Student Packing List
Everything you need — and a few things you definitely don't — for your week at Future Hitmakers Academy.
Label everything with your name. Bring only what you need. You are responsible for your belongings throughout the program.
Mark all personal items with your name or initials before you arrive. Many cameras, clothing, hats, toiletries, and other items look alike — labeling yours makes it easy to identify and return if misplaced.
All medications must be in original labeled packaging and disclosed on your Health & Medication Authorization Form submitted before arrival.
Valuables left at home are valuables that cannot be lost or stolen. When in doubt, leave it.
Dress Code: You will visit professional venues and music industry locations. Dress clean, presentable, and professional at all times. No offensive graphics, language, or imagery. When in doubt, dress up rather than down.
Shoes matter: You will be on your feet a great deal. Do not pack new shoes you haven't broken in — your future self will thank you.
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Casual daytime outfitsEnough for each day of the program
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Trendy casual outfit(s)This is the music business — think stylish and put-together. No short shorts or skirts, no revealing tops or dresses. Keep it classy.
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Evening attireSomething you feel confident and put-together in for shows and dinners
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Comfortable walking shoesAlready broken in — you will be on your feet all week
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Undergarments & socksPack more than you think you need
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Pajamas / sleepwearPlease make sure you are fully covered — shared living spaces require modesty
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Workout clothes / loungewearFor downtime and free periods
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Light jacket or sweaterVenues and event spaces can be cold even in summer
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Rain jacket or small umbrellaJust in case
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Laundry bagTo separate worn clothes from clean ones
Shared Bathrooms: You will be sharing bathrooms with other students. Bring a shower caddy or bag to keep your toiletries organized and easy to carry to and from the bathroom.
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Shampoo & conditioner
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Body wash or soap
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Deodorant
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Toothbrush & toothpaste
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Floss & mouthwash
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Face wash & skincareWhatever your daily routine requires
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Hairbrush / comb / styling products
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Razor & shaving productsIf applicable
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Feminine hygiene productsIf applicable — bring more than you think you need
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Sunscreen
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Lip balm
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Shower caddy or bag
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Nail clippers & personal grooming items
Required Reading — Medications Policy:
ALL medications must arrive in original, labeled pharmacy packaging. Students self-administer all medications under staff supervision.
ALL prescription medications must be disclosed on your Health & Medication Authorization Form submitted before arrival. Undisclosed controlled substances may be treated as a Code of Conduct violation.
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Prescription medicationsOriginal labeled packaging only — enough for the full program plus a small reserve
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EpiPen or emergency deviceIf prescribed — bring two if possible, one on your person at all times
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InhalerIf prescribed
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Authorized over-the-counter medicationsOnly those approved on your Health & Medication Authorization Form
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Glasses or contact lensesPlus a backup pair of glasses if possible
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Contact lens solution & caseIf applicable
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Allergy alert braceletIf applicable — wear it every day
Phone Policy: Phones must be silenced and put away during all sessions, tours, panels, and program activities. Phones are permitted during meals and designated free time. Photography or video of industry professionals requires their explicit permission.
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Cell phone & chargerYour primary communication device throughout the week
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Portable power bank / backup batteryHighly recommended — long days away from outlets
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Earbuds or headphones
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Charging cables for all devicesBring backups — cables are the easiest thing to forget
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Multi-port USB charger or power stripOptional but very useful in shared rooms
Students who wish to bring a laptop or tablet for group project work are welcome to do so.
Devices brought for project use will be stored securely in Management's room when not needed for sessions. This keeps your device safe and ensures it's available when your team needs it.
FHA is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices. Back up all important files before arriving.
Every day is a learning day. You will hear from working industry professionals whose knowledge you will want to remember. Come prepared to take notes and engage fully — you will fill a notebook this week.
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Notebook or journalDedicated to the program — you will fill it
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Pens & pencilsBring more than one
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HighlightersFor marking key takeaways
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Folder or small binderFor handouts, materials, and project notes
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Sticky notesHelpful for group project work sessions
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Simple business cardsOptional but a great habit — make basic ones before you arrive
All meals, snacks, lodging, transportation, and event admission are included in your tuition. You do not need money for program essentials. Spending money is for personal purchases only.
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Debit or credit cardFor personal purchases
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Small amount of cashFor souvenirs, tips, or personal purchases at venues
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Digital payment app set upVenmo, Apple Pay, etc. — handy for quick purchases
What spending money is for: Souvenirs and gifts at venues we visit · Personal snacks or drinks beyond what is provided · Personal incidentals such as extra toiletries.
There is no required spending amount. Bring what fits your budget.
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Government-issued photo IDDriver's license, state ID, or passport
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Health insurance cardKeep in your wallet every day of the program — this information must also be on file with FHA prior to arrival
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Travel confirmation / flight infoPrinted or saved offline in case you lose signal — your arrival and departure details must also be submitted to FHA in advance
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Emergency contact information written downNot just saved in your phone — on paper too. All emergency contacts must be on file with FHA before the program begins.
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Copy of your enrollment confirmation
Travel Tip: Before you leave home, photograph all important documents and email them to yourself and a parent. If anything is lost, you'll have a digital backup.
Bed linens, a comforter, and bath towels are all provided. There is no need to bring your own unless you have a personal preference.
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PillowProvided — but if you have a favorite pillow you can't sleep without, feel free to bring it
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Shower flip-flopsStrongly recommended for shared bathrooms
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Reusable water bottleStay hydrated — this is a full and active week
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Small backpack or tote bagFor carrying items during daily activities and tours
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Luggage lockFor securing your suitcase
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Small fanOptional — helpful for white noise or air circulation
Leave these at home. The following items are not permitted at Future Hitmakers Academy or are strongly advised against bringing to the program.
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Alcohol, drugs, vaping devices, or controlled substancesZero-tolerance — immediate expulsion. See Code of Conduct.
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Pocket knives, mace, pepper spray, or weapons of any kind
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Demo recordings, vocal tapes, or pitch materialsZero-tolerance no-pitch policy — see your signed No-Pitch Agreement
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Expensive jewelry or irreplaceable sentimental itemsFHA is not responsible for lost or stolen valuables
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Large amounts of cashBring a card instead — safer and easier
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Gaming consoles or devicesThis is a full program — there is no time
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Candles, incense, or open flamesNot permitted in lodging facilities
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Hot plates, electric kettles, or cooking appliances
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Drinks or beveragesUnless you have special dietary needs — we provide all the beverages you need!
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Excessive luggagePack smart — you are here for a week, not a month
* Future Hitmakers Academy is not responsible for the loss of or damage to personal items. Please pack wisely and leave valuables at home.
Questions About What to Pack?
Reach out and we'll help you get ready for the best week of your year.