We are so excited to welcome you to campus! Below you can find information on what you will need to bring to SLAI, along with any preparation specific to your needs/program. Make sure you read this page in its entirety, along with the rest of our admitted student pages.
Packing List
In general, dress for SLAI is casual summer wear. Shorts and t-shirts will be fine for the classroom. Minnesota weather can be unpredictable. July and August tend to be quite warm (highs in the 80s and 90s), and evenings can cool down quickly. You should bring a light jacket or sweatshirt and jeans or long pants for evening activities. You will be walking to class and to meals, so you may also want to bring comfortable shoes and an umbrella.
The Rec Center is open and available for you to use while you are here. You will also have access to practice rooms should you wish to bring a musical instrument. Our staff has a reputation for creativity when planning water activities on hot afternoons, so we also recommend bringing a swimsuit and sunscreen to take full advantage of the water games. Finally, there will be a talent show during the course of your program; please bring anything you would need to showcase your talent.
The following is not an exhaustive list of what you will need for SLAI, and you should use your best judgment about what you will need to bring. We highly recommend labeling your personal belongings.
Your Dorm and Dorm Room:
Provided in Your Dorm Room
- XL Twin bed frame and mattress
- Desk
- Desk chair
- Trash can and recycling bin
- Dresser
- Closet / Armoire
- All rooms within our traditional residential halls are furnished with a Microwave/Refrigerator/Freezer Unit
Provided in Common Areas:
- Television Lounge: TV
- Kitchen: sink, full-sized refrigerator, microwave and stove/oven unit
- Laundry rooms: Drying racks
Students will receive a linen package that includes: Sheets, a blanket, pillow, towel, cup, and small bar of soap. If you would like to bring additional comfort items from home to supplement this package you may.
Remember to bring:
- Photo identification card
- Cell phone compliant with SLAI Cell Phone policy
- Laptop (required for 3-week students, strongly encouraged for 1-week students)
- Any chargers for your electronics, including laptops, phones, tablets, etc.
- Simple School Supplies: Notebook/Paper, writing utensils
- At least one dressier outfit for the program banquet
- Sunscreen
- Clothing – you will have access to free laundry during your stay!
- Light jacket and/or sweatshirt
- Comfortable shoes
- Umbrella/Rain Coat
- Water bottle
- Bath towel
- Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner. You may want to consider also bringing shower shoes, and a shower caddy.
- “Lab Clothes” – If your program includes science labs, you must bring lab appropriate clothing that covers your torso, long pants, and closed-toed shoes.
Field Science Program students, make sure to bring:
- Hiking/closed-toed shoes that are sturdy and can get dirty
- Hat for sun & water bottle
- Shirts that cover your shoulders (t-shirt works) and torso, long pants for sun and bug protection
Things you might like to have (not required):
- Blanket, sheet set (XL Twin), or pillow from home
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Shoes that can get wet for water activities
- Insect repellent/bug spray (strongly encouraged)
- Alarm clock
- Personal recreation equipment and/or musical instruments
- A little extra spending money
Packing Tip: You pack it, you carry it!
Make sure you are able to carry and lift your suitcases/belongings. Unless necessary due to a medical accommodation, we do not have additional staff assistance for students to carry their luggage upon arrival or departure to or from the airport or campus. There are washers and dryers in residence halls for students to do laundry throughout their stay!
Forget something?
A grocery store and Walgreens are within walking distance from campus. Students will also find clothing and thrift stores in the Northfield area to buy items they may have forgotten at home. Need a toiletry refill? The Homebody Refill Market in downtown Northfield will re-fill toiletry bottles students bring from home.
Personal Computers
As a reflection of the typical college experience, personal devices like laptops are utilized for coursework both in and outside of the classroom. 3-week students are required to bring a personal device, such as a laptop to the program. While it’s not required, 1-week students are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop to the program.
If you bring your own computer, be sure your computer is in good working order. Carleton does not provide maintenance to privately owned computers. Technical support for your personal computer will be limited!
Computers should not be used past curfew hours, and professors may prohibit the use of technology in their classroom on occasion. It’s the student’s role to respect the technology rules set forth by faculty.
Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Carleton College is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. The Accessibility Resources office is the campus office that collaborates with students who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange reasonable accommodations.
If you have or think you may have a disability (including, but not limited to, mental health, attentional, learning, autism spectrum disorders, chronic health, traumatic brain injury and concussions, sensory, physical, or speech), you must document it in our forms through CampDoc if you expect to receive any sort of accommodation.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Margi Youmans: myoumans@carleton.edu