Suggestions for Packing

• Clothing: Students at BSU dress very informally: jeans, shorts, t-shirts, casual shirts, etc. Nevertheless, there will be some occasions for you to dress up, such as semi-formal dances or special events with the faculty. Traditional dress is always welcome. You will need plenty of warm clothing for the winter: sweaters, fleeces and/or sweatshirts, and a winter jacket are essential. Heavy, waterproof shoes/snow boots, gloves, a hat and scarf for snow will also be necessary and an umbrella for rainy days. Be advised that a high-quality winter jacket can be quite expensive, but we recommend that you purchase it after arrival, to make sure that it is warm enough. Some popular brands for winter jackets are Patagonia and North Face.
• Electrical Devices: The standard electrical output in the US is 110v/220v, so most foreign electrical equipment cannot be used here. Bring electrical devices only if you will run them on batteries or a voltage converter.
• Bedding: Bring a sheet and towel for the first few days at BSU; sheets in the United States come in standard sizes to fit the beds. Purchase extra long twin sheets to fit the beds in the residence halls. We will also be sending you a mailing regarding the purchase of linens. You may want to purchase these before arriving on campus, since shipping takes awhile. Another option is to order online from a store that has a special section for college shopping, such as Bed Bath and Beyond. You can order some of your supplies online at www.bedbathandbeyond.com and go to the "Shop for College" section if you don’t want to bring anything with you.
• Miscellaneous: Bring things that remind you of home - photographs, music, posters, clothes, bedspreads and perhaps inexpensive gifts that you can give people on birthdays and other festive occasions. “Comfort food” from home is also a good idea!
• If you are living in the Great Hill Student Apartments: you will need to buy some household items such as utensils, glasses, plates, etc. You can purchase items at a reasonable price at stores such as Kohl's (www.kohls.com), Wal-Mart (www.walmart.com) or Target (www.target.com).
• Shipping Luggage to Bridgewater: Shipping luggage overseas is complicated and expensive. You are better advised to bring your own belongings with you by air. If you ship your own trunks and boxes, they must be cleared through U.S. Customs, which will involve your going to the airport or seaport, completing a customs declaration, and then transporting your goods to Bridgewater. If you plan to ship your belongings, it is best to use a freight-forwarding company at home that will help you complete the paperwork. Your goods and papers will be forwarded to a Boston freight company, which will retrieve the articles from customs and transport them to the university. Although you will have paid the freight charges at home, it is likely that there will be additional charges here. BSU will not pay those charges, so you may need to be present when your goods arrive or arrange to pay the local company in advance. Luggage should arrive here in 3-4 weeks, but check specifically with your shipping company about time of delivery. Label all items clearly with your name and send them to:
  • C/O Mail Services
    Bridgewater State University
    131 Summer Street
    Bridgewater, MA 02325
    U.S.A.
    Phone: 508.531.1770

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Last Modified: August 5, 2011