What Should You Pack for Gonzaga Move-In 2026?
Welcome New Zags!
We’re so excited to see you on campus this fall for Welcome Weekend! As you get ready for your first semester, you’re probably busy packing all the essentials. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of a few often-overlooked items that can make life in the residence halls a little more comfortable.
Before we dive into our recommendations, be sure to check out the official packing list from New Student & Family Programs (NSFP). Use the packing list as your foundation, then consider adding a few of the items below to make your year even smoother.
Desk Fan: Dorm rooms can get warm, and a small desk fan helps keep you cool without taking up much space. I used mine almost every day during the warmer months.
Power Strip with Surge Protection: A power strip makes it easy to charge multiple devices at once. I recommend attaching it to the side of your desk with Command Strips so your outlets are always within easy reach.
Long Phone Charger (6 ft or longer): A longer charging cable is especially helpful if you loft your bed, making it much easier to charge your phone overnight.
Small Tool Kit: A mini screwdriver, tape measure, and a few extra Command Strips are useful when setting up your room or hanging decorations.
Portable Charger (Power Bank): A portable charger is great for long days on campus, Kennel Campout, or other events when you may not have access to an outlet.
Cleaning Supplies: Pack disinfecting wipes, an all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, and a small handheld vacuum to help keep your room tidy. A bigger vacuum can be beneficial too!
Shower Shoes: There are lots of options, but I personally recommend shower shoes with drainage holes on the bottom since they dry much faster after each use.
Bathrobe: A bathrobe makes trips to and from the community bathroom much more comfortable.
Under-Bed Storage: Whether or not you loft your bed, the space underneath is perfect for storing snacks, extra supplies, and other miscellaneous items. As a student, I preferred clear storage bins because they made it easy to find what I was looking for.
Bedside Shelf: If your bed is lofted, a clip-on bedside shelf is one of my favorite dorm accessories. It's the perfect place to keep your phone, water bottle, glasses, or alarm clock within easy reach.
Basic Dishware and Utensils: Bring a plate, bowl, cup, and a few utensils for quick meals or late-night snacks. You don't need a full dining set, and since every residence hall has a kitchen, washing a few dishes is easy.
Pictures of Family and Friends: I always loved having a couple of pictures from home on my desk. The transition to college can be a big one so it can be nice to see a friendly face while you study.
First Aid Kit: Include essentials like bandages, ibuprofen, a thermometer, and cold and flu medicine. It's much more convenient to have these on hand instead of needing to run to the store when you're sick.
Earplugs or a Sleep Mask: If you're a light sleeper, these can be lifesavers. You can't always count on your roommate having the same schedule, so it's nice to have a plan for getting a good night's sleep.
Laundry Hamper: Choose a hamper that's easy to carry to the laundry room. Personally, I liked a backpack-style hamper because it was much more comfortable to carry when it was full.
Laundry Detergent: Bring your favorite detergent. If you use liquid detergent, I'd suggest a medium-sized bottle since it's easier to carry. Personally, I found laundry pods to be the most convenient option.
A Comfort Item from Home: This might be my biggest recommendation. Whether it's your favorite blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal, having something familiar can make your dorm feel a lot more like home during your first few weeks.
Gonzaga is so excited to welcome a new class of Zags to campus this fall. We hope this list gives you a few new ideas as you prepare for this very exciting transition! For even more helpful suggestions, be sure to revisit the NSFP Packing List.
Good luck packing, and happy almost move-in!