What To Pack for Boarding at Forman School 

Packing for living at a boarding school may seem daunting, especially if you are moving far from home. But we have put together a list of general guidelines for what to pack and what not to pack that will ensure you have everything you need to live comfortably, dress appropriately, and enjoy boarding school life! 

Before getting started, think about what successful habits you have at home and what items will help you continue with those habits at school. One big piece of advice is not to overpack. It is much easier for students to be organized when their belongings are limited. Minimizing items also helps students work to build healthy cleanliness habits. You can always add more items to your room if needed later on. 

Linens 

• 2 sets of twin XL sheets
• 1 lightweight blanket and 1 heavyweight blanket
• 1 twin bedspread, duvet, or quilt
• Mattress pad and/or plastic mattress cover
• 1-2 pillows and pillowcases 
• 4 towels and washcloths 

Clothing

Official Forman Dress Code (this dress code is worn on Formal Mondays and other special school events) 

• Pack 1-2 Formal outfits
• Khaki-colored dress pants or skirt
• White oxford shirt, tucked in
• School tie or school scarf
• Navy Blue blazer, traditional style
• Belt
• Dress shoes 

Class Dress Code (this dress code is worn Tuesday-Friday from breakfast through the academic day)

• Shirts: Students are required to wear a collared shirt, which can be a button-down shirt or a polo shirt. Button-down shirts must be buttoned, and all shirts must be tucked in.
• Pants: Students may wear chinos (twill pants). Students are not permitted to wear jeans, cargo-style pants, joggers, sweatpants, yoga pants, or leggings of any style.  
• Dresses/Skirts: Students may wear skirts or dresses of mid-thigh length. If wearing a dress, students must also wear a cardigan, sweater, or blazer.
• Students may wear a third layer, which can be any of the following:
  • Forman branded tie or scarf
  • Blazer or sport coat
  • Knit sweater, vest, or cardigan
• Shoes: Shoes may be of any style, including sneakers, boots, or sandals (no beach flip-flops, athletic/hiking sandals, or slippers).

Leisure & Athletic Clothing (worn after class and on weekends)

• 6-12 sets of clothing for athletics and leisure activities after classes
• Clothing free of inappropriate slogans/graphics and does not advertise, promote or display alcohol, drugs, sex, or tobacco.

Outerwear for New England Weather

• 1 lightweight fall/spring jacket 
• 1 windbreaker/raincoat
• 1 heavy winter coat
• 1 pair of tall waterproof winter boots 
• 1 pair of rain boots
• 1 umbrella
• 2 pairs of winter gloves and 2 winter hats 

 

Personal Care Items

• 10-14 undergarments, socks, tights, etc.
• 2 belts
• 6 pajamas 

Other Items

• Laptop and laptop charger
• Cell phone charger
• Headphones 
• Hangers
• Lockbox for valuables (should be an appropriate size to store under the bed)
• Portable shower caddy
• Toiletries - body soap, shampoo, conditioner, other hair products, shaving products, comb, brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, nail clippers, etc.
• Alarm clock 
  • Here is one creative and effective alarm clock 
• Wastebasket
• Laundry basket or bag 
  • Forman School partners with a laundry service for students, which comes at an additional cost. If you use this service, we recommend labeling everything with your student’s full name. We suggest using these labels. 
  • Forman provides washers and dryers on campus at no cost to operate for students who do not use the laundry service. Students must supply their own detergent.
• Reading lamp and light bulbs (we recommend energy-efficient light bulbs) 
• Rug – optional 
• Wall decorations – optional 

Forman School Provides the Following: 

• Twin bed and mattress
• Desk and chair
• Dresser and closet
• Refrigerator 

Items Not to Bring 

• Electrical appliances (irons, blenders, etc.)
• Devices that allow a student to gain access to cable or television channels
• Cooking devices (microwaves, toasters, hot plates, popcorn poppers, coffee makers, heating elements, etc.)
• Decor that illustrates illegal or inappropriate behaviors (drugs, alcohol, sex, or crimes)
• Weapons or replicas of weapons of any sort (knives, slingshots, bb/pellet/paintball guns, etc.)
• Animals/pets (this includes fish)
• Refrigerators that are not provided by the School
• Heating devices
• Expensive or irreplaceable personal possessions
  • It is important for students to take normal precautions to protect their valuables by utilizing lock boxes and locking their dormitory doors. Forman School assumes no responsibility for student possessions (money or valuables) that are lost or stolen. Students who live abroad should have personal insurance coverage for all of their belongings.
• Ninth graders are not permitted to bring gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, etc.).
• No additional furniture, LED lights with adhesive backing, or sticky LED strip lights are permitted in dorm rooms.
  • Only seniors may supplement a dorm room’s furniture with futons, couches, and wardrobes. These items must be approved by the Director of Student Life or Assistant Head of School.

Additional Notes: 

• You are not required to purchase academic supplies ahead of time, though students are welcome to bring supplies that they favor. Our School Store has academic supplies, health and beauty aids, sporting goods, clothing, and other miscellaneous items available. 

Bonus Tips: 

• If students want to take food out of the dining hall, we recommend bringing reusable containers and utensils. 
• Bring a reusable water bottle — there are many stations to refill on campus!
• Bring photos of friends and family to make your room feel more like home. 

We hope you find this list helpful as you pack for boarding at Forman. The keys to a successful move-in are to stay organized, remember less is more, and try to have fun! In case you forget anything at home, we often offer weekend trips for students to retail stores such as Target and Walmart. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the packing list, please contact Brooke Crossman, Dean of Residential Life, at brooke.crossman@formanschool.org or call 860.567.1836.