Boston University
📍 Boston, MA
A brownstone is not an apartment
A student assigned to a traditional dorm needs a different packing plan from one placed in an apartment with a kitchen. Do not assume an apartment rule applies in a traditional residence.
Bed and room basics
Mattresses are 80 inches long, so bring two sets of Twin XL sheets plus a pillow, a blanket or comforter, and a mattress cover or pad. Rooms include core furniture that must stay in the assigned space. Bathroom arrangements range from shared corridor bathrooms to suites and apartments, and kitchen access varies, so check the residence page for bathroom style, kitchen access, air conditioning, laundry location, mailroom and room configuration before buying large storage, rugs or extra furnishings.
Pack these first
- Twin XL bedding, a mattress cover and a pillow
- Towels, washcloths, a shower caddy and shower shoes where needed
- A laundry basket, supplies and hangers
- Stackable storage, a desk lamp, and waste and recycling bins
- Basic room-cleaning supplies
Rules and smart skips
- Power strips must have built-in circuit breakers meeting BU's technical requirements, so compare the product label before packing one.
- A small fan helps, but BU limits the recommended size to no more than 12 inches in diameter.
- Air conditioners and many heat-producing appliances are prohibited.
- Apartment residents may need cookware. Traditional residents should not bring cooking equipment prohibited there.
Before move-in
- BU publishes a residence calendar and building-specific move-in information, so use the current instructions rather than a previous year's date.
- Complete the online room condition report at check-in.
- Photograph the room before unpacking and document existing damage.
- Pack in reusable totes or suitcases and label each item.
Official sources
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Build My DormOther Massachusetts schools
- Harvard University Cambridge, MA
- Northeastern University Boston, MA
- Tufts University Medford, MA
- University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst, MA
DormHQ is an independent planning resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Boston University. School names are used only to identify the housing information being summarized. Housing details change, so always confirm specifics in the official university housing portal before purchasing size-specific items.
