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What To Pack

Whether you are new or returning to Shepherd, here are some helpful suggestions as you pack for move in.

Packing for Potomac Place Packing for Shaw & Thacher
Packing for West Woods & Miller Packing for Dunlop & Printz

In addition to clothing and personal care items, we recommend that you consider bringing the following articles.

For Health & Wellness

  • Health insurance information
  • First-aid kit
  • Prescriptions
  • Personal thermometer
  • Fever-reducing & other medicines you may choose to use

For Cleaning

  • Laundry supplies: basket, high efficiency detergent, & dryer sheets
  • Hand soap
  • Trash can and trash bags
  • To-go bottles of hand sanitizer
  • Disinfectant wipes, paper towels, & other cleaning supplies
  • Small vacuum or broom

For Your Room

  • Comforter, blanket, pillows, & mattress pad
  • Sheets (sizes listed below)
  • Storage bins to organize your belongings
  • Clothes hangers
  • Multi-outlet power strips with surge protector function
  • Ethernet cord
  • Reusable water bottle – bottle fillers are available around campus

For your Bathroom

  • Shower caddy
  • Bathrobe
  • Towels
  • Shower curtain (for Dunlop, Printz, Potomac Place, and Yost)

For Class

  • Laptop – preferably with a camera
  • Ethernet cord
  • Personal printer – access to University printers may be reduced, but many professors accept work electronically
  • Writing utensils and notebooks
  • Textbooks – you can find what books you need by entering your course section information here. You may want to order early due to slow shipping times; be aware of return policies
  • Desk lamp or reading light; floor lamp

For Snack Time

  • Microwave (less than 750 watts)
  • Refrigerator (less than 5 cubic feet)
  • Can opener, bowls, plates, cups, and utensils
  • Snacks
  • Keurig or coffee pot

Everything Else

  • Cell phone and charger
  • Copies of birth certificate and Social Security card (if you are applying for employment)
  • TV/gaming/entertainment systems
  • Flashlight and screwdriver
  • Umbrella and rain clothes
  • Snow shovel – if you have a vehicle on campus
  • Purchase your parking pass by mail and avoid the lines; more info here
  • Complete your Rambler ID card process by uploading a photo; more info here

NOT Permitted

Do not bring these to campus:

  • Cooking devices such as toasters, toaster ovens, air fryers, griddles, electric grills, etc. unless you live in Dunlop or Printz Apartments
  • Smoking or vaping within the residence halls; must be at least 21 years of age to possess tobacco or other smoking items
  • E-scooter and similar devices not permitted in the hall for safety reasons.
  • Extension cords without surge protection switch
  • Candles and incense (even unlit ones)
  • Halogen lamps
  • Large sound speakers, amps, or subwoofers
  • Wireless routers or similar WiFi devices
  • Weapons not permitted by the WV Campus Self-Defense Act, replicas of weapons, or knives in excess of 4 inches.
  • More information on the Student Code of Conduct, found here

Specific Building Requirements and Features

Dunlop & Printz Apartments

  • Sheet size: twin, 6x36x80 inches
  • Cooking devices, when properly attended, are permitted
  • Student must bring shower curtains, toilet plunger, and toilet bowl cleaning brush
  • Cooking utensils are needed for anyone who will be cooking in the kitchen

Potomac Place

  • Sheet size: extra long twin, 6x36x80 inches
  • Student must bring shower curtains, toilet plunger, and toilet bowl cleaning brush
  • Mini-fridge and microwave are provided.  One additional small fridge is permitted per room.

West Woods Suites

Boteler, Martin, Moler, Lurry, & Yost

Miller Hall 

  • Sheet size: 6x36x80 inches
  • Student must bring their own toilet plunger and toilet bowl cleaning brush.  Yost residents need a shower curtain hall.
  • Students are required to empty their dehumidifiers daily and clean the dehumidifier filter weekly

Shaw & Thacher

  • Sheet size: twin, 6x36x80 inches
  • Shower caddy to bring shampoo and showering items
  • Shower shoes