My Davidson | A Student Blog The Unofficial Davidson Packing Guide: An Insider's Take on Campus Living
August 4, 2026
Packing for college can be overwhelming, students often struggle with over- or under-packing; and it can be difficult to know what to prioritize bringing to campus.
We’ve compiled a list of various items, ranging from often-forgotten-basics to interesting bits and bobbles, that can add some comfort to your time at Davidson. While these items may not be necessary for everyone, they’ve elevated our experiences on campus!
Before Making That Purchase...
While these are all great things to bring, don’t stress too much about what you pack! Many of these items are not necessities, and you will have a great time at Davidson regardless.
We also highly recommend checking out Lula Bell’s Resource Center before buying anything new. They host a free store for students at the beginning of the year where you'll find donated items that are on this list.
There are also ample shopping opportunities in the area if you need to run out for a last-minute find after move-in. Learn more about our surrounding area.
Cozy Essentials
At Davidson, our residence halls aren’t just buildings–they are central to our way of life. Freshman year, your hallmates become some of your first friends, and the Residence Life Office offers a thorough survey in order to best pair you with a roommate. This typically makes for an easy transition into the college living experience.
Here are some items to pack to further help with your transition to college housing:
- Sleeping Mask: Learning to sleep in a new environment can be hard! For the days when sleep may not be as easy, bring items that can make sleep a little easier, such as a sleep mask or melatonin.
- Extra Blankets: You never know when you will have a guest, so be prepared with extra blankets (or even an air mattress).
- Slippers: All of our first year residence halls have hardwood floors, so sometimes you’ll want to slip on something easy when you run to one of your friend’s rooms.
- Comfy Seating: Long study session at your desk or in bed? Bring a foldout chair or ottoman for when you need a change or for extra seating when your friends come over!
Lampus & Outdoor Needs
Affectionately known as "Lampus," Lake Campus boasts 110 acres of waterfront property on Lake Norman, that includes a waterfront beach and swim area, sand volleyball courts, picnic areas, wet and dry boat slips, a boat ramp and open green spaces. Whether you're hanging out at Lampus or heading out to the mountains on a Davidson Outdoors trip, here are some things you'll need for taking full advantage of our location in the Carolinas.
- Bathing Suit: Swimming in the lake is a great way to fight the North Carolina heat. Remember to bring a bathing suit to cool off in Lake Norman. Bonus: pack a water float!
- Cooler: Whether you're hanging out at Lampus or meeting with friends on Chambers Lawn, there are lots of spots to have a picnic or casual lunch. A cooler for your food can be really helpful if you plan on spending the day outside.
- Picnic Blanket or Beach Towel: Doing homework on Chambers Lawn? A picnic blanket or a large towel are great for sitting outside!
- Rain Gear: It can rain sporadically, so we highly recommend coming to Davidson with a rain jacket, boots and umbrella so you can stay dry!
- Camping Gear Tip: Davidson Outdoors provides equipment rentals, including tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags, at a minimal cost to students.
Food & Drink
- Coffee Maker: If you enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in the morning, bringing a coffee maker instead of buying a drink every morning can help you save money.
- Travel Mug: Bringing a reusable cup for your coffee can be a great idea if you choose to make it in your dorm room, or if you want to get a coffee to-go from our on-campus cafe!
- Food Storage Containers: Sometimes you will want to take a snack or pack a lunch, and having these to-go containers are super convenient.
- Reusable Utensils: It's convenient to have utensils that you can reuse throughout the school year for on-the-go meals or snacking in your residence hall.
Room Decor
Pictures of Loved Ones
Having pictures of the people and things you love are great reminders that they are there for you.
Houseplant or Cactus
A small plant or cactus can brighten up your room and make it a bit greener!
Room Decor
Fun Lighting
Overhead lights can be a bit intense for some people. Pack a lamp or some ambient lighting to make your room feel more homey and relaxed!
Whiteboard
Students love to communicate with each other using whiteboards on their doors. It can be a fun way to connect with your hallmates!
Practical Needs
- Powerbanks: for days that you forget to charge your phone.
- Scissors: a necessity that sometimes gets forgotten when making your packing list.
- Command Strips & Hooks: these are great to hang towels, shower robes, and any sort of wall decor.
- Paper Towels and Cleaning Wipes: great for cleaning and resolving messes.
- Batteries: bringing a few AA Batteries as back-up can be very helpful in case of emergency.
- Stamps: pack these so you can send letters or postcards to friends and family.
- Calculator: you will most likely take a class where you need a calculator; bring one with you, just in case.
Fun Extras
- Camera: whether a digital camera or a polaroid camera, capture amazing moments with your friends.
- Cards & Board Games: a fun way to bond with your hallmates and make some new friends!
- An Old Pair of Shoes: it’s good to bring an older pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty around campus.
- Yoga Mat: great to have for sitting on the floor, de-stressing, or stretching after a long day.
- Speaker: a speaker can be fun for your dorm, while you’re showering, when you go to Lake Campus, or just for chilling with friends!
About the Authors
The Summer Admission Interns are a group of current students who are living the Davidson experience. Connecting with them is one of the best ways to get to know this community.
