Budgeting for College Dorm and what's needed?

[TheDisneyDoll]

I have 3 tips that I learned from going to college out of state. I didn't have my parents or anyone to help me move, it was my first year of college after a gap year and I was an 11 hour drive away.

Tip 1. Avoid buying anything larger than a tote until you see the dorm that will be lived in (not a show dorm, the actual dorm). When I went on a visit I got to see a model dorm which was actually lived in it just belonged to students who got paid to have their dorm spotless 100% of the time. But it was 1 of 24 apartments out of 20 buildings. Most of them were similar but a lot had different layouts and on move in day way to many people ended up throwing stuff out or having to take cars full back home.
Our college actually set up a program so stuff wasn't really thrown out it was sorted and they recycled some things into dorms and other things just went to the local homeless shelter.
And I recommend not bringing a fridge until you move in that way you can get the most efficient one possible for the space, and if you have to share the dorm you can work with your dorm mate to get something the right size and put it in a communal space. Some dorms are tiny and to have 2 mini fridges may take up for space that could be used for more important thing.

Tip 2: Get as much reusable things as possible but make sure there is at least one thing that can be bought new. My thing personally was bedding, I've been out of college for a few years now and I still use some of the stuff I bought for my dorm, it doesn't have to be disposable and cheap, but don't trap your kid with the same everything for the next 4 years or so. The one thing I found that always made my room feel new and clean was a new bed set. I also recommend taking your comforter from home and keeping it in a trunk tote for the homesick days.

Tip 3: This is a great time to make a few small investments. If you have the space this is the perfect time to start hunting for a quality desk that you can love forever.
Desks are important and throughout the college years especially you can spend a lot of hours and days getting work done. It can be extremely beneficial to have one set space for studying only. You can study anywhere but having that desk space you know that while you're there you will be getting work done. It's also important to invest in a quality chair.
the chair is almost more important than the desk I think.

 

[Sagginit]

Definitely wait until you know the exact university so you can get info from them. I was the second child to go to college and since my brother went into an off campus apartment that year I got his hand me downs as we went minimal on move in. This was the best route as it turned out fresh dorms had super small rooms and since my roommate was a stranger we didn't want to bunk, but rather split the room in half. I did have a tv and fridge but little room for extras including no room for any extra furniture, storage units, trunks etc. We also had a long list of banned items including microwaves(communal one on each floor), candles, wall fabrics/tapestries, red solo cups, even blenders. Not only did they consider fire safety but they considered drinking safety and ways to cut down on partying.

I would also say a lot of "dorm" stuff can be flimsy. My brother bought this cube storage thing that kept falling apart. Instead for me when I had room for a nightstand we got a small 2 cube unit that was part of a closet organizing system for like $15 and it was ten times as sturdy. For that reason we tended to not buy a lot from the official dorm collections at stores and rather shop elsewhere. Much of it goes on clearance anyway after Sept so we bought items every year that way once we knew what we had room for.

What you can stock up on now if you find a good sale is things any dorm will need... towels, a good bathrobe, ID/card case, electronics, school supplies as the campus bookstore is expensive, raincoat/boots/umbrella and/or winter gear depending on where you go, and even some toiletries. A random thing was I needed to consolidate to fit things in the room so I had to stock up on mini organizers. For ex. All cds and dvds came out of cases and went into one book storage thing. If you find little things like that on sale you can start to pick some of that up. I was so short on space that my toiletries Had to go in my dresser one year so every inch of space counts.

 

[dreamin_disney]

I've been keeping my eyes open for different items. I'm keeping an estimated price list. We have one more college day to attend and hopefully DD will make up her mind.

College #1 will be a dorm(nice dorm room updated) with a roommate. Share a nice private bathroom/shower with 2 rooms 4 people
possible list of items
-bedding, sheets, blankets, pillows
-towels
-safe
-bath tote
-laundry bag/basket
-toilet paper, shampoo/conditioner, soap, shower shoes(have no idea are these like flip flops)
-mini fridge if allowed

College#2 Dorms suck(old and out dated)! Bathroom is between 8-10 , 3 stalls and 2 showers with shower door
-mini fridge (microwave not allowed)
-bedding
-towels
-safe
-Bath tote
-laundry bag and detergent
-mini fridge
*toilet paper included

College #2 Apartment(new and updated) 4 roommates and each person gets their own private room. 2 bathrooms 2 roommates share 1 bathroom
*includes fridge/freezer, stove and microwave

DD likes both campuses.
College #2 housing is on campus .College #1 is 15-20 minute walk to campus :/

I think she is starting to get nervous because she doesn't like talking about it or when I ask questions-lol! I'm stressing out and hope she picks before due date but knowing her she will wait til the very last hour
-lol!

