band-aids, sunscreen
  • Laundry bag / detergent / softener

Bedding decoration

  • Twin (single) size sheets and blanket, and pillow(s). Bedding is available for purchase through W Store.
  • Double size sheets and blanket, and pillow(s) if you are an Upper-Year student living on the 2nd or 3rd floor of Beck Hall
  • Photos of friends and family
  • Posters and room decorations
  • Double-sided sticky mounts for hanging up pictures
  • Whiteboard with dry-erase markers to hang on your door
  • Under bed storage containers, you can expect approximately 1ft of storage space under your bed

Miscellaneous

  • Non-medical face coverings
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Contents insurance (highly recommended)
  • Snacks and drinks, water filter
  • Basic dishes - bowl, coffee mug, water glass, basic cutlery and dish soap
  • Earplugs
  • Bicycle, helmet, and lock
  • Umbrella

What to bring (Suites only)

It's a good idea to talk to your suitemates first and decide who can bring what. You don't want to end up with 2 televisions and 4 microwaves! 

Living in UWP and looking to get some of the items for your suite second hand and for free? Check out our upcycle event in the UWP Grand commons August 31 - September 3! The event will run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on all four days (or until supplies last). Stop by to pick-up small appliances, home goods and much more! 

Kitchen

Browse kitchen and dorm items available through W Store.

  • Pots and pans
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Glasses and mugs
  • Can opener
  • Knives, wooden spoons, ladle, flipper
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Strainer
  • Plastic containers with lids
  • Dish rack, dish soap, dish towels, sponges/cloths

Cleaning supplies

  • garbage bags
  • cleaning supplies (all-surface cleaner, etc)
  • toilet paper

Kitchen appliances

  • Microwave
  • Coffee maker
  • Kettle
  • Toaster/toaster oven
  • Blender
  • Water cooler

Living area

  • Television
  • Posters other decorations
  • Gaming system
  • Streaming box

What's already included in my suite?

  • Toilet brush and caddy
  • Plunger
  • Shower Curtain
  • Mop and bucket
  • Broom and dust pan
  • Vacuum*
    • *If living in MKV vacuums will be available at to take out at the MKV front desk. For those living in UWP or CLV a vacuum will be available in your suite. 
  • Recycling bins or recycling bags

What not to bring

  • Candles or incense
  • Wireless routers or extenders
  • Halogen lamps
  • Heaters or heat lamps
  • Air conditioner
  • Your own furniture (University provided furniture cannot be removed from the room; you can bring a small table or desk chair only)
  • Mattresses
  • Pets (not allowed in residence)
  • Illegal substances or materials
  • Weapons

If you are living in a Traditional room, cooking appliances are not permitted (hot plates, toasters, rice cookers, microwaves, crock pots, air fryers, etc.)

Forgot something? Check out the W Store for all your course materials, school supplies, dorm essentials, and Waterloo gear.