Please plan to bring the following items in the fall. The College does provide limited storage space (for next summer) for sealed boxes in the residence halls for carpet and some furniture that students purchase while at St. Olaf.
- Things That Remind You of Home
- Photographs and other visual items.
- Traditional clothing that can be worn for special occasions, such as dinners, International Education Week or International Night performances.
- Eye Glasses or Contact Lenses
- The St. Olaf Student Health Insurance does NOT cover eye exams or eye glasses. Students are encouraged to get their eyes checked at home before coming to St. Olaf and to bring an extra pair of eye glasses and contact lenses.It is also strongly recommended that students see a dentist in their home country and have all necessary dental work completed before coming to St. Olaf.
- Important Documents
- Make several copies of important documents. Bring a set with in carry-on luggage and leave another set with family at home.
- Suggested photocopies include:
- Passport
- I-20
- US F-1 visa page
- Health insurance information
- Credit card(s) (front and back)
- Admissions, Financial Aid award letters
- Bank and other important financial information
Personal Expenses Estimation
Some necessities will need to be purchased once students arrive including textbooks, health insurance, and daily personal items. It is suggested to bring $1500-$2000 for those expenses. Please note that anyone bringing $10,000 or more in cash, check, or traveler’s check will need to declare it at Customs in the airport (nothing will be taken away).
It is recommended that students purchase many of these items once arriving 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 hall kitchens)
- 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 students 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.