For Your Convenience, You May Want to Bring

  • One UL-approved electrical strip with a circuit breaker (maximum 6 outlets per strip, with an on/off switch)
  • Television
  • Microwave oven (must not exceed 1200 watts or 10 amps) and small refrigerator (must not exceed 1200 watts or 10 amps; 5 cubic feet or less), one of each permitted per room.
    • Additional microwaves/refrigerators are also not permitted in Appalachian Heights because each apartment has a full kitchen in each apartment. To make move-in easier, you may consider renting a MicroFridge® through our third-party supplier, Standards For Living, Inc
  • Bed linens, pillows, and blankets (twin XL size)
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Kitchen and eating utensils (as these items will not be available for checkout)
  • Laundry detergent (Laundry is included in your housing fees)
  • Summer clothes for the early part of the year; it will start getting cooler around October so prepare accordingly with your winter clothes
  • One good rain jacket
  • Personal computers - all residence halls have data port connections in the rooms (1 port per bed) and wireless connectivity
  • Desk lamp
  • Headphones
  • Free-standing fan (as needed)
  • Dry-erase message board
  • 7-gallon trash receptacle
  • Stackable storage bins
  • Shower shoes and personal care items
  • Cleaning supplies and disinfectants for your room
  • Hand sanitizer
  • A warm, weatherproof coat for the cold and possible snow
  • One reusable water bottle

A list of prohibited items can be found on the Housing Policies area of this site. Please note that the list of prohibited items is not all-inclusive and is subject to change.

Important

Four handmade App State pennants with student names and school spirit messages decorate a wooden door.

Wall Decorations and Adhesives

While University Housing is aware of a great variety of adhesives designed to affix items to the walls of your residence hall room, we encourage students to use push pins on drywall and adhesive on cinderblock walls. Please be aware that you are responsible for any excessive damage to the paint and/or wall that results from the use of such products.

Sustainable Move-In Guide

Illustrated globe with blue oceans and green continents in a simple hand-drawn style.

We are excited to welcome you to Appalachian State University! We love the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains we call home, and thrive on the sense of place one develops while living here. Please join us as we work collectively to create a more sustainable campus and community. We're all in this together, and it takes everyone being a part of these efforts to create lasting change. When moving to campus, please keep sustainability in mind! Packing light is key, especially if you need to relocate or move off campus early in order to ensure the health and safety of our community.

Live Sustainably

  • Minimize what you bring to campus - pack light
  • Grow container plants for improved indoor air quality
  • Bring your bike for a form of low-carbon and physical distancing transportation
  • Purchase eco-friendly, sustainable options when you must buy something
  • Bring your own reusable water bottle, cup, mug, straw, cloth napkin, and utensil set
  • Bring your own reusable containers rather than Ziploc bags
  • Plan to use reusable linens such as towels and washcloths instead of disposables
  • Save energy by using smart power strips
  • Purchase energy-efficient appliances and LED bulbs
  • Go digital for all your organizing needs such as calendars and planning
  • Choose plant-based vegetarian or vegan options, which are healthy choices
  • Support local and choose some of the many local food options in our Campus Dining venues

Consider Before Moving to Campus

  • Pack in reusable containers rather than cardboard boxes - these will also come in handy when you pack up as well
  • Be in touch with your roommate so you can share resources instead of doubling up! - cleaning supplies, brooms, vacuums, area rugs, etc...
  • Bring items from home and shop at thrift stores instead of buying new
  • Hold off on big purchases until later in the year
  • Develop a plan to sell or donate items at the end of the year rather than throwing them away

International Student Packing Guide

Airplane flying around a globe with a looping flight path, shown in a simple travel-themed illustration.

Don't feel the need to overpack! There are many shops in Boone with different price points where you can buy what you need. Most clothing items, personal care items, and residence hall necessities can be purchased once you are in the U.S. International Students will be provided transportation to shop for needed items during Orientation!

Important Documents

  • A valid passport
  • Valid F-1/J-1 visa
  • Signed I-20 or original signed DS-2019
  • Original financial documents used for obtaining visa
  • Letter of admission to Appalachian State University
  • Contact Information for ISSSO (International Student and Scholar Services and Outreach)

Clothing & Other Essentials

  • Casual clothes that can be layered for all kinds of weather
  • One or two formal/professional outfits
  • Comfortable shoes and winter boots
  • A light jacket and a heavy coat
  • A raincoat or umbrella
  • Personal mementos and reminders of home
  • Prescription medicine, toiletries for a few days
  • Laptop/phone/other electronics and charging adapters

Bedding & Towels for Campus Housing

For on-campus housing, you will need towels, sheets (XL Twin), a blanket, and a pillow.

Don't want to pack these items? No problem. You'll have an opportunity to shop during International Orientation, or you may borrow items through the Pay It Forward Donation Program.

Additional information about the Pay It Forward Borrowed Item Donation Program will be emailed before you arrive.

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