 

[QueenIsabella]

This is a tough time of year to be living with a HS senior--duck and cover! Once she knows where she's going, maybe you two can have a fun day shopping, or at least pricing out costs of the needed items. Sales usually start right around Fourth of July. My DD had good luck at Target. She also got some stuff as graduation gifts--one family filled a small laundry basket with unexciting but necessary supplies--detergent, bath poofy, shampoo, etc.

Shower shoes are like water shoes, but flip-flops work fine. That's what my DD used.

 

[Dashzap]

My son is still deciding. We toured U of Illinois recently....the dorms are cinderblock-ugly. They do have locks on the closets though. Here is their packing checklist:

YOUR PACKING CHECKLIST
What to Bring

• Your i-card (for meal plan and building access; Read more about obtaining your i-card)
• Lamps for desk (non-halogen bulbs only—consider purchasing compact fluorescent bulbs)
• Pillow, bed linens, blankets (36”x 80” or 99 cm × 203 cm for extra-long twin beds). You may order linens through a University-sponsored program.
• Mattress pad
• Alarm clock
• Bike and lock, rollerblades, or other "green" transportation (Please note: bikes may not be stored in residence hall rooms, and rollerblades may not be worn inside of the residence halls. Engrave your name or some identification on several parts of your bike and register it with the campus Parking Department. Motorized bicycles are not permitted in the halls.)
• Key ring/lanyard for key and i-card
• Clothes hangers
• Bathrobe, shower shoes
• Small bucket for carrying toiletries
• Towels, washcloth, soap, shampoo
• Room decorations, pictures of family and friends
• Laundry basket/bag (no need for rolls of quarters—laundry is included in your room and board!)
• High-efficiency laundry detergent (liquid or powder, not pods) — read about Housing's laundry services for more information
• Coffee mug, drinking cups, dishes and cutlery for snacks
• Assorted plastic containers with tight lids for storing snacks, detergent, or other items
• Umbrella, rainwear
• Headphones so your music does not disturb others
• Two power strips with a 15-amp circuit breaker; it must be UL-approved with a heavy cord and three-prong grounding—use a power bar (extension cords are not permitted)
• Poster putty or painters tape for hanging up decoration—no masking tape or scotch tape on wood or painted surfaces
• Winter clothing (unless you can get it later or have it sent)
• Emergency kit (flashlight, batteries, bottled water, first aid kit, etc. See www.redcross.org.)

Items to Leave at Home
The following items are NOT permitted in the residence halls:

• Wireless hub (wireless routers are against campus policy; their default configuration interferes with the Internet connectivity of rooms around you)
• Halogen lamps or halogen bulbs of any kind
• Hotplate, skillet, toaster, toaster oven, rice cooker, George Foreman Grill, or similar cooking or high-wattage appliances with exposed surfaces
• Air conditioner or personal cooling unit, electric or space heater
• Candles (regardless if used for lighting or decoration), kerosene heater, incense, scent pot burners, or other fire hazards
• Pets (except fish, tank must be 5 gallons or less)
• Waterbed
• Nail picture hangers (no nails or thumbtacks in woodwork or walls)
• Constructions (such as “lofts” or “room dividers”) and bed risers are not allowed in the residence halls, and standard room furnishings cannot be moved out of your room or stored.
• Weapons, including air pellet, soft pellet, water, paintball, or BB guns; swords; knives; etc.
• Alcohol (even empty, decorative bottles)
• Oversized stereo speakers
• Your own mattress
• A car (parking is very limited)
• Hoverboard (battery-operated self-balancing scooters are not permitted in any University Housing facility, due to fire risk)

Optional Handy Items
Here are some other optional handy items to consider bringing when you move in:

