What To Bring (And What Not To Bring)
For Living In The Residence Halls

What To Bring

All residence hall rooms are furnished with a bed, desk, dresser, lamp, and chair, and landfill and recycling waste bins. We suggest coordinating with your new roommate(s) for certain items, including televisions, area rugs, and printers.

Consider buying used when possible.

  • Face coverings (disposable are okay but we recommend seven or more washable/reusable)
  • Clothes for all climate types, including rain gear
  • Umbrella
  • Bathrobe or something to wear to the community bathroom
    (Note: Cuarto residents' bathrooms are in their suites)
  • Warm coat or parka
  • Waterproof shoes or boots
  • Coat hangers
  • Toiletries
  • Toothbrush cover
  • Shower caddy
  • Mirror (only if assigned a room in Tahoe Hall)
  • Bedding: sheets, pillows and pillowcases, mattress pad, comforter and/or bedspread, blankets; all residence hall beds are size XL twin
  • Washcloths and bath towels
  • Hand towels (not all residence halls have paper towels in the restrooms)
  • Alarm clock (preferably with a battery back-up in case of power outages)
  • TV, radio, video and music players, video games, movies and music, other electronic entertainment; Energy Star rated is preferred
  • Headphones/ear buds with a microphone for video conferencing/calls
  • Set of reusable utensils and plates, reusable coffee mug
  • Compostable waste collection bin; any container with a lid will work
  • Reusable shopping bag(s)
  • Reusable beverage container for use at residence hall bottle filling stations
  • Items to decorate your room, such as pictures, posters and plants
    (Note: Students may NOT nail or screw items into walls; poster putty, thumb tacks and push pins are okay)
  • Computer
  • Computer cable lock to secure computer to your desk
  • External keyboard and mouse (if you use a laptop) (*using an external keyboard and mouse can greatly improve ergonomics)
  • Computer needs, such as a flash drive, mousepad, and small screwdriver
  • Smart power strip
  • Non-wireless printer for convenience (printing options are available in each area)
  • Printer and extra ink cartridges (Energy Star rated is preferred)
  • General school supplies (paper, pens/pencils, notecards, push tacks, paperclips, highlighters, etc.); look for materials with recycled or post-consumer material content
  • Coaxial Cable (long) for television (if applicable for your assigned room)
  • Calculator
  • Bicycle, bicycle helmet, bicycle lock, light for nighttime riding, and basic tools
  • Sports equipment: rollerblades, basketball, tennis racquet, snowboard, etc.
  • Laundry supplies, iron, laundry bag or basket
  • Sewing kit
  • Disinfecting Wipes/dusting supplies (vacuums are available at our Area Service Desks); look for products that are Green Seal certified, EPA Safer Choice or ECOLOGO certified
  • Bank Card/Credit Card
  • Health insurance card and other forms of identification (e.g., driver's license)
  • Names, addresses and phone numbers of your bank and credit card companies
  • Eye masks, ear plugs, and white noise machines (to help with sleeping)
  • An emergency kit (for use during prolonged power outages or other emergencies)
    • First aid kit (which should include bandages, a thermometer, basic cold/flu medications, etc)
    • Flashlights/Headlamps (battery, rechargeable battery or hand crank – something other than your phone)
    • Back-up battery charger for devices (keep it charged at all times)
    • Snacks
    • Extra Blankets

What Not To Bring

  • 3D Printers and Lasers
    3D printers, lasers and related crafting devices are not to be used within any residential building; in addition to the potential risk of fire, noxious chemicals and smoke will cause additional risks
  • Motorized vehicles—due to the recent fire danger and product recalls
    Hover boards (self-balancing 2-wheel scooters), electric scooters, electric skateboards, and electric bicycles are considered motorized vehicles and may not be used, charged, or stored in rooms, suites, or apartments, or any common area of any Student Housing owned, operated, or affiliated space
  • Appliances which are not UL-approved
  • Torchiere halogen lamps
  • Candles
  • Space heaters
  • Incandescent string lights
  • Refrigerators and microwaves
    Note: a MicroFridge is included in every residence hall room
  • Hot plates and burners
  • Humidifiers (humidifiers have been known to cause mold; however, exceptions will be made if there is a medical need)
  • Weapons of any kind, including decorative swords and paintball guns
  • Fireworks, firecrackers, flammable liquids, and other explosive or incendiary devices
  • Items which are illegal to possess
  • A car (Note: residence hall students may not purchase a parking permit)
  • Home network devices such as Google Home, Amazon Echo, smart bulbs (they will not connect to the campus network)
  • Large stereo equipment
  • Amplifiers
  • Bottled water
    Note: you can fill a reusable bottle at residence hall bottle filling stations that provide free filtered water
  • Toilet paper
    Note: Student Housing provides toilet paper for residence hall bathrooms all year
  • Computers running Windows 8 and earlier, or Mac OS X (macOS) 10.12 and earlier