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Campus Living & Residential Education

Division for Student Affairs

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 purchasing larger items when you come to campus. 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.  

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

For Your Room

  • Bedding and sheets (view Residence Halls page for specific bed sizes)
  • Desk and floor Lamps - non-halogen 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

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.

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

CVS/24 Hours: 2125 E St., NW | (202) 338-6337

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