Student guide
Dorm move-in checklist for BU & SUNY Broome
A no-fluff packing list for students moving into Binghamton University, SUNY Broome, or off-campus housing in Vestal and the Triple Cities. Built from years of August move-ins and what students actually end up needing (or not).
The 8-tote rule
A typical dorm room fits in 8–12 totes. Our 10-Tote Dorm Pack is sized exactly for this. Two roommates? Get the 20-tote and split it.
What to pack
Bedding & sleep
- Twin XL sheets (2 sets — BU & SUNY Broome beds are twin XL)
- Comforter or duvet + mattress topper
- 2 pillows + extra pillowcases
- Mattress encasement (dust mite + bed bug barrier)
- Small throw blanket for couch/lounge
Bath & shower
- Shower caddy (mesh, drains fast)
- Flip-flops for communal showers
- Robe + 2 quick-dry bath towels
- Toiletries kit + backup toothbrush
- Over-the-door towel hook
Kitchen & food
- Mini fridge (check dorm rules — BU allows under 4.5 cu ft)
- Reusable water bottle + Brita pitcher
- Microwave-safe bowl, plate, mug
- Snack bin (Binghamton winters = comfort food)
- Dish soap, sponge, dish towel
Clothing & laundry
- Real winter coat (Binghamton averages 80" of snow)
- Waterproof boots + a second pair of sneakers
- Laundry hamper + detergent pods + quarters/laundry card
- Hangers (30+ — dorms never have enough)
- Drying rack for the stuff that can't go in the dryer
School & desk
- Laptop + charger + a backup charger
- Surge-protected power strip (most rooms need 2)
- Desk lamp with USB ports
- Notebooks, planner, pens — physical, not just digital
- Noise-cancelling headphones
Room & decor
- Command strips and hooks (no nails allowed)
- Small rug (BU dorm floors are cold tile)
- String lights (UL-listed — RAs will check)
- Photos, posters, plant or two
- Full-length mirror
What to leave home
- Halogen lamps, candles, incense, hot plates, and toasters — not allowed in BU or SUNY Broome dorms
- A printer — use campus printing, it's cheaper
- Every book you've ever owned — bring 5, the library has the rest
- More than 2 weeks of clothes — laundry is on-site
- A full set of pots and pans — most dorms don't have kitchens
Move-in day logistics
BU move-in happens over a few days in late August by residence hall. You'll get a specific arrival window — show up at the start of it, not the middle, so you can grab a move-in cart before they're all in use.
SUNY Broome on-campus housing (Student Village at SUNY Broome) move-in is also late August, with parking and unload spots assigned by building.
Off-campus in Vestal, Johnson City, or Endicott? Most leases start August 1, but a lot of BU students move in the week before classes. Reserve a moving truck or hired help now — by mid-August everything is booked.
Why totes beat cardboard for dorm moves
- Stack 5 high in a hatchback without crushing whatever's on the bottom.
- Waterproof. If you've ever moved in Binghamton in August you know it will rain at exactly the wrong moment.
- Reusable for move-out. Rent the same pack again in May to move back home or into your summer sublet.
- Sanitized between students. Every tote is washed and inspected — no mystery smells from someone's storage unit.
August fills up fast
Reserve your dorm pack now.
Sanitized 27-gallon totes delivered to your BU, SUNY Broome, or off-campus address.