Here’s what to pack for boarding school
Towels and toothpaste, yes, but leave the candles and toaster at home
If your child will be heading to boarding school in the future, you have a lot more than a new backpack and lunch bag to think about.
Most schools will provide a basic packing list, but some of what your budding scholar will (and won’t) need won’t be spelled out, so we asked the experts for their best packing advice. While every private school is different, our expert-approved tips will ensure your student shows up with all the right gear.
Decor
The school will provide basic dorm furnishings, including a twin-size bed, desk, chair, dresser and closet, but you may want to add a few soft furnishings. Small rugs, wall hangings and throw pillows will give the space personality and a more homey feel.
“Some creature comforts can go a long way to downplaying the homesickness that kids can feel during the first few weeks away at school,” says Natalia Stewart, head of boarding at Havergal College.
Linens
While some schools provide basic linens, others require students to bring two sets of sheets, a mattress cover, pillows and a duvet or comforter as well as a set of towels. “Our boys don’t have to bring any linens but I’d say about 80 per cent like to bring their own duvet and pillows,” says Andrew Turner, director of residential life at Upper Canada College. “It’s comforting to have something from home.”
Toiletries You’ll want to pack all of the bathroom and hygiene supplies your child will need for the first term, from towels to toothpaste.
Aside from the basic shower necessities, students will also need body lotion, since many dorm buildings can be very dry, as well as a bottle of sunscreen, which they’ll need for playing sports and other outdoor activities on warm fall days.
A basic first-aid kit can also come in handy. Shower shoes and a caddy, to tote everything to and from the washrooms, are also must-haves, says Turner. Clothes In addition to the basic jeansand-tees wardrobe that most kids just can’t live without, your child will also need some dressup clothes. Ask the school for a calendar of events for the first few months, highlighting dinners and other social events that will require formal wear. You should also pack warm jackets and cold-weather accessories that will see them through the first term.
“At winter break a lot of students take most of the wardrobe home and come back with clothes that will see them through the spring term,” says Stewart. Of course students will also need a laundry basket and bottle of detergent, so they can keep their clothes clean.
And, don’t skip the organizational tools that can help to keep a wardrobe in check: Large flat storage containers can hold bulky sweaters and jackets and slide out of sight under the bed, while small baskets can be tucked on top of cupboards or wardrobes for easy access to accessories. “A lot of our students like to hang a shoe rack on the back of the door, too,” says Stewart.
Desk and tech supplies Laptop computers and/or tablets are usually required, but whether your student should bring one depends on the school. Boys attending Upper Canada College are discouraged from bringing much tech from home. “We provide the laptop, as part of a lease program that every family buys into, and then we service it on campus if there’s ever a problem,” says Turner. There’s also a games room, which means there’s no need to pack the PlayStation. “Students do, however, need to have a cellphone for safety reasons,” says Turner. And some boys like to bring a second screen for their desks, to make school work a bit easier, he says.
Sports equipment and more Students may be required to bring special equipment, such as a sleeping bag for camping trips. You should also check with the school about which sports your child will be playing or arts classes they might be taking, and what you plan to pack in terms of equipment and supplies.
“I’ve had students bring their full-size harp with them — those are interesting to store but we find a way to get it to the music tower,” says Stewart. “We really encourage students to bring anything they need.”
Leave it at home Aside from the obvious drugs and alcohol, there are a few other no-nos when it comes to packing for boarding school. Candles and incense are typically banned from dorm rooms because they can present a fire hazard. Same goes for small appliances such as kettles and toasters.
Take a second look to make sure you packed everything your child will need, and nothing more. “I’ve seen girls arrive with six suitcases full of clothes,” says Stewart. “When they wear uniforms all day there’s just no way they need that much stuff.”