Campus Life

Packing Checklist

This is most Hill boarding students' first experience living away from home. Therefore we encourage students to make the dorm rooms as similar to their rooms at home as possible. Favorite posters, photos of family and friends, plants, and a favorite pillow or blanket are a few of the comforts of home students may want at The Hill.

Student dormitory rooms have some basic items that every student needs for safety, comfort and the ability to function within a residential community. Our student rooms come in all shapes and sizes. With the exception of a few rooms, all of our dorm rooms are doubles. Living in a dormitory community with other teenagers will help you develop important life skills, as well as independence.

Below you will find an outline of what items your room will have, items you will need to bring, items you may want to bring, and most importantly, items you should not bring. Please be sure to read through this list carefully.

Dormitory Furnishings: The School provides basic furnishings for residential living -- window blinds and/or shades, standard size twin bed and mattress (extra-long mattresses will be provided by request), desk, chair, wastebasket, dresser, and closet space per person. However, here are a few additions to help you feel at home. A printer is provided in every dorm for student use. Please note: Dormitory rooms are not air conditioned. We suggest students bring a fan, such as a standard-size window fan, to keep cool in the warm months.

Teenage girl unpacking items in dormitory room with friends
Bedding:

• XL Twin sheets - 2 sets
• Mattress cover
• Blanket
• Pillows
• Bedspread, comforter
• Sleeping bag (sixth form only)

Toiletries:

• Towels/washcloths
• Shower caddy (personal items may not be stored in bathrooms)
• Shower sandals/flip flops
• Personal toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, etc.)
• Tissues

Clothes/Storage:

• Dress Code items 
• Winter jacket/parka
• Gloves, scarf, winter hat
• Clothes hangers
• Rain/snow boots
• Umbrella and rain jacket
• Laundry bag
• Laundry detergent, stain remover, dryer sheets (if you are not using the laundry service)
• Clothes drying rack
• Small sewing kit
• Under-the-bed bins or storage crates

Desk & School Supplies:

• Traditional alarm clock is required for third form boarding students
• Energy-efficient desk lamp
• School supplies (i.e., pens, binders, notebooks, highlighters, stapler, etc.)
• USB or flash drive
• Stamps/envelopes/address book
• Calendar/assignment book/planner
• Backpack/tote bag
• 3-prong extension cord (UL approved)
• 3-prong power strip and surge protector
• Flashlight
• Dry erase markers 

Food/Food items:

• Snacks (with sealable containers to store leftovers)
• Drinks (water/sports drinks/ soda)
• Reusable mug/cup
• Dishes/bowls/plates/utensils
• Environmentally-friendly dishwashing liquid/sponge
• (2) reusable water bottles with names clearly on them

Medical/Health Related Items:

• First aid kit
• Necessary medications (Note: prescription pain and psychotropic medications must be stored at the Wellness Center)
 
Other Items You Don’t Need, But Many Students Like to Have:

• Fan
• Decorations (must be hung so as not to damage walls or paint or create fire hazards; Command™ Strips preferred)
• Pictures from home
• Bedside table
• Non-toxic cleaning supplies (disinfectant, cleaning spray and/or wipes)
• Cell phone and charger
• Headphones for use during study hall (noise-cancelling; earbuds not recommended)
• Books for pleasure reading
• Board games and a deck of cards
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Bug spray
• Sports equipment like a tennis racket, Frisbee, golf clubs, ice skates
• Blanket for outdoor use

Items to consult with your roommate about bringing:

• Rug
• Curtains
• Accent chair
• Small sofa (Note: Students are responsible for storing furniture over the summer.)

Items That Are NOT Permitted (which may lead to disciplinary action):

• 3D printers  •  Air conditioners  •  Alcohol, nicotine, illegal substances, and accessories  •  Any networking hardware such as hubs, routers, switches, and WiFi access points or extenders • Blenders (electric or USB-powered) •Candles/incense • Coffee makers of any kind  •  Darts and dart boards  •  Drones  •  External monitors over 27”  •  Firearms, weapons, or paint guns (including BB guns, air guns, hunting rifles, ammunition, bows, arrows, or knives)  •  Fireworks or explosives  •  Fog machines • Halogen lamps/bulbs  • Hammocks • Hot pots/plates, including George Foreman Grills  •  Hoverboards, electric skateboards, electric scooters, e-bikes, minibikes (powered transportation vehicles)  •  Immersion coils  •  Iron  •  IoT devices (lightbulbs, robots, WiFi speakers, etc. •  Lava lamps  •  Lighters/matches  •  Mercury thermometers  •  Microwave ovens  •  Non-approved prescription drugs •  Portable grills  •  Power tools  •  Projectors  •  Refrigerators  •  Space heaters  •  Streaming devices (Roku, Fire Stick, Chromecast, Smart TV, etc.) •  Sun lamps  •  Tattooing/ear piercing guns, tools, and accessories  •  Toasters/toaster ovens or any kitchen electrical appliance  •  TV/DVD Players  •  Water dispenser/delivery  • Voice assistant devices (Amazon Echo, Dot, Google Home, etc.)