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What to Bring to Campus: Information and Check-List

A student’s first year in college is often his or her first living away from home or sharing a room. Students often bring particular items to campus based on personal preference. But keep in mind that your son or daughter can purchase or bring additional items from home after moving in. Remember that – along with packing the essentials – your student should be sure to bring a sense of self, a sense of purpose, and a sense of humor.

What’s Provided in University Residence Halls
University Residence Halls provide furniture which can be “lofted” or stacked to create more floor space. These items are provided for each resident in all halls: bed, desk, mattress, bookcase or hutch, desk chair, mattress pad, and dresser. Also provided in every room: acompact refrigerator, window coverings, wastebaskets, and closets. For detailed information specific to each Residence Hall, visit the University Housing website.

Appliances That Are Not Allowed
Extensive food preparation is not allowed in resident rooms for sanitation and fire safety reasons. The University Residence Halls do not allow: toasters, toaster ovens, drip coffee makers, electric frying pans and grills (including George Foreman Grills®), or any cooking appliance with an open heating element or exposed heat source.

Additional items you may wish to bring

In addition to the furnishings provided by University Housing, we encourage students to bring their own belongings to personalize their rooms. Keep in mind that the room has limited space, so only bring items that are most essential. We encourage your student to talk with his or her roommate during the summer and avoid duplication of large items and electronics. Also, realize that it is not necessary to bring clothes for the whole year when moving in. Summer and early fall clothes may be exchanged for winter clothes mid-fall.

School Supplies

The type and variety of school supplies first-year students need depends upon courses and personal preference. For example, English 100 requires red pens, introductory Chemistry requires safety goggles, and many math classes require a calculator. If you wish to purchase school supplies before arriving on campus, we encourage you to select the type of general supplies that you found most helpful in high school, such as notebooks, folders, a planner, pens, binders, and paper. Specialized supplies can be purchased once the course syllabus has been distributed. A syllabus will feature information on class expectations, assignments, grading, and the materials needed for the course.

Textbooks
Students can find out about textbooks and other materials they will need for enrolled classes, or classes they’re considering taking, from a number of resources:

Textbooks can be expensive. Below are some cost-saving alternatives. Students should be sure to purchase the correct textbook edition. The International Standard Book Number (ISBN), the 10-digit number that uniquely identifies books published internationally, is included in the Student Center Textbooks listings if the instructor has provided it.

Students may also be required to purchase course packets, lab equipment, and/or art materials. These items are available at campus or local stores.

University Housing provides for each resident:

University Housing provides in every room:

Appliances That Are Not Allowed

Room/personal items:

Medicine cabinet items:

General bathroom toiletries and personal hygiene items:

Cleaning items:

Bedding:

Visit the University Housing website for a one-page checklist of what to bring to campus. (PDF)