Now that you have decided to attend St. Olaf College, you can plan what to bring with you in the fall. The College does provide limited summer storage space for sealed boxes in the residence halls for carpet and some furniture.
Things That Remind You of Home
Bring photographs and other visual items that remind you of home or that you can share with others, especially if you are asked to talk about your country or culture. If you have traditional clothing, you may also want to bring an outfit that can be worn for special occassions, such as dinners, International Education Week or International Night performances.
Extra Eye Glasses or Contact Lenses
Your St. Olaf Student Health Insurance does NOT cover eye exams, eye glasses or any dental work. If you wear eye glasses or contact lenses, make sure you get your eyes checked by your eye doctor at home before you come to St. Olaf and bring an extra pair of eye glasses and extra contact lenses with you. It is also strongly recommended you see a dentist in your home country before coming to St. Olaf and have all necessary dental work completed at home before coming.
Important Documents
You should make copies of your important documents, bring a set with you in your carry-on luggage, and leave the other set with your family in your home country. Suggested photocopies include:
- Passport
- I-20
- US F-1 visa page
- Other important documents:
- Health insurance information
- Credit card(s) (front and back)
- Admissions, Financial Aid award letters
- Bank and other important financial information
Personal Expenses Estimation
When you arrive, there are some necessities that you need to purchase e.g. textbooks, health insurance, daily expenses. Even though the expenses vary between students, we suggest you to bring $1500-$2000 to cover those.
Note: If you bring $10,000 or more of check, cash, or traveller check, you need to declare it in the custom at the airport (nothing will be taken away).
For Your Room: It is recommended that you purchase many of these items once you arrive in Northfield.
- Bed linens (mattresses are twin extra long, 36”x80” or 91 cm x 203 cm)
- Pillow
- Blankets/Bedspread/Comforter
- Bathroom bucket or “shower caddy” (to transport things to and from the bathroom)
- Shower shoes/flip-flops
- Towels
- Bathrobe
- Key chain
- Book bag or backpack
- Clothing appropriate for the changing seasons
- Plate, bowl, cup, silverware, etc. (for preparing meals and snacks in your hall kitchen)
- Desk or room lamp (no halogen lamps, only incandescent or fluorescent lamps are permitted)
- Power strip (preferably one with surge protection) – NOTE U.S. uses 110 volt and 3-prong outlet plugs, so you may have to bring various adapters.
- Alarm clock
- Waste basket
- Laundry bag/basket, detergent, and iron (ironing boards are available in laundry rooms)
Again, welcome to St. Olaf, and we’re looking forward to your arrival on campus! If you have questions about what to bring or have any other campus housing questions, please contact the Residence Life Office at 1-507-786-3011, or contact the Director of Residence Life at reslife@stolaf.edu.