Welcome to College Life!
In order to help you prepare to move to campus, the Department of Residence Life has prepared the following list to help you plan for your arrival!
Remember: Do not pack too much junk in your trunk…or your room. You cannot bring everything you own from your bedroom at home. When packing, keep in mind that you and your roommate will be sharing limited space that is approximately 12’x15’ (180 square feet). We strongly recommend that you collaborate with your assigned roommate and suitemates before bringing larger items or major furnishings, to lessen any potential space-use disagreements.
What to Bring
- Personal clothing, toiletries & hygiene products
- Pictures of family and friends
- Computer or laptop
- Calendar or Planner
- Academic supplies
- Silverware, drinkware, bowls, plates
- UL-Surge Protector/Power strips – must be grounded with resettable breaker
- Flashlight
- Study lamp
- Desk-top fan
- Bed linens (extra-long twin, 1-2 sets), pillow(s), blankets, bedspread, mattress pad or topper, towels (Support Resident Housing Association and order online)
- Laundry Detergent
- Laundry Basket/Hamper
- Clothes Hangers
- General Cleaning Supplies (409 or all-purpose cleaner for suite bathrooms)
- Plunger
- Mop
- Shower Caddy
- Bathmat/rug, Shower Curtain (at least 78" in length)
- Alarm Clock
- Radio or stereo - Please note: subwoofers and surround sound systems which can be heard or felt outside of the confines of an individual room are prohibited.
- Television and stand – TVs are not permitted to be mounted on the walls or ceilings.
- Roku, firestick, or other streaming device
- Gaming systems
- Ethernet cable
- Painter’s tape (blue) or 3M mounting strips
- Compact refrigerators 3.5 cubic feet or smaller
- Microwaves less than 1,000 watts
- First Aid Kit
- Glasses/Sunglasses
- Debit Card
- Padlock for desk or small safe for valuables
- Vacuum Cleaner
What You Cannot Bring
Due to safety, security, or Residence Life policy provisions; fire safety regulations; other related concerns; or all of the above, the following items are strictly prohibited in the on-campus INTERIOR residential environment:
- Flushable wipes (toilet) - They aren’t really flushable, and they clog toilets and pipes.
- Personal space heaters or other portable heat producing units
- Candles (even decorative ones or gifts)
- Wax or Oil warmers (Scentsy pots, etc.)
- Incense, incense burners
- Tobacco, Vape, and Cannabis– This includes smokeless tobacco, vaping, clove cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookahs (including e-hookahs). For more information see the Tobacco-, Vape-and Cannabis-Free campus policy
- Grills, hot plates, toaster ovens, cooktops, induction burners, and any other similar item with an exposed-coil burner or exposed flat burner (drip coffee makers).
- Air fryers
- Highly combustible items, flammable liquids, toxic chemicals, or anything gasoline-powered
- Weapons of any kind. Including, but not limited to:
- Firearms or ammunition (including airsoft guns, or toy guns that resemble real weapons, Nerf guns)
- Knives (fixed blade or with blades over 3 inches)
- Alcohol (including empty alcohol beverage containers, can or bottle collections, kegs, shot chillers, etc.)
- Illicit drugs & other controlled substances (including paraphernalia)
- Waterbeds, portable hot tubs, or any other large volume water items
- Oversized items, such as sofas, couches, game tables, drum sets, large entertainment systems, etc.
- Dartboards, metal-tipped darts, etc.
- LED light strips (the adhesive will cause damage to the drywall and paint)
- Hoverboards, electric bikes, and electric scooters
- Nails, duct tape, double stick tape (will cause damage to the drywall and paint)
- Pets aren’t permitted in any campus residence (except fish in maximum 10-gallon tank)
Additional Items of Note:
- Residents are individually responsible for sharing general cleaning within their room or apartment, all furniture & other contents, and common areas contiguous to their living units (bathrooms, etc.). This includes cleaning the bathroom that you share with your suitemates on a schedule determined by the residents of the suite.
- The University retains the right to restrict or prohibit a resident’s use of weight-lifting equipment, musical instruments, radios, stereos, and other items on University premises.
- Room re-painting or other alterations are not allowed (even if your guardians are professional painters, contractors, interior decorators, etc.)
- Road signs and emergency lights or signage are subject to confiscation as stolen property unless you have a bill of sale or ownership can be otherwise proven.
- Charges can be assessed for vandalism, malicious destruction, avoidable damages, extra cleaning, full-value replacements, labor &/or materials costs associated with repairs, or other appropriate costs or additional assessments above definitions of “normal wear-and-tear.”
- BOTTOM LINE: Make sure you are detailed when completing your room inventory and turn it in within 24 hours. Note any discrepancies found during check-out will be considered for damage charges, therefore, being as thorough as possible upon check-in is extremely important.
A Note on Renter’s Insurance:
UIS assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to residents’ possessions within Residence Life units. You’re strongly encouraged to consider purchasing renter’s insurance, particularly if you’ll be bringing expensive items such as a computer, printer, TV, or stereo. Students may be covered under a parent’s homeowner’s insurance, so check with your insurance agent to determine if you’re covered under an existing policy or rider.