Packing List + Food & Supplies (the essentials)

What should I pack?

For Fall 2023, all first year students will be moving directly into their term-time housing.  Which means,  you will have all of your stuff with you.  This is great BUT you need to pack such that you have the items you will need for FUP accessible as soon as you arrive

Our worksites will be a combination of skills-based projects (i.e. projects that require application of technical skills and analysis) and direct service projects (i.e. projects that require physical effort like painting, cleaning, registering voters, canvassing). Some projects will be remote and others on site in one of the neighborhoods of Boston. Keep in mind that it is HOT in Cambridge/Boston in August. The cold wealther will be here eventually but for now, expect to be in hot weather. 

Items to be easily accessible: 
- comfortable, grungy clothes and closed toe shoes that can be worn for painting, beautification and clean up projects

- casual clothes (jeans/tshirts/khakis/) for community outreach events

- all day walking shoes as whether on campus or off, you will be moving from place to place.  

- bed linens (sleeping bag/extra long sheets & blanket) and towel
- rain gear (optional, but may come in handy)
- toiletries (don't forget any prescription meds)/flip flops for those common bathrooms 
- water bottles/reusable drinking cups to reuse during the week
sunblock, sunglasses 

Should I bring my computer to FUP?

Yes, you should.  Some sites will be research based and will require a laptop. Just please remember to not leave your computer unattended. 

What if I forget to pack contact solution? soap? honey-mustard onion pretzels?

A major chain drug store, CVS, is right across the street from Harvard Yard. And the Shaw's supermarket is a T ride or a 15 minute walk away.

What's on the menu for the week?

We will be eating in the dining halls with take away lunches, usually sandwiches, apple, chips.  Snacks during evening sessions are also provided. Please make sure you provide any allergy/dietary restrictions information prior to arriving. The application for pre-orientation programs does ask you for this information.  

I'm allergic to some foods. Do I have to let you know?

YES! If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know as soon as possible.The application for pre-orientation programs does ask you for this information.  

I keep kosher. And I'm also vegan. Do I have to bring my own food? What's up?

Please tell us as soon as possible if you have any dietary restrictions. You should not need to bring your own food. We may ask you if there are certain foods we should have on hand.