• A 15’ or longer Ethernet cable, and if you are bringing a laptop you should also bring a laptop cable lock
• Small microwave (one per room), 800 watts or less
• Small refrigerator (one per room), up to 3 cubic feet (Note: Sherman and Daniels Halls rooms already come with microfridges, a combo microwave, freezer, and small refrigerator.) You can rent a microfridge to save hassle.
• Fan (box or window fans are recommended in non-air conditioned residence halls)
• Electric coffee maker/tea maker (look for ones with auto-off feature)
• Throw rug or carpet samples (Note: Busey-Evans and Daniels are already carpeted) If you would like your carpet pre-installed, consider purchasing it ahead of time from University Housing's approved vendor
• Mirror with over-door hooks
• Magnets for magnetic pegboard
• Crates or stacking containers
• Seat cushion for desk chair
• Radio, TV, DVD player, stereo—your room has an outlet for free cable TV. There are also TVs in the central area of halls.
• School supplies, such as stapler, paper clips, pens, etc.
• Postage stamps
• A cart or dolly to expedite your move-in process
• Reading pillow for your bed
• Paper towels and basic cleaning supplies
• Sewing kit, scissors, safety pins
• Personal sports/recreation equipment
• Cell phone. (Your residence hall floor has a courtesy phone for on-campus calls.)

 

[dreamin_disney]

This is a tough time of year to be living with a HS senior--duck and cover! Once she knows where she's going, maybe you two can have a fun day shopping, or at least pricing out costs of the needed items. Sales usually start right around Fourth of July. My DD had good luck at Target. She also got some stuff as graduation gifts--one family filled a small laundry basket with unexciting but necessary supplies--detergent, bath poofy, shampoo, etc.

Shower shoes are like water shoes, but flip-flops work fine. That's what my DD used.

She grumpy right now. She says she doesn't want to talk about it. I told her its a big step in life and its normal to feel nervous. Of course she says she's not nervous she just doesn't like me bringing it up-lol! She an only child so its a big change for all of us. I've started mentally preparing myself since September. I kept busy with a lot of organizing-lol!

My son is still deciding. We toured U of Illinois recently....the dorms are cinderblock-ugly. They do have locks on the closets though. Here is their packing checklist:

YOUR PACKING CHECKLIST
What to Bring

• 
  
  
  • Your i-card (for meal plan and building access; Read more about obtaining your i-card)
  • Lamps for desk (non-halogen bulbs only—consider purchasing compact fluorescent bulbs)
  • Pillow, bed linens, blankets (36”x 80” or 99 cm × 203 cm for extra-long twin beds). You may order linens through a University-sponsored program.
  • Mattress pad
  • Alarm clock
  • Bike and lock, rollerblades, or other "green" transportation (Please note: bikes may not be stored in residence hall rooms, and rollerblades may not be worn inside of the residence halls. Engrave your name or some identification on several parts of your bike and register it with the campus Parking Department. Motorized bicycles are not permitted in the halls.)
  • Key ring/lanyard for key and i-card
  • Clothes hangers
  • Bathrobe, shower shoes
  • Small bucket for carrying toiletries
  • Towels, washcloth, soap, shampoo
  • Room decorations, pictures of family and friends
  • Laundry basket/bag (no need for rolls of quarters—laundry is included in your room and board!)
  • High-efficiency laundry detergent (liquid or powder, not pods) — read about Housing's laundry services for more information
  • Coffee mug, drinking cups, dishes and cutlery for snacks
  • Assorted plastic containers with tight lids for storing snacks, detergent, or other items
  • Umbrella, rainwear
  • Headphones so your music does not disturb others
  • Two power strips with a 15-amp circuit breaker; it must be UL-approved with a heavy cord and three-prong grounding—use a power bar (extension cords are not permitted)
  • Poster putty or painters tape for hanging up decoration—no masking tape or scotch tape on wood or painted surfaces
  • Winter clothing (unless you can get it later or have it sent)
  • Emergency kit (flashlight, batteries, bottled water, first aid kit, etc. See www.redcross.org.)

