Packing and Shopping Suggestions
When you pack to come to study at Coastal Carolina University, we know it is difficult to know what to bring. You can buy many things when you arrive, but you will want to bring some things from home.
Helpful Information
When you travel, you must have your passport, a valid visa, and your I-20 or DS-2019. You should also bring other important documents such as your admission letter, transcripts, and vaccinations. Credit cards are not always reliable when travelling internationally, so you should carry some money for incidental expenses during travel and your first few days in the United States before you open your local bank account. You should also have any medication you need, your phone, tablet or laptop, and chargers. Do not pack these things in your checked luggage.
During International Student Orientation, we help new international students shop at a nearby Walmart. The list below is to help students decide what to purchase.
Bedding
- Blanket and sheets
- University Place single rooms: full-size (queen size will also work if full size is not available)
- University Place double rooms: extra-long, twin-size (36"x80")
- All other housing communities: extra-long, twin-size (36"x80")
- Pillowcases
- Pillows
- Mattress cover
- Bedspread/comforter/coverlet
Bath
- Towels
- Sponge or wash cloth
- Shower curtain and hooks
- Bathroom rugs
- Trash bin
Bedroom
- Laundry bag or bin
- Hangers
Kitchen and Dining/Kitchen Appliances
- Plates
- Cups
- Bowls
- Pans/pots
- Utensils (forks, knives, spoons)
- Cutting board
- Knife for cutting
- Kitchen towels
- Water bottle
- Water filter/purifier (e.g., Britta, Pur) – you can drink tap water, but some people prefer the taste of water using a purifier
- Kettles
- Coffee maker/French press
Household Essentials
- Toilet paper
- Facial tissue (e.g., Kleenex or Puffs)
- Paper towels
- Trash bags (tall size)
- Laundry detergent
- Fabric softener sheets
- All-purpose cleaner/disinfecting wipes
- Cleaning sponge or cloth
- Dish sponge or brush
- Dish soap (e.g., Dawn or Palmolive)
- Hand soap (for kitchen and bathroom)
Health/Beauty/Pharmacy
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash or body soap
- Razors and shaving cream
- Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss/mouthwash
- Body lotion
- Hairspray and styling products
- Deodorant
- Face wash
- First aid kit (band-aids, alcohol pad, etc.)
- Hairbrush, comb
- Blow dryer
- Sunscreen (30 SPF or higher is recommended)
- Feminine products
Food
- Bread
- Peanut butter/Nutella
- Jam/preserves
- Cereal
- Instant oatmeal
- Noodles, rice, pasta
- Soup (don’t forget to buy can opener or buy pull top)
- Granola bars, dried fruit
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Chocolate
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Honey
- Coffee
- Tea
- Cooking oil
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Cheese (found in dairy section near milk or in deli near fresh fruits and vegetables)
- Yogurt
- Milk (reduced fat 2% or whole milk will be more familiar)
- Juice
- Fruit
- Vegetables (fresh or frozen)
- Frozen meals