OBERLIN OnCampus
Before ArrivalOrientation WeekOnce in Oberlin
   
What to Bring

Packing for college doesn't have to be overwhelming. Use the lists below to help you get started.

Personal Electronics School Supplies Communication Needs Transportation Needs Documents Medical Supplies


Remember that shipments of student belongings will be accepted in the Oberlin College Mail Room after Aug. 15. You can verify your campus address in PRESTO after July 1. To find your mailbox number, click on Personal Information and then on View Addresses and Phones. The address format for mailing items to your mailbox is:

Your Name
OCMR (your number)
135 W. Lorain St.
Oberlin, OH 44074-1081

Drugstores, supermarkets, clothing stores, and bookstores where you can buy essentials are within walking distance of campus, but specialty shops and superstores are difficult to get to unless you have a car. See a list of local businesses in town.


Personal

bed sheets and pillowcases (you will need size twin/long sheets)
matress pad
blankets (electric blankets are prohibited)
pillows
bedspread or comforter
alarm clock
wastebasket
study lamp
flashlight
towels
toiletry articles
shower shoes
shower caddy
hair dryer
fan
iron with auto shut-off
extension cords
keychain
laundry soap
laundry bag or basket
warm clothing and jacket/coat
lightweight clothing
bathrobe
sports apparel
postage stamps


Electronics

computer*
surge protector
computer accessories
stereo/CDs
computer disks

*Many students bring or buy computers for writing papers and connecting to the Internet. The Oberlin College Computer Store has its annual Back-to-School Sale each July through September. Because the store orders in bulk for this sale, it can offer the best values on the latest technology at this time.
Oberlin College Computer Store

All residence hall rooms are equipped with network ports for each person in the room. In addition, wireless Internet access is available from many areas on campus.

The College provides Macintosh and Windows computers in computer laboratories around campus. These facilities are sometimes booked for classes, but they also serve as an alternative for students who do not own their own computer or need access between classes.

The Center for Information Technology does not recommend bringing a computer more than two or three years old to campus.


School Supplies

notebooks
pens/pencils
stapler
binders
folders
dictionary
index cards
pencil sharpener
book bag
paper
envelopes
highlighters


Communication Needs

cell phone

Although all residence halls are equipped with telephones, many students use cell phones to communicate with their friends and family members. Cell phones using any major service provider work in Oberlin; quality of service varies.


Transportation Needs

bicycle
bike lock

Bicycles are the most common means of transportation at Oberlin, and bike racks where you can lock your bike abound.

Having a car is not a necessity. Oberlin is a small town, and you'll be able to walk to most places without difficulty. Public transportation (Lorain County Transit) is available to nearby towns, cities, and the airport. If you do decide to bring a car, keep in mind that student parking is limited.
Parking regulations and fees


Documents

If you are eligible for Federal Work-Study and would like to work part time while studying at Oberlin, you must provide certain documents for verification of employment eligibility. Only original documents are accepted. With the exception of the U.S. passport, all documents must be current.

Acceptable documents include:

A. Passport
B. Driver’s License, State I.D. Card, or School I.D.
plus
C. Social Security Card and certified copy of birth certificate

If you are an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence or an international student authorized to work in the United States, you must have documents proving your eligibility for employment. These are usually your visa, I-94 card, I-20 form, or the Alien Registration Card (green card).

Medical Supplies

electronic thermometer
tweezers
variety sized bandaids
ointment
gauze squares
q-tips
over-the-counter remedies (ibuprofen, benadryl, sudafed, cortisone)
first aid tape
cough drops