Items to Leave at Home
The following items are NOT permitted in the residence halls:

• 
  
  
  • Wireless hub (wireless routers are against campus policy; their default configuration interferes with the Internet connectivity of rooms around you)
  • Halogen lamps or halogen bulbs of any kind
  • Hotplate, skillet, toaster, toaster oven, rice cooker, George Foreman Grill, or similar cooking or high-wattage appliances with exposed surfaces
  • Air conditioner or personal cooling unit, electric or space heater
  • Candles (regardless if used for lighting or decoration), kerosene heater, incense, scent pot burners, or other fire hazards
  • Pets (except fish, tank must be 5 gallons or less)
  • Waterbed
  • Nail picture hangers (no nails or thumbtacks in woodwork or walls)
  • Constructions (such as “lofts” or “room dividers”) and bed risers are not allowed in the residence halls, and standard room furnishings cannot be moved out of your room or stored.
  • Weapons, including air pellet, soft pellet, water, paintball, or BB guns; swords; knives; etc.
  • Alcohol (even empty, decorative bottles)
  • Oversized stereo speakers
  • Your own mattress
  • A car (parking is very limited)
  • Hoverboard (battery-operated self-balancing scooters are not permitted in any University Housing facility, due to fire risk)

Optional Handy Items
Here are some other optional handy items to consider bringing when you move in:

• 
  
  
  • A 15’ or longer Ethernet cable, and if you are bringing a laptop you should also bring a laptop cable lock
  • Small microwave (one per room), 800 watts or less
  • Small refrigerator (one per room), up to 3 cubic feet (Note: Sherman and Daniels Halls rooms already come with microfridges, a combo microwave, freezer, and small refrigerator.) You can rent a microfridge to save hassle.
  • Fan (box or window fans are recommended in non-air conditioned residence halls)
  • Electric coffee maker/tea maker (look for ones with auto-off feature)
  • Throw rug or carpet samples (Note: Busey-Evans and Daniels are already carpeted) If you would like your carpet pre-installed, consider purchasing it ahead of time from University Housing's approved vendor
  • Mirror with over-door hooks
  • Magnets for magnetic pegboard
  • Crates or stacking containers
  • Seat cushion for desk chair
  • Radio, TV, DVD player, stereo—your room has an outlet for free cable TV. There are also TVs in the central area of halls.
  • School supplies, such as stapler, paper clips, pens, etc.
  • Postage stamps
  • A cart or dolly to expedite your move-in process
  • Reading pillow for your bed
  • Paper towels and basic cleaning supplies
  • Sewing kit, scissors, safety pins
  • Personal sports/recreation equipment
  • Cell phone. (Your residence hall floor has a courtesy phone for on-campus calls.)

Great list with lots of info. College #2 has a nice laundry facility with a lot of machines and sitting area for waiting or studying while you wait for your laundry. Vending machines and microwave. I'll have to look into what type of soap is allowed. I was thinking of the pods vs liquid but I guess it depends on machines

 

[Dashzap]

College #2 has a nice laundry facility with a lot of machines and sitting area for waiting or studying while you wait for your laundry. Vending machines and microwave. I'll have to look into what type of soap is allowed. I was thinking of the pods vs liquid but I guess it depends on machines

That list says no laundry pods, but if you click on their link they say you can use pods (but put them in with the clothes, not in the soap dispenser). Probably best to buy the laundry detergent move in day, after you see the actual machines in the dorm.

 

[kymom99]

She grumpy right now. She says she doesn't want to talk about it. I told her its a big step in life and its normal to feel nervous. Of course she says she's not nervous she just doesn't like me bringing it up-lol! She an only child so its a big change for all of us. I've started mentally preparing myself since September. I kept busy with a lot of organizing-lol!

Great list with lots of info. College #2 has a nice laundry facility with a lot of machines and sitting area for waiting or studying while you wait for your laundry. Vending machines and microwave. I'll have to look into what type of soap is allowed. I was thinking of the pods vs liquid but I guess it depends on machines

I know what you mean. My son doesn't want to talk about college. Yesterday I said you don't want to go to college do you? He said no! Now, he knows he has to but I know why he is feeling like he is. He is involved in all kinds of cool activities and homework, etc is tapering off. He is thoroughly enjoying his life right now. Why rush it? But Mom doesn't like loose ends!

I got him to commit to a school in December. I have been a little bit afraid he might change his mind since, but I understand now he just doesn't want to think about it yet. So I'm not pushing him. Being a boy, he couldn't care less what kinds of room supplies I get him so I'm just going ahead and pricing some things. Also picking up little things as I see them.

Good luck with your senior. It's really a fun and exciting time, but stressful too!

