Things to Bring

The Basic Necessities

  • Peer Advisors help new students move in.Extra-long twin bed sheets, pillows, pillowcases, comforter*
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • USB Flash Drive
  • Headphones
  • Laundry bag/hamper, drying rack, detergent, stain remover
  • Quarters for laundry machines
  • Raincoat, umbrella
  • Shower sandals
  • Cell phone charger
  • Non-halogen desk lamp or other bright light for reading
  • Poster adhesive, removable hooks
  • Portable fan (window or free-standing)
  • Shower caddy
  • Reed diffusers, deodorizers, air fresheners
  • Alarm clock
  • Power strip electrical adapter
  • Iron
  • Dry-erase board, makers
  • Photo ID, driver's license, state ID card, passport (If you plan to work on- or off-campus, you will need a Social Security Card, birth certificate, or US passport)

Suggested Health Items to Bring to Campus

  • Information: insurance and pharmacy cards; physicians' name, address, telephone number; emergency telephone numbers; prescription refills, including glasses prescription
  • Current prescription medications, in their original containers
  • Over-the-counter medicines for pain relief, allergies, colds, flu, etc.
  • Glasses, contact lenses, cleaning solutions, extra lenses, cases
  • Skin care products such as soaps, lotions, sun block, aloe, acne ointment, antibacterial/antibiotic ointment, petroleum jelly, etc.
  • Extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss
  • Band-aids, gauze, adhesive tape, “Ace” bandage
  • Other personal hygiene items (deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
  • Ice Pack/Hot pack
  • Thermometer (digital or electronic)
  • Flashlight with extra batteries

Items Prohibited From Student Rooms

  • Microwaves (including microwave and refrigerator combination units)
  • Heating or cooking appliances (hot pots, toaster ovens, coffee makers, etc.)
  • Refrigerators with interiors larger than three cubic feet are prohibited
  • Hanging blankets, tapestries, rugs, etc.
  • Lighted candles, holiday lights, or incense
  • Fireworks, explosives, incendiary, firearms, or other
  • Air conditioning units
  • Waterbeds
  • Lofts or loft-like risers (many of our beds are adjustable)
  • Cinder blocks, wooden platforms, or any other sort of "bed riser"
  • Pets

For a complete list of policies, please refer to the housekeeping and safety rules and regulations.

*All mattresses on campus are (36" by 80"). They're sometimes referred to as "extra-long mattresses." Please make sure that you check the measurements of the sheets before purchasing them. The Residence Hall Association (RHA) works with Residence Hall Linens to offer a linen program. Information is mailed to students over the summer. For more information, contact Residence Hall Linens at (800) 957-4338. You can also visit the Residence Hall Linens website for their products and pricing information.

NOTE: Students are not limited to using this company. Northwestern University does not assume any liability in relation to any agreement reached between vendors and students. Contracted services between students and vendors are individual agreements and do not include Northwestern University. Please review all services and documents carefully before contracting with any vendor.