Here’s What to Pack for Boarding School: The Ultimate Boarding School Packing List
To help make the transition to boarding school less overwhelming, it’s helpful for students and their family’s to know ahead of time what they need to bring. Preparing early allows you to have more time enjoying your summer with your student, rather than stressing as August approaches.
Here are some of the key items your student will need to pack for boarding school:
1. Bedding and Linens
Students will need to bring along their own sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters. We recommend bringing multiple sets. For an extra cozy experience, have your student bring a foam mattress topper.
2. Toiletries and Medications
Before you send your student off to boarding school, make sure they have all their toiletries refilled and ready to go. You can start with a list like this:
1. Toothbrush
2. Toothpaste
3. Shampoo
4. Conditioner
5. Body wash or soap
6. Deodorant
7. Face wash
8. Moisturizer
9. Sunscreen
10. Important medications
11. Shower shoes
12. Shower caddy
13. First-aid kit
14. Laundry detergent
If you think you might forget an item or two, have your student keep track of the products they use every day.
3. Clothing
Clothing is some of the hardest to pack for boarding school. Your student might be tempted to pack just about everything they own, but remind them that your student can always come home to get more clothes, or have them sent to them. It’s also doesn’t hurt to remind them that the clothes they don’t wear in their closet at home, are clothes they for sure won’t wear at school!
If your student’s boarding school has a uniform, then this process is a little bit easier. We always recommend having them bring along casual clothes for weekends and evenings, dress clothes for formal events, and athletic clothes if they are involved in any extracurricular sports.
If your student will be playing on their school’s sports team, make sure they gather any other miscellaneous items they might need like extra socks, sunscreen, or a hat.
4. School Supplies
Just like your student’s previous years of gathering school supplies, the same applies for boarding school. Don’t forget to check with the school to see if they have any specific requirements or recommendations for school supplies.
5. Electronics
Now’s the time to ask your student’s boarding school if students will need a laptop or tablet for their school work. It’s also important to ask if student’s can bring personal devices like a tablet or gaming device to use outside of class time.
When you’re thinking about the electronics your student will need, don’t forget their chargers! Making a note of what electronics (like headphones) your student uses every day is a great way to keep track of what they should pack. It’s always handy to pack power strips and surge protectors for your student’s dorm rooms.
6. For the Dorm
Here are a few items that will make your student’s dorm room experience more comfortable.
Desk lamp
Alarm clock
Laundry bag or basket
Hangers
Rug
Storage containers
Snacks
Small fan
Door stop
Photos from home
Deck of cards or board games
Packing can be an overwhelming task, but with this list and plenty of time for preparation, your student will have everything they need for a fun and safe first semester away from home.
If you went to boarding school, what’s one item you made sure you packed?