The Complete NYSC Orientation Camp Checklist: What to Pack

Three weeks is a long time to be without something you forgot, and prices inside camp are rarely cheaper than at home. This checklist groups everything by purpose, so you can pack in one sitting and tick things off the night before you travel.

A general rule: pack for comfort and practicality, not fashion. Most of your time in camp is spent in NYSC kit, and space in the hostels is limited.

1. Documents (hand luggage only)

Keep every document in a waterproof folder in your hand bag, never in your main luggage.

• Printed call-up letter
• Credentials and identification requested for registration
• Passport photographs with a white background
• Photocopies of everything, plus scans saved on your phone and email

Our separate NYSC camp documents checklist goes through originals and photocopies in more detail. Foreign-trained graduates should note that the NYSC requires them to bring all original documents uploaded during registration, along with translated copies where applicable. Medical graduates are expected to bring their practising licences.

2. Clothing

You will be issued an NYSC kit at camp. On top of that, bring:

• White T-shirts and white shorts (several sets — you will change often)
• White socks
• White canvas shoes or trainers (a spare pair helps)
• Comfortable clothes for evenings and Sundays
• Nightwear
• Underwear for at least a week
• A light jacket or sweater for cold mornings
• Traditional or cultural attire, if your state has asked for it for cultural activities
• Slippers for the hostel and bathroom

3. Toiletries and personal care

• Soap, sponge and towel (two towels are better than one)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant and body cream
• Sanitary pads or tampons, if needed
• Hand sanitiser and tissue
• Nail cutter, comb and a small mirror
• Insect repellent

4. Bedding and hostel items

• Bedsheets and a pillowcase
• A light blanket or wrapper
• Mosquito net
• A small padlock for your box or bag
• A bucket, if you prefer not to share one
• Clothes pegs and a few hangers

5. Health

• Any prescribed medication, in its original packaging
• A basic first-aid kit: plasters, pain relief, oral rehydration salts
• Your glasses or contact lenses, plus a spare pair if you have one

Tell the camp medical team about any existing health condition as soon as you arrive.

6. Food and water

Camp provides meals, but many corps members bring:

• Snacks and beverages for the evenings
• A plate, cup, spoon and a flask
• A reusable water bottle

7. Money and phone

• Some cash in small denominations, kept in more than one place
• A working ATM card
• Your phone, charger and a power bank — charging points are busy
• A small extension cord, if permitted, can make you very popular

8. Things to leave at home

• Expensive jewellery and valuables you would hate to lose
• Large amounts of cash
• Bulky items you will not use in three weeks

Before you zip the bag

• Is your call-up letter printed and in your hand luggage?
• Have you saved your state NYSC secretariat number?
• Do you know exactly where your camp is? Check our list of orientation camp addresses.
• Have you agreed who you are travelling with? You can find corps members going to the same camp on TweleTwele.

Pack the night before, weigh your bag by lifting it with one hand and, if it is too heavy, take something out. You will thank yourself at the motor park.