 

[QueenIsabella]

Keep in mind, Dashzap's list is from one college, and shouldn't be considered the be-all, end-all. For example, whether my DD needs quarters for laundry depends on which living space she had--her school had "flexpoints", which could be used for laundry in some dorms, but she was in a house that required quarters. This semester, she's in an apartment with its own W/D, but I still gave her a roll of quarters for metered parking for her friends. She doesn't have a car, but some people do, so she wanted the quarters. But, that's a good list to look at, to give you a feel for what you might need or want. I wouldn't be buying a coffee maker until you're sure it's allowed, though--that's something else my DD couldn't have.

 

[dreamin_disney]

Keep in mind, Dashzap's list is from one college, and shouldn't be considered the be-all, end-all. For example, whether my DD needs quarters for laundry depends on which living space she had--her school had "flexpoints", which could be used for laundry in some dorms, but she was in a house that required quarters. This semester, she's in an apartment with its own W/D, but I still gave her a roll of quarters for metered parking for her friends. She doesn't have a car, but some people do, so she wanted the quarters. But, that's a good list to look at, to give you a feel for what you might need or want. I wouldn't be buying a coffee maker until you're sure it's allowed, though--that's something else my DD couldn't have.

College #2 dorms and apartment the machines only take atm or credit card. I figure I will go with a credit card so her atm is never used. I always worry if she loses it atleast CC are more secure

If she picks college #2 she can always come home on the weekends and do laundry. Its closer than College #1. My daughter doesn't drink coffee so no need for coffee maker. She can use the microwave for soups. If she get an apartment we will get her a magic bullet for her smoothies

 

[Dashzap]

Keep in mind, Dashzap's list is from one college, and shouldn't be considered the be-all, end-all.

Yes. That list was from where my son is likely to go. The school he is waitlisted at has this list:

The items below are the most frequently utilized by students in the Residence Halls.
Things to Make You Feel at Home:

• Kitchen supplies (plates, cups, and utensils)
• Refrigerator (rent one through bedloft.com. Free delivery and pick-up if ordered by September 7th, 2016)
• Fan
• Area rugs
• Room decorations, photos
• School supplies
• Books

Health Care Needs:

• Your health insurance card
• Your prescribed medicine
• Band-aids
• Over-the-counter medicine (allergy medicine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cold medicine)
• Thermometer

THINGS TO LEAVE AT HOME

The following items are not permitted on campus:

• Electric coffee makers (no external hot plate surfaces) or electric tea kettles
• Electric grills (ie; George Foreman grill
• Gas/charcoal grills
• Halogen floor lamps
• Hot plates
• Microwaves that are not part of a microfridge
• Toasters and toaster ovens
• Refrigerators over 4.0 cubic feet
• Portable heating systems
• Weapons (including paintball guns, decorative weapons/swords, tasers, knives, and athletic weapons such a bow and arrow or fencing weapons)
• Air conditioners
• Amplified musical instruments (may not be played in student rooms)
• Candles, incense, and fireworks
• Hoverboards and Drones
• Soldering equipment

Note: For fire and student safety reasons, loft kits and the lofting of beds is not permitted.

WHAT WILL THE UNIVERSITY PROVIDE?
All rooms are furnished with the following:

• Bed
• Dresser
• Desk
• Desk chair
• Closet/armoir
• Land-line telephone
• Book shelving
• Lighting
• Window treatments.

Please note: all student rooms in the Residence Halls are carpeted except for those in International House

All Halls are equipped with coin and credit/debit card operated washers and dryers, access to cable, and computers and printing. Vacuum cleaners, irons, and ironing boards are available for student check out and use.

 

[Dashzap]

Soldering equipment seems a bit random, doesn't it?

Kinda cool everyone gets landline phone.

 

[dreamin_disney]

Yes. That list was from where my son is likely to go. The school he is waitlisted at has this list:

The items below are the most frequently utilized by students in the Residence Halls.
Things to Make You Feel at Home:

• Kitchen supplies (plates, cups, and utensils)
• Refrigerator (rent one through bedloft.com. Free delivery and pick-up if ordered by September 7th, 2016)
• Fan
• Area rugs
• Room decorations, photos
• School supplies
• Books

Health Care Needs:

• Your health insurance card
• Your prescribed medicine
• Band-aids
• Over-the-counter medicine (allergy medicine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cold medicine)
• Thermometer

