College Packing List: Essentials for OLLU Students​

College Packing List for your First Semester at OLLU

Starting college is exciting—but figuring out what to bring can feel overwhelming. Whether you're moving into the residence halls at Our Lady of the Lake University for the first time or commuting from nearby, packing smart can help set you up for a successful and comfortable semester. From essentials for your dorm room to items that make campus life easier, this college packing list is designed to help you arrive prepared and stress-free:

Residence Hall Essentials

If you're living on campus, you'll want to create a space that feels like home while staying organized and efficient. The rooms are furnished with the basics, but here are a few things you’ll want to bring:

• Twin XL bedding (sheets, comforter, pillows)
• Towels and a shower caddy 
• Laundry basket and detergent
• Desk lamp and power strips (outlets can be limited)
• Storage bins or under-bed organizers
• Basic cleaning supplies (like disinfectant wipes and a small broom or handheld vacuum)
• A microwave and minifridge is provided, so no need to bring appliances!

Clothing for All Seasons

San Antonio weather can be unpredictable. Pack for hot days, cooler mornings, and the occasional downpour.

• Lightweight clothes for late summer and early fall
• A hoodie or light jacket for air-conditioned classrooms and cool evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes (campus is walkable, but you’ll stay active)
• Rain gear (umbrella or rain jacket—especially during the spring semester)
• A few business casual outfits for class presentations, events, or interviews

Academic & Tech Gear

A solid college packing list includes everything you need to stay on top of your studies:

• Laptop and charger 
• Notebooks, pens, highlighters, and sticky notes
• A backpack or tote bag that fits your laptop and books
• Headphones or earbuds for studying or online classes
• Campus Wi-Fi is reliable, and support is available through the OLLU ITS Help Desk if you need help setting up, so no WiFi routers are needed.

Everyday Comforts

Personal touches can turn your room into your own space and make college life a bit more comfortable:

• Photos or posters for your walls (command strips recommended)
• A reusable water bottle
• Bluetooth speakers
• A planner or calendar to keep track of classes, deadlines, and events

Optional—but Helpful

• Bike or scooter if you want to get around campus more quickly
• Reusable shopping bags for grocery runs or errands
• Flashlight or emergency kit (just in case)

What Not to Bring

Just as important to a successful time on campus is making sure you don’t bring anything not allowed into the dorms. The following list of items are prohibited in residence halls:

• Pets - exceptions are fish in tanks that are 10 gallons or less or approved pets in Ayres Hall.
• Toaster ovens, Crock/Instant pots, Hotplates, or Electric frying pans
• Space heaters or Electric blankets
• Waterbeds
• Halogen or Lava lamps
• Candles
• Fireworks
• Wireless routers
• Weapons
• Bed loft kits

Final Tip: Don’t Overpack

It’s tempting to bring everything—but remember, you’ll accumulate more as the semester goes on. San Antonio has plenty of stores nearby, so if you forget something, it’s easy to grab it later. This college packing list is meant to help you focus on the essentials so you can start your time at OLLU with confidence and clarity.