Housing Checklists

What to Bring! (And What to NOT)

Preparing for move-in day is exciting, and bringing the right items can help make your residence hall feel like home. Use this guide as a starting point as you pack for the semester. Remember that space is limited, so focus on essentials and coordinate with your roommate before bringing shared items such as refrigerators, microwaves, or rugs.

Bedding & Sleep Essentials

All residence hall rooms include a Twin XL bed and mattress. We recommend bringing:

  • Twin XL sheet sets (2 recommended)
  • Comforter or bedspