What to Bring to Campus

As you plan ahead for your arrival on campus, we encourage you to consider packing light and ask that you have discussions with your roommates about commonly shared items that may not be able to be shared in current circumstances.

We recommend that you consider waiting to purchase larger items until after you come to campus. The annual Reuse Market, hosted by the Office of Sustainability, offers students access to free dorm room essentials like lamps, storage caddies, and shelving units available at no cost to students through this second-hand yard sale event.

If you are unable to find what you’re looking for there, many retail outlets are within walking distance or are a short Metro ride away. Online shopping is always available as your packages will be safely delivered to Mail and Package Services.

What Not to Bring to Campus

Before deciding what to bring to campus, it's important to know what you should not bring to campus. For your safety and the safety of all of our residential students, GW prohibits certain items in our residence halls. If found, these items will be confiscated and students may face disciplinary action. Take a moment to review the Prohibited Items List to ensure you're not purchasing something that is not permitted in the residence halls.

Review the Prohibited Item List

Things to Consider Bringing to GW

We all play a role in assuring the safety of the entire GW community, it will be the personal responsibility of the residents to maintain the hygiene and cleanliness of their space. During the first two weeks of classes, Campus Living & Residential Education (CLRE) staff will work with every resident to establish a cleaning routine and schedule that all members will be expected to follow. Students may want to consider purchasing cleaning supplies upon arrival to campus.

We encourage you to keep sustainability in mind when shopping for your room. Consult with your roommate to avoid purchasing extras of shareable items like lamps or kitchen supplies.

Hygiene and Personal Health Items

Cleaning Supplies/Disinfectant Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Thermometer
Hand Soap
Ear Plugs
First Aid Kit/Bandages
Personal Hygiene Products
Prescription Medication
Over-the-counter Medication
Paper Towels
Shower Caddy
Shower Shoes/Flip Flops
Tissues
Toilet Paper (if living in a space with a private restroom)

Technology

Cell Phone & Charger
Computer/Laptop (Remember the charger and locking cable!)
Surge Protected Power Strip
TV (recommended 43" or smaller due to room sizes)
Streaming or Gaming Devices - Instructions on how to connect your device

Academics

Classroom clickers - Consult your syllabus to see if it is needed for your classes
Headphones
Software - Technology needed for online remote learning

For Your Room

Bedding and sheets (view Residence Halls page for specific bed sizes)
Desk and floor Lamps - with LED light bulbs
Painters "blue" tape - hang posters & pictures without causing damage to the wall
Lock Box - for your valuables, passport, identification, etc.
Laundry supplies - detergent, basket, drying rack, iron, etc.
Water filter pitcher (you will receive a new reusable water bottle during Orientation as part of GW's campaign to get Past Plastic!)
Reusable grocery bags - (There is a $0.05 tax on plastic bags in D.C., in Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax, VA, and in Prince George's and Montgomery County, MD!)
Umbrella
Kitchen supplies and utensils

Additional 'Green Tips' to Keep in Mind!

(1) We recommend packing your belongings into items that you will need, such as backpacks, laundry bins, and suitcases, and wrapping delicate items in towels, sheets, or clothes.

(2) Consider bringing cleaning cloths that can be washed in the washing machine and reused.

(3) Consider bringing a sewing kit as well to mend and patch clothing.

(4) Look for the ENERGY STAR label on all laptops and appliances to ensure they are energy efficient.

(5) If you purchase a mattress topper, please be prepared to take it home with you at the end of the year. These cannot be donated or recycled.

(6) Consider choosing decor that can be reused year after year, instead of thrown away.

(7) Consider purchasing reusable dryer balls to keep your clothing fresh instead of fabric softeners or single-use dryer sheets.

(8) Bring glass tupperware and reusable food storage bags for leftovers and invest in reusable dishware and cutlery.

Think Ahead and Plan for Move-Out

It may seem too soon to think about moving out when you’re preparing to move into your room, but now is a great time to develop a plan for where your items will go at the end of the academic year. Consider only purchasing items that you know you can take home with you, place into storage over the summer, or donate during Green Move-Out.

Get your GW Gear

Visit the GW Campus Store to get your GW gear and school supplies or to pick up pre-ordered textbooks. Located at 2125 Eye Street NW.

Did You Forget Something?

From Foggy Bottom

Trader Joe's: 1101 25th St., NW | (202) 296-1921

Whole Foods: 2201 I St., NW | (202) 296-1660

CVS/24 Hours: 2000 Pennsylvania Ave., NW | (202) 296-0329

Foggy Bottom Farmers Market: 901 23rd St NW, Washington, DC 20052

Reuse Market: University Yard | Held in August by the Office of Sustainability

From Mount Vernon Campus

Trader Joe’s: 2101 Wisconsin Ave NW Ste A | (202) 944-8403

Safeway/24 Hours: 1855 Wisconsin Ave NW | (202) 333-3223

Target: 4500 Wisconsin Ave NW | (202) 292-5573

CVS : 4859 MacArthur Blvd NW | (202) 965-6548

Elsewhere in DC & Virginia via Metro

Target, Best Buy, and CVS: 3100 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20010

Foggy Bottom Metro Station - Blue/Orange/Silver Lines to L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station, transfer to Green/Yellow Lines to Columbia Heights Station

Target: 900 Army Navy Dr., Arlington, VA 22202

Foggy Bottom Metro Station - Blue Line to Pentagon City Metro Station

Best Buy, CVS, and Ikea: 1201 S Hayes St., Arlington, VA 22202

Foggy Bottom Metro Station - Blue Line to Pentagon City Metro Station