THINGS TO LEAVE AT HOME

The following items are not permitted on campus:

• Electric coffee makers (no external hot plate surfaces) or electric tea kettles
• Electric grills (ie; George Foreman grill
• Gas/charcoal grills
• Halogen floor lamps
• Hot plates
• Microwaves that are not part of a microfridge
• Toasters and toaster ovens
• Refrigerators over 4.0 cubic feet
• Portable heating systems
• Weapons (including paintball guns, decorative weapons/swords, tasers, knives, and athletic weapons such a bow and arrow or fencing weapons)
• Air conditioners
• Amplified musical instruments (may not be played in student rooms)
• Candles, incense, and fireworks
• Hoverboards and Drones
• Soldering equipment

Note: For fire and student safety reasons, loft kits and the lofting of beds is not permitted.

WHAT WILL THE UNIVERSITY PROVIDE?
All rooms are furnished with the following:

• Bed
• Dresser
• Desk
• Desk chair
• Closet/armoir
• Land-line telephone
• Book shelving
• Lighting
• Window treatments.

Please note: all student rooms in the Residence Halls are carpeted except for those in International House

All Halls are equipped with coin and credit/debit card operated washers and dryers, access to cable, and computers and printing. Vacuum cleaners, irons, and ironing boards are available for student check out and use.

If DD get picks the apartment then we will need to get more items for the
kitchen
-plates
-cups
-utensils, towels, napkins, etc
-rug the entire apartment has nice flooring probably vinyl wood tile looking

Soldering equipment seems a bit random, doesn't it?

Kinda cool everyone gets landline phone.

at the college day a guy asked if he could bring his drum set. Lady told him I guess you probably need silencers. I was thinking drums would barely fit in the dorm room unless he gets a freshman apartment. no pets but you cold have a pet fish

 

[mjkacmom]

My son is still deciding. We toured U of Illinois recently....the dorms are cinderblock-ugly. They do have locks on the closets though. Here is their packing checklist:

YOUR PACKING CHECKLIST
What to Bring

• 
  
  
  • Your i-card (for meal plan and building access; Read more about obtaining your i-card)
  • Lamps for desk (non-halogen bulbs only—consider purchasing compact fluorescent bulbs)
  • Pillow, bed linens, blankets (36”x 80” or 99 cm × 203 cm for extra-long twin beds). You may order linens through a University-sponsored program.
  • Mattress pad
  • Alarm clock
  • Bike and lock, rollerblades, or other "green" transportation (Please note: bikes may not be stored in residence hall rooms, and rollerblades may not be worn inside of the residence halls. Engrave your name or some identification on several parts of your bike and register it with the campus Parking Department. Motorized bicycles are not permitted in the halls.)
  • Key ring/lanyard for key and i-card
  • Clothes hangers
  • Bathrobe, shower shoes
  • Small bucket for carrying toiletries
  • Towels, washcloth, soap, shampoo
  • Room decorations, pictures of family and friends
  • Laundry basket/bag (no need for rolls of quarters—laundry is included in your room and board!)
  • High-efficiency laundry detergent (liquid or powder, not pods) — read about Housing's laundry services for more information
  • Coffee mug, drinking cups, dishes and cutlery for snacks
  • Assorted plastic containers with tight lids for storing snacks, detergent, or other items
  • Umbrella, rainwear
  • Headphones so your music does not disturb others
  • Two power strips with a 15-amp circuit breaker; it must be UL-approved with a heavy cord and three-prong grounding—use a power bar (extension cords are not permitted)
  • Poster putty or painters tape for hanging up decoration—no masking tape or scotch tape on wood or painted surfaces
  • Winter clothing (unless you can get it later or have it sent)
  • Emergency kit (flashlight, batteries, bottled water, first aid kit, etc. See www.redcross.org.)

