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Macalester College Dorm Packing List

Everything worth bringing to your Macalester College dorm — organized by category, checkable, and printable. Before you pack, check your exact room size and lay the room out free so everything you buy actually fits.

🗓️ Move-in season: most residence halls open in early-to-mid August. Check your housing portal for your exact date and any restricted-item rules before buying appliances.
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Before you buy anything: what is actually true at Macalester College

A generic college checklist will cost you money here. These are Macalester College’s own published room measurements and rules — check them before you order.

Room size and rugs

Rooms measure about 146 sq ft (Doty Hall). At the small end a 5×7 rug is the largest that leaves walking room — measure before ordering anything bigger.

Bed and bedding

36" x 80" — two inches narrower than a standard 38-inch Twin XL, stated identically in the FAQ, the packing list and the parent guide. The college still recommends extra-long twin sheets and fitted Twin XL sheets do work slightly loose, but a Twin XL topper, encasement or fitted pad will overhang. N Measure before buying bedding — this campus is not a standard 38×80.

Fridge and microwave

Bring a fridge; do not buy a microwave at all. Refrigerators must be under 3.6 cubic feet, and “we don’t allow microwaves in student rooms” — microwave sits in the packing list’s forbidden column, so a microfridge combo unit is wasted money. The floor kitchens cover the microwave need. Residents of Do not buy a fridge for this campus.

Already in your room

Do not pack duplicates of these: A bed, desk, dresser and closet — all campus-provided items must stay in the room. Laundry is free: card-swipe machines in every hall are used free of charge, though students supply their own detergent. Because in-room microwaves are banned, the college supplies shared kitchens w

Leave these at home

Microwaves, air conditioners, humidifiers, cooling units, halogen lamps, candles and incense, and nails or tape that damages walls or paint. Appliances with open flames or heating elements — hot plates, toaster ovens and toasters — are prohibited in rooms but permitted in the sha

Room measurements and policies published by Macalester College, compiled August 2026. Always confirm with the housing office before buying.

Bedding

Bath

Desk & Study

Storage & Organization

Laundry

Tech & Power

Snacks & Kitchen

Health & Essentials

Decor & Comfort

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