If you or your student have never been in a residence hall room, you may be wondering what to bring on Move-In day. Here we have compiled a list of items to bring, along with what to leave at home, and other items that residents find as optional, depending on the student’s preference. Please note these lists are specific to Residence Halls (Cambridge, RiverView, and Sandburg).
Items to Bring
- Twin extra-long bedding
- Alarm clock
- Clothes hangers
- Towels & washcloth
- Vacuum cleaner
- Bathrobe & shower shoes
- Toiletries (including toilet paper)
- Small toiletries container
- Laundry basket/bag & detergent
- Coffee mug & dishes
- Plastic storage containers
- Umbrella
- Headphones
- Flashlight
- Extension cord(s)
- Cleaning supplies with bleach
- Room decorations
Items NOT to Bring
- Microwave^ (RENT instead!)
- Halogen/Lava lamps
- Lamps with plastic lamp shades
- Toaster*
- George Foreman grill*
- Pizza oven*
- Sandwich makers*
- Candles
- Anything combustible
- Pets (except fish)
- Alcohol (if underage)
- Illegal drugs
- Weapons
- Space heaters
- Appliances with exposed heating elements
Optional Items to Bring
- Coaxial cable for television**
- Computer with ethernet cord**
- Throw rug
- Crates or stacking containers
- Radio/stereo
- TV/DVD & HDMI cable
- Minifridge (max vol. 4 cubic ft)
- Paper towels
- Fan
- Sewing kit, scissors, & safety pins
- Personal sports equipment
- Hot pot
- Coffeemaker
- Lamp for desk (not halogen or with plastic lampshade)
- Power strip
- Dry erase board
^Microwaves are provided in the following locations: East and Cambridge Commons Upgraded suite kitchens, RiverView & Cambridge floor kitchens, and Sandburg North/South/West Tower floor lounges and 3rd floor kitchens. Microwaves are only allowed to be brought into Cambridge Standard suites if <700 Watts.
*Allowed in East & Cambridge Upgrade suites only if kept in kitchens.
**Item may be purchased at any of our Service Desks.
Packing Hint #1
Make sure all of your belongings are packed securely in boxes or sturdy baskets. During Move-In, you will have access to moving carts. If you are able to easily stack your belongings on these carts, you will significantly speed up the Move-In process. Loose items are hard to transport on carts.
Packing Hint #2
You don’t need to bring all of your belongings during Move-In! Bring what you know you will need, and then wait a few days until you have a better idea of how much space you have once your roommate has moved in. You can always bring more items after the official Move-In period.