Penn Dorm Checklist

Welcome to the Penn Dorm Checklist! This page was built specifically for Penn families —not a generic list you could find anywhere. It reflects Penn’s actual policies and what Penn provides. We’ll update it every year. When in doubt, verify directly with Penn Residential Services at residential-services.business-services.upenn.edu.

Looking for a general list? Check out our College Dorm Checklist for any college.

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Your Complete Penn Dorm Checklist

If your student already knows their roommate, have them connect before shopping. Items like a water filter, microwave, coffee maker, and vacuum make sense to share — no need for duplicates.

Bedding

Penn provides the bed frame and mattress. You need Twin XL size for all bedding.

Bathroom & Bath Essentials

Clothing Storage & Organization

  • Hangers (20–30)
  • Over-the-door hooks
  • Drawer organizers
  • Laundry hamper or bag
    • Tip: Check where your laundry room is located. If your building has no elevator and laundry is on a different floor, a backpack-style laundry bag is easier than a wheeled basket. If you have elevator access or laundry is on the same floor, a wheeled basket works great.
  • Laundry detergent—HE (high efficiency) required for Penn’s SpeedQueen machines. Pods are easiest.
    • Penn tip: Download the SpeedQueen app and enter code “Quaker” to monitor machine availability and track your cycle from your phone. Laundry is free for all Penn College House residents.
  • Dryer sheets or wool dryer balls
  • Handheld steamer

Desk & School Supplies

Penn tip: Outlet adapters and splitters are prohibited at Penn. Wireless printers are also prohibited in Penn dorms; use Penn’s campus printers instead (available in all College Houses and libraries).

Room & Comfort

  • Fan (Penn dorms are not all air conditioned—verify for your specific building)
  • Alarm clock or clock for desk
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Brita water filter
    • Tip: The 10L pitcher holds more water but may not fit in a mini fridge without removing a shelf. Check your fridge dimensions before buying.
  • Umbrella
  • Full length mirror (check if provided; buy in-store to avoid shipping damage)
  • Small whiteboard or cork board for door
  • Command hooks and strips
  • Trash can and trash bags — check if provided by your school
  • Cleaning supplies (wipes, all-purpose spray, paper towels)
  • Lock box for valuables
  • Lightweight vacuum

Food & Snacks

Penn tip: Toasters, toaster ovens, air fryers, hot plates, and open-coil appliances are prohibited. Any appliance with a heating element must have an automatic shutoff. All appliances must have a manufacturer’s label showing electrical ratings and listing by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (ETL, UL, etc.).

Health & Wellness

  • Prescription medications and documentation
  • Daily vitamins or supplements
  • Pain reliever (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
  • Cold and flu basics—the Student Health Center is available but having basics on hand saves a trip when you’re not feeling well
  • Antacids
  • Allergy medication
  • Bandages and first aid kit
  • Thermometer
  • Heating pad (must have automatic shutoff)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Face masks
  • Glasses or contacts and solution (bring extra)

Documents & Admin

  • Housing assignment — accessed digitally via MyHomeAtPenn. No printed copy needed.
  • PennCard (picked up on move-in day)
  • Government-issued ID or Passport
  • Health insurance card
  • Copy of immunization records
  • Copies of any prescriptions
  • Bank account info or voided check (for direct deposit)
  • Emergency contact information
  • Renter’s insurance information — Penn strongly recommends it and specifically recommends GradGuard. Check your homeowner’s policy first as it may already cover your student’s belongings in the dorm.
  • Don’t forget important Power of Attorney documents — see our Legal Documents page for what every college student needs.

Move-In Day

  • Select your arrival time in advance via MyHomeAtPenn—time slots fill up quickly
  • Complete mobile check-in 10 minutes before arriving on campus
  • All guests must have a photo ID and mobile guest pass to enter the College House
  • Pick up your PennCard at your College House on arrival — you will need it immediately
  • Moving carts are usually available at the Info Center on a first-come, first-served basis—one hour limit
  • Plan your driving route in advance — Spruce Street closes to general traffic during move-in
  • PHINS orientation leaders will be onsite to help with logistics

Penn tip: Don’t try to bring everything in one trip. Unload the car first, then organize the room. You will have help but the hallways are crowded.

What to Leave Home

Penn prohibits the following items. Leave them home or you risk having them confiscated on move-in day.

  • Electrical & room items
    • Extension cords, outlet adapters, and splitters
    • Surge protectors used in tandem (daisy-chaining is prohibited)
    • Halogen lamps
    • Adhesive LED strip lights
    • Space heaters (unless installed by Facilities)
    • Air conditioners (except where provided by Residential Services)
    • Wireless or wired routers
    • Wireless printers
    • Surveillance cameras
    • Strobe lights
    • Smoke/fog machines
    • Music amplifiers
    • Power tools
    • E-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards (wheelchairs are allowed)
    • Water-filled devices — pools, hot tubs, waterbeds
    • Door propping devices (wedges, etc.)
    • Nails, screws, and thumbtacks (on walls)
    • Weapons of any kind
  • Cooking appliances — prohibited in all non-kitchen units
    • Toasters and toaster ovens
    • Instant pots and other instant cookers
    • Countertop grills — panini makers, George Foreman grills, sandwich makers
    • Electric skillets
    • Hot plates
    • Waffle irons
    • Popcorn poppers (oil-based)
    • Convection ovens, air fryers, and deep fryers
    • Multi-function appliances like combination air fryer/rice cooker/pressure cookers
    • Anything with an exposed heating element (like an immersion coil)
    • All appliances must have a manufacturer’s label showing electrical ratings and listing by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (ETL, UL, etc.). If your student’s unit has a kitchen, all appliances must be stored there.
  • Fire & flame — strictly prohibited
    • Candles and incense
    • Any incendiary or fire-producing items — fuel burning stoves and lamps, grills, torches, charcoal, lighter fluid, and propane cylinders

What to Buy After You Arrive

Some times are better bought after you see your room. Don’t waste money on things that won’t fit or aren’t needed.

  • Additional storage solutions — see the room first
  • Extra hangers — count your closet space first
  • Rug — measure the floor space before buying
  • Curtains or window coverings — measure the window first
  • Desk organizers — see what the desk actually looks like
  • Pillow for desk chair (optional — see how comfortable the chair is first)
  • Additional lighting — see what’s provided first
  • Fan — confirm whether your building has AC first
  • Under-bed storage bins — see how high the bed is raised first

Penn tip: There is a Target at 40th and Walnut, a short walk from most College Houses.

Non-Essential but Nice to Have

Explore Items Recommended by College Students

This checklist is intended as general guidance only. Dorm policies, permitted items, bed sizes, and what’s provided can vary by building. This Penn Dorm Checklist is updated annually to reflect Penn’s current policies and requirements, but always verify requirements directly with Penn Residential Services before move-in.

Bookmark this Penn Dorm Checklist to reference throughout your move-in process.

Last updated: June 2026

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