Things to Bring
As you prepare to move to campus, we encourage you to pack lightly to facilitate the move-in process. Consider purchasing items at local stores once arriving in Evanston or ordering items online to be shipped to campus.
The Basic Necessities
- Extra-long twin bed sheets, pillows, pillowcases, comforter*
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Laundry bag, detergent, stain remover
- Raincoat, umbrella
- Warm clothes for cold nights (consider shipping winter clothes later)
- Shower sandals
- Cell phone charger
- Portable fan - window or free-standing (we do not provide fans for buildings without air conditioning)
- Shower caddy
- Power strip electrical adapter (extension cords are not permitted)
- 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.)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Twin Extra Long Bedding - All mattresses in undergraduate buildings are 36″ by 80″. They’re referred to as “twin extra-long” mattresses. Please make sure that you check the measurements of the sheets before purchasing them. USS provides linens and other products to improve your stay on campus that will be delivered to your room prior to your arrival.
Suggested Health Items to Bring to Campus
- Information: insurance and prescription cards; physicians’ name, address, telephone number; emergency telephone numbers; prescription refills, including glasses prescription; medical history
- 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)
Shopping Green
We encourage you to make environmentally conscious choices when moving on campus. Check out SustainNU’s suggestions below:
- Mini-fridges, laptops, TVs, and other electronics: Look for Energy Star products or EPEAT certification products. Before you buy new, see if you can share with roommates. Residential Services’ contracted provider for mini-fridges is USS. Please visit their website for more information.
- Printer: No need to buy a printer; you can print at the library when necessary. We also have printing at each residential area desk.
- Lighting: Desk lighting is one of the most efficient ways to light your space when you’re working. Consider an LED or CFL bulb for your desk lights. These last longer and are more energy efficient. Please note that desks in undergraduate housing have built-in desk lamps. We do not recommend bringing LED light strips as these often rip paint off the walls when removed which could result in a damage charge at move-out.
- Irons: You would be surprised how many irons and ironing boards we find in the move-out donation boxes at the end of the year! Before purchasing these items, check if you can borrow them from your roommate(s) or friends.
- Sheets and towels: Consider organic cotton and other materials (e.g., bamboo fiber), which eliminate pesticides and herbicides, making it better for your health and the environment.
- Clothes drying rack: Save money, energy, and have your clothes last longer!
- Furniture: Although rooms come fully furnished, some students choose to bring extra furniture items. Higher-quality and durable furniture can be donated and reused; low-quality, particleboard-based furniture usually ends up in a landfill.
- Bottled water: Why waste $1.50 each time you’re thirsty? Evanston has great tap water, so bring a reusable bottle or cup and fill from the tap or bring a water filter. Northwestern has bottle-filler fountains in all residential facilities and many campus buildings.
- Reusable items: Reusable water bottles, mugs, shopping bags, and food containers are a convenient and less wasteful option than single-use materials.
Items Prohibited From Residential Facilities
- Microwaves (including microwave and refrigerator combination units)
- Heating or cooking appliances (hot pots, toaster ovens, coffee makers - other than Keurig or similar coffee machines that automatically shut off, etc.)
- Refrigerators with interiors larger than 3 cubic feet (Official Northwestern partner USS offers delivery of approved-size refrigerators to your room prior to move-in. Visit their site for more information.)
- Knives with blades longer than 3 inches
- Blankets, tapestries, flags, rugs, fishnets, etc. that are hung on a wall
- Candles and incense, and candle warmers (unless approved for a religious or other accommodation)
- Fireworks, explosives, incendiaries, firearms, and other similar items
- Air conditioning units
- Waterbeds
- Lofts or loft-like risers, cinder blocks, wooden platforms, and any other sort of “bed riser” (many of our beds are adjustable)
- Pets (other than approved service or emotional support animals)
- All personal electronic mobility devices, including but not limited to electric bicycles, hoverboards, mopeds, and scooters
Items Prohibited From Student Rooms
The following items can be used in common spaces and/or bathrooms:- All cooking appliances (hot water pots, coffee makers with exposed heating elements, rice cookers, sandwich presses, etc.)
For a complete list of policies, please refer to the Residential Services policy page.
Please note that prohibited items will be flagged and held when received at the Mail & Package Center. If prohibited items are flagged, the student will receive an email stating that a prohibited item has been received and provide next steps.