Items to Leave at Home
The following items are NOT permitted in the residence halls:

• 
  
  
  • Wireless hub (wireless routers are against campus policy; their default configuration interferes with the Internet connectivity of rooms around you)
  • Halogen lamps or halogen bulbs of any kind
  • Hotplate, skillet, toaster, toaster oven, rice cooker, George Foreman Grill, or similar cooking or high-wattage appliances with exposed surfaces
  • Air conditioner or personal cooling unit, electric or space heater
  • Candles (regardless if used for lighting or decoration), kerosene heater, incense, scent pot burners, or other fire hazards
  • Pets (except fish, tank must be 5 gallons or less)
  • Waterbed
  • Nail picture hangers (no nails or thumbtacks in woodwork or walls)
  • Constructions (such as “lofts” or “room dividers”) and bed risers are not allowed in the residence halls, and standard room furnishings cannot be moved out of your room or stored.
  • Weapons, including air pellet, soft pellet, water, paintball, or BB guns; swords; knives; etc.
  • Alcohol (even empty, decorative bottles)
  • Oversized stereo speakers
  • Your own mattress
  • A car (parking is very limited)
  • Hoverboard (battery-operated self-balancing scooters are not permitted in any University Housing facility, due to fire risk)

Optional Handy Items
Here are some other optional handy items to consider bringing when you move in:

• 
  
  
  • A 15’ or longer Ethernet cable, and if you are bringing a laptop you should also bring a laptop cable lock
  • Small microwave (one per room), 800 watts or less
  • Small refrigerator (one per room), up to 3 cubic feet (Note: Sherman and Daniels Halls rooms already come with microfridges, a combo microwave, freezer, and small refrigerator.) You can rent a microfridge to save hassle.
  • Fan (box or window fans are recommended in non-air conditioned residence halls)
  • Electric coffee maker/tea maker (look for ones with auto-off feature)
  • Throw rug or carpet samples (Note: Busey-Evans and Daniels are already carpeted) If you would like your carpet pre-installed, consider purchasing it ahead of time from University Housing's approved vendor
  • Mirror with over-door hooks
  • Magnets for magnetic pegboard
  • Crates or stacking containers
  • Seat cushion for desk chair
  • Radio, TV, DVD player, stereo—your room has an outlet for free cable TV. There are also TVs in the central area of halls.
  • School supplies, such as stapler, paper clips, pens, etc.
  • Postage stamps
  • A cart or dolly to expedite your move-in process
  • Reading pillow for your bed
  • Paper towels and basic cleaning supplies
  • Sewing kit, scissors, safety pins
  • Personal sports/recreation equipment
  • Cell phone. (Your residence hall floor has a courtesy phone for on-campus calls.)

This is a great list! All of the optimal ones are things ds18 has needed this year. He has cinderblocks as did dd20) and NO closet doors!

 

[QueenIsabella]

Soldering equipment seems a bit random, doesn't it?

Kinda cool everyone gets landline phone.

Soldering equipment seems random, unless you're an electrical engineering student (as I was). Ah, the memories of burning my long hair on that thing!

The "no pet" rule makes sense, but DD21 has a friend who was pre-vet--they were encouraged to have a small pet. But by small, I mean something that could stay in a fish tank. I believe the friend had a hermit crab.

 

[TnTWalter]

ideas on what laptops you all are buying? can't believe i will have one in college in the fall.

 

[kymom99]

ideas on what laptops you all are buying? can't believe i will have one in college in the fall.

I need to know this as well

 

[Dashzap]

ideas on what laptops you all are buying? can't believe i will have one in college in the fall.

First check the university's requirements.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

ideas on what laptops you all are buying? can't believe i will have one in college in the fall.

I need to know this as well

DS is a college sophomore and DD will be going in the Fall. I was advised by other college parents to buy the laptop through the university. The university guarantees it for all 4 years; even drops and spills are covered. If it breaks, it is fixed free of charge at the university shop and given priority over non university purchased computers. A loaner laptop is issued to the student free of charge while their laptop is getting fixed. If it can't be fixed, it is replaced. All the university software pertaining to their major comes pre loaded on the computer. And the prices were competitive. DS has needed the free loaner twice now, so I will definitely be buying DD's laptop through her university program.

 

[kymom99]

DS is a college sophomore and DD will be going in the Fall. I was advised by other college parents to buy the laptop through the university. The university guarantees it for all 4 years; even drops and spills are covered. If it breaks, it is fixed free of charge at the university shop and given priority over non university purchased computers. A loaner laptop is issued to the student free of charge while their laptop is getting fixed. If it can't be fixed, it is replaced. All the university software pertaining to their major comes pre loaded on the computer. And the prices were competitive. DS has needed the free loaner twice now, so I will definitely be buying DD's laptop through her university program.

That sounds like a great program. I'll have to see if my sons future school offers anything like this