Items to Bring

If you or your student has never been in a residence hall room, you may be wondering what to bring on Move-In day. We have compiled a list of items to bring, which is available here on our website and also as a printable graphic. Please note this list is specific to Residence Halls (Cambridge, Purin, RiverView, and Sandburg).

Almost as important as what to bring is what not to bring. Below is a list of items to bring and not to bring as well as some packing tips.

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
  • HDMI cable
  • An isolation “go-bag”

Items NOT to Bring

  • Microwave^
  • Halogen 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 & cable
  • Throw rug
  • Crates or stacking containers
  • Radio/stereo
  • TV/DVD
  • Minifridge (max vol. 4 cubic ft)**
  • Camera & batteries
  • 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: Purin, East and Cambridge Commons Upgraded suite kitchens, RiverView floor kitchens, and Sandburg North/South/West Tower floor lounges. Microwaves are only allowed to be brought into Cambridge Standard suites if <700 Watts.

*Allowed in East, Purin & Cambridge Upgrade suites only if kept in kitchens.

**Cambridge prohibits refrigerators because suites are furnished with a full-size refrigerator.

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.