We hope that the residence halls will provide invaluable out-of-the-classroom experiences in addition to helping you make the transition from high school to college, providing opportunities for friendship, leadership and personal growth. In an effort to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable, the residential life department has provided you with a list of suggested items to bring (sort of like packing for summer camp, but you’ll be gone for nine or10 months instead of a few days!).

These items are suggested and/or things others have found to be helpful, but you are not required to bring everything on the list. In fact, you may want to wait and coordinate what to bring with your roommate. That way neither one of you has to bring everything and you can make more efficient use of the space in the room. Anyone helping you move will appreciate that also!

Suggested items to bring:

• Bedding (extra long twin sheets, blankets, pillows, mattress pad or egg crate, etc.)
• Phone (we provide voicemail for each student and local service for each room)
• Towels (bath, hand, washcloths, dish cloths and towels)
• Alarm clock
• Extension cords and power strips with circuit breakers (extension cords and power strips without circuit breakers are NOT permitted due to the danger of fire)
• Personal care/hygiene items (soap, shampoo, conditioner, blow dryer/curling iron, deodorant, contact solution, etc.)
• Mugs/glasses, plate, bowl, knife/fork/spoon (cafeteria food is good, but you may want an occasional bowl of soup/cereal, piece of pizza, etc.)
• Laundry supplies (laundry soap, fabric softener sheets, basket/hamper, etc. You may also want to get some basic tips on how to do laundry if you are unsure how to do it)
• Lots of quarters (those things that were free at home, aren’t here ... like laundry - 75 cents to wash and 50 cents to dry; pop, juice, etc.)
• Coffee maker
• Small saucepan, large spoon, hot pads, etc. (to make midnight snacks on the stove in the kitchen that can’t be made in the microwave)
• Can opener (manual or electric, to open that can of soup)
• Trash can and/or liners
• School supplies – although the Campus Bookstore has a full supply of what you need
• Refrigerator and/or a microwave – there is a limit of one microwave and/or refrigerator per room. Please coordinate with your roommate.
• Some people like carpeting or throw rugs (6’ x 9’ covers most of walking surfaces)
• Pictures/posters for the walls and mounting putty or 3M and Scotch Removable Mounting Squares and Tabs (NOT Scotch tape or duct tape; they take paint off walls that you will be charged for when you check out)
• Memo board for your door
• Key chain
• Flashlight/batteries (for occasional power outages)
• Fan (helpful in both buildings year-round)
• Hangers
• Computer (each hall has four student computers, but you may bring your own. See http://www.dwu.edu/is/econnections/index.htm if you intend to bring a laptop)
• Basic tools (hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure, etc.
• Bathrobe (bathrooms and showers are down the hall from your room)
• Lamps and lightbulbs - Halogen lights are not permitted. They have been cited as the primary cause of numerous fires in residence halls around the country.
• Television (every room has been wired for basic cable)
• VCR or DVD player
• Stereo and head phones (your neighbors may not love that song as much as you do--especially at 3 a.m.!)
• Most important: bring a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. You’re more likely to enjoy the residential experience and the university if you stay positive and open to new experiences.

Suggested items for apartments and Allen Hall:

• Curtains and curtain rods for the closets in the apartments and Allen Hall suites as they do not have doors on them.
• Couches, chairs, futons, etc... to make your living areas more comfortable
• While the apartments are carpeted, Allen Hall is not, so you may want to consider bringing carpeting and/or area rugs for your bedroom and living room
• Cleaning supplies: you will be responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of your apartment or suite, including the bathrooms