Here
are some suggestions for what to
bring with you when you move-in.
Dorm life often means sharing space,
so it is important to be thoughtful
about what you decide to bring. It's
a good idea to contact your roommate
before you buy some items. Space is
limited, so there is no need to
waste it by having duplicates. Items
marked with a ** below are some of
things we suggest you consult on.
Finally - a move-in tip: to make
move-in go more smoothly, it's
better to pack many small boxes that
one person can easily handle rather
than a few huge boxes that it takes
a team to lift. Your back will thank
us!
Bed and Bath
- Bathroom Basics - toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, shaving supplies, and contact lens supplies (if needed)
- Bedding - pillows, blankets/comforters, extra-long twin sheets, pillow cases, mattress pad, and a bed pillow with "arms" that helps you sit up in bed
- ** Crates or stacking containers
- Nightlight
- ** Room decorations - favorite stuffed animals, pictures of family and friends, plants, posters and poster putty for hanging
- Shower caddy
- Shower shoes / flip-flops / house slippers
- Towels and washcloths
- Under-the-bed storage containers (floor to mattress, approx. 10" to 11.5")
Clothing
Closet and drawer space is at a premium when you live in a dorm so don't bring your entire wardrobe! Plan your clothing choices around what you will actually be doing on a daily basis and then supplement with a few "special occasion" items. For example, you'll do a lot of walking from class to class, so you'll probably wear tennis shoes most days. Plus you'll want your clothes to be comfortable and easy to care for (remember you're doing your own laundry). Most students find that jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts are wardrobe staples. That said; do remember to bring a few nice outfits / dresses / suits for interviews, presentations and other formal events. Along with the typical clothing items (pants/shorts, shirts/sweaters, socks, underwear) here are a few items not to forget:
- Bathrobe - Students need to walk down the co-ed hallway to use the bathroom, a bathrobe can spare you (and your dormmates) from embarrassing "coverage" situations.
- Belt
- Clothes hangers
- Footwear - tennis shoes, sandals
- Jacket - a light jacket for when the fall air gets chilly
- Sleep wear
- Slippers
- Sunglasses
- Winter outerwear - Heavy coat, mittens, hat, scarf, boots and scarf - remember it rains a lot in winter!
- Work-out clothes and shoes / bathing suit
Cooking and Cleaning
We encourage you to purchase a meal plan on campus, so we hope you will be eating most of your large meals in one of the dining centers. Even so, there will still be times when you want to prepare a small meal or snack in the kitchenette. The kitchenette is equipped with microwaves, inductive hotplates and various counter top appliances. Your mother doesn't live here so you'll need to clean up after yourselves.
- Can opener
- Cooking pot / pan - inductive hot plate compliant.
- Dishwashing liquid and a sponge
- Iron
- Laundry supplies - detergent, fabric softener, bleach, dryer sheets, stain treater/stick
- **Micro-fridge
- Oven mitts and dish towels
- Paper towels
- Place settings (1 or 2) - fork, spoon, knife, plate, bowl, mug, cup that can be used in a microwave
- Tissues
- Trash bags (small)
- Water bottle
Electronics
Most of these electronic items aren't really necessary, but they sure make life fun! Whatever electronics you do bring, remember that bigger and louder ARE NOT best in dorm life. When possible try to combine items. For example, an alarm clock that is also a radio and plays MP3s or an all-in-one TV-DVR system. Remember, ** means you might want to check with your roommate(s).
- Alarm Clock
- Batteries
- Camera
- Cell phone and charger
- Desk lamp or bed lamp
- Fan
- ** Game system
- Headphones / ear buds - so your music doesn't bother your roommate or neighbors
- Media storage - CD / DVD / Game rack
- ** Stereo / Radio / CD player / MP3 player
- Surge protected power strip (UL approved) - extension cords aren't permitted
- ** Television and VCR / DVR / DVD player
Extras
- Address book
- Bike, helmet, and bike lock
- Documents
- Computer purchase and warranty information
- Driver's license and social security card
- Passport if planning trips to Canada
- Financial aid forms
- Medical insurance information / cards
- Vehicle insurance and registration if you will have a car on-campus
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
- Key ring, lanyard, etc.
- Sewing kit
- Sports equipment
- Stamps and envelopes
- Tool kit
- Umbrella
School Supplies
You will most certainly need some items that are specific to your major, but here are some general items not to forget:
- Backpack
- Binders, file folders and notebooks
- Calculator
- Calendar / planner / organizer
- Computer - desktop or laptop, your choice
- Computer supplies - disks, cables, cords, mouse pad
- Dictionary, thesaurus, writing style guide
- Pens, pencils and highlighters
- Printer and paper / ink
- Stapler and staples / paperclips
- Sticky notes
What NOT To Bring
While the above items are suggestions, the following items are rules. Bringing these items into Sternberg Hall is a violation of the Resident Handbook and may result in administrative charges and disciplinary action.
- Animals / Pets - other than
aquarium confined animals.
- Residents in need of Assistance Animals should review our Resident Handbook information BEFORE making plans to bring their animal to the dorm.
- Air Conditioners - Residents are not permitted to use or install their own air conditioner units
- Candles and open flame devices of any kind
- Ceiling fans
- Cut trees
- Dry ice
- Kegs - Empty or filled
- Extension cords (Only fused power strips are permitted)
- Flammable / toxic fluids, chemicals or gases
- Halogen lights/lamps
- Hot tubs
- Refrigerators larger than 4.6 cubic feet, 115 volt, 60 cycle AC, 230 watts
- Satellite dishes
- Smoke or fog machines
- Forced air space heaters (dorm has oil raditor heaters if needed)
- Sun lamps
- Traffic / street signs without proof of purchase
- Waterbeds
- Weapons, real or display, of any kind, including toy guns
- Wireless Router or Hub - this will interfere with the provided wireless service and cause network problems
Dorm Furnishings
Sternberg Hall is designed to provide everything essential for comfortable dorm living.
- Kitchenette is designed for occasional meals. If you plan to do all your cooking in the dorm you'll need to plan accordingly.
- Clothes washer and dryer
- Bedroom furniture includes a bed, desk, chair, and wardrobe with clothing drawers.
- Common Room has living room furniture, pool table, full church organ (for headphone practice)
- Wi-Fi and a house black and white laser printer
- There is a cable connection in the common room.
- Residents in need of Assistance Animals should review our Resident Handbook information BEFORE making plans to bring their animal to campus.
- A single parking space per student is provided in the Forest St. Parking Lot. Rose St Parking lot use requires a WSDOT handicap parking permit.