Suggested Packing List for Boarding Students




All dorms have: a common room equipped with television, DVD player/Netflix, and chairs and couches for relaxing with friends and dormmates; a kitchenette with a refrigerator/ freezer, microwave, toaster, and filtered water cooler so students can prepare a snack outside of meal times; laundry machines; a computer room with printer; and wireless Internet access for personal computers. Dorm rooms are furnished with extra-long twin beds, dressers, desks, chairs, and window shades.

Essentials include...

  • Alarm clock
  • Backpack/Messenger Bag Comforter/blanket
  • Desk or reading lamp
  • Extension cord/surge protector Laptop
  • Laundry bag/hamper with handles Pillow
  • Plate, bowl, mug, silverware Quarters
  • School supplies
  • Toiletries
  • Towels
  • Trash can
  • Twin XL sheets
  • Umbrella or rain gear
  • Water bottle
  • Winter coat/boots/hat/gloves







Think about bringing...

  • Adhesive wall hooks
  • Art supplies
  • Athletic gear
  • Bathrobe
  • Camera
  • Curtains
  • Dry erase board
  • Favorite books, movies, and games Favorite snacks
  • Flashlight
  • Full length mirror
  • Hangers
  • Hea1dphones/speaker
  • Musical instrument(s)
  • Posters/photos
  • Printer
  • Push pins/putty
  • Shower caddy
  • Shower shoes
  • Small bookshelf or closet organizer Small fan
  • Throw rug/pillows
  • USB flash drive
Please Note: Items that produce heat, such as hot plates, electric kettles, rice cookers, hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons may not be used in dorm rooms. They may be used only in approved common areas such as kitchenettes and bathrooms. Twinkle lights are also not permitted.

Please keep in mind that CSW is centrally located, with several nearby stores {Home Depot, Target, etc.), and that it may be best to wait until you arrive on campus before purchasing non-essential items. By waiting, you'll have a better sense of your living space, as well as the opportunity to avoid duplicates by coordinating with your roommate. 



CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.