I know a couple of the students have already replied to this, but I'd like to add a few things. If I repeat something, forgive me, I don't remember what's already been listed.

Must have things:

Medication
Personal hygiene items (specific items) I.e. skin creams and such if you have allergies
extra toothbruch and toothpaste (one extra of each should e good)
Scrubs or lab coat
dissection kit for lab
flash drive 1GB is enough
comfortable shoes (sneakers or hiking shoes)
Shorts
linen or light cotton shirts
Hat (if you don't like the sun burning a hole in your head)
extra socks
a Good flashlight (maybe one that can work as a lantern incase of power outage)
First aid kit
cosmetic supplies
deodorant (you can buy limited brands here and they are expensive here)
Ointment for insect bites (you can buy repellent here, don't pack it)
Stationary (paper/note pads especially, they are expensive here)
If you are bringing a pet, bring their flea colars/treatments and meds with you, bring extra.
If you use VOIP to call home, bring a decent headset they are expensive here
Alarm clock

Recomended items:
a waterproof backpack if you plan on walking alot
a chill pad for your laptop
extra battery for your laptop as previously mentioned, though there are outlets everywhere.
Voltage regulator for your sensetive appliences
blank CDs/DVDs
external hard drive
A good but cheap watch
One or two sets of nice cloths, you won't use them much here but you never know.

I'm sure there are more things to add but I can't remember. I will add them as I remember. Don't bring anything that's not neccessary as you will eventually have to take it back, and extra laugage costs money.

If you are coming in september, it is too soon to worry about apartments; unless you know someone who is leaving then and can turn their lease over to you. Otherwise, i suggest that you come here about two/three weeks before the semester begins and look for a place. Most of the landlords here will not make arrangements that far in advance and if they do, they can change their mind on a whim.

Get in touch with the Chicago office about a month before you leave and find out who is the housing coordinator on the island when you arrive, get their number and call them before you arrive here. Most likely the coordinator will be a student who has volunteered their time.

So, anyways, hope this helps.

Good luck to you all.