What to Bring

Consider bringing:

• Pillows and pillowcases
• Comforter and/or blanket
• XL twin sheet sets and mattress pad/topper

Bed Configuration

All rooms have twin XL beds. These beds are standard in many college residence halls, so the correct-sized sheets should be available for sale in stores during the summer.

Our standard beds have up to 27 inches of storage space below them. Many residents choose to loft or bunk the bed(s) in their room to allow for additional storage/floor space.

More about Lofting & Beds

Consider bringing:

• Towels
• Washcloths
• Bathrobe
• Shower shoes
• Shower caddy
• Toiletries, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, body soap, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, brushes/combs
• Hairdryer and other styling tools

Please note: Our facilities team members do not stock or clean private bathrooms or bathrooms in suites and apartments. Please bring toilet paper and cleaning supplies for personal use if you are assigned to Green Prairie or the On-Campus Apartments.

Consider bringing:

• Computer, laptop, and/or tablet
• Ethernet cord -- 14-foot minimum length
• Cell phone
• Headphones
• Charging cords, cables, and adapters
• Television
• Gaming console
• UL-listed extension cords/surge protectors
• Alarm clock

What NOT to Bring

• E-Scooters, E-Bikes, and Hoverboards: They are a significant fire hazard and can cause significant damage to the carpet and walls. These items are not allowed inside our buildings. They should only be brought to campus if they can be charged and stored off-campus.
• WiFi router: Residents are not allowed to use a personal router to expand the WiFi network provided in our buildings. This is a violation of University policy as it reduces the overall quality of WiFi for you and your neighbors. Each resident has high-speed internet access, including one wired connection in their room and access to WiFi.

Consider bringing:

• Prescription medications
• Glasses and contact lens supplies
• Over-the-counter medications
• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• Sunscreen

All of our buildings have washing and drying machines that residents can use at no additional cost.

Consider bringing:

• Laundry basket/bag
• High-Efficiency laundry detergent
• Dryer sheets and fabric softener
• Clothes hangers
• Collapsible drying rack
• Clothes iron, ironing board/mat
• Cleaning supplies
• Trash bags for the provided trash can (8-gallon bags recommended)

What do I clean?

Our staff clean and maintain the common areas of our buildings, but residents are responsible for cleaning their own spaces. For those who have them, this includes cleaning the private bathrooms in Green Prairie and the On-Campus Apartments. In addition to the bathrooms, On-Campus Apartment residents are responsible for cleaning the other shared spaces of their apartment, which includes the kitchen and living room areas.

Consider bringing:

• Reusable bowl, plate, cup/mug, and utensils
• Reusable food-storage containers
• Reusable water bottle and travel mug
• Drip coffee/espresso maker, electric kettle with automatic shutoff
• Mini blender
• Air popcorn maker

Residents moving into an apartment may also wish to bring additional cooking supplies.

Service ware, such as utensils, bowls, and plates, should not be removed from the dining halls. Students who wish to eat a meal outside of the dining hall must use the approved Sodexo Green Box To-Go containers. 

Fridges and Microwaves

• Residence Halls: Students in residence halls may bring a mini-refrigerator (4.4 cubic feet or less) for the room. Microwaves are included in the residence hall community kitchen space for resident use. Please note: a mini-refrigerator (with freezer) is provided in all rooms in Blakely Hall.
• On-Campus Apartments: All of our apartments have a refrigerator provided. Microwaves are not provided, and residents are allowed to have bring their own for use in the apartment kitchen.

Community Kitchens

All residence hall buildings have community kitchen areas with a stovetop, oven, microwaves, sink, and counter space. 

Prohibited Appliances

Appliances with open heating elements are not allowed in residence halls, including electric grills and all-in-one makers, e.g. waffle iron, griddle, panini/pizza/quesadilla maker, toaster/toaster oven, hotplate, oil popcorn maker, air fryer, slow cooker, rice cooker, pressure cooker, etc.

Consider bringing:

• Umbrella
• Winter coat, hat, gloves
• Wool socks
• Waterproof/resistant shoes or boots
• Shoe/boot tray

Preparing for Changing Temperatures

While we are most known for our winters, you'll experience all the seasons in Minnesota. The temperatures can range from 90s in the summer to sub-zero temperatures throughout the winter months.

The temperatures can also vary inside our buildings, particularly during the fall and spring months. Residents should plan for clothing items you can easily layer as it gets colder, and shed when you're warm.

Residents in buildings without air conditioning may want to bring a fan for the first few weeks of school.

Outdoor Gear

We recommend you not bring your skis, snowboards, or equipment for other sports or outdoor activities since there is limited space to store them.

Consider bringing:

• Academic supplies -- backpack, pens, highlighters, notebooks, textbooks, etc.
• Photo ID, U Card, credit/debit card, insurance cards, emergency contact information
• Note: Are you planning to get a job during the school year? You will need certain identification to begin employment such as your social security card, birth certificate, and/or work authorization documents. You should bring these with you and store them in a secure location.
• Desk/bedside lamps with LED or CFL light bulbs
• Fan, for air circulation and white noise
• Room decor such as a doormat, string lights, area rugs, art, throw pillows, and options for hanging them that will not damage the wall (review the warning below)
• Board games, books, or other entertainment. Some are available to check out at your Information Desk!
• Yoga mat or other wellness/workout items
• Bike, helmet, headlight, and a U-lock.

 Note: Public Safety has information about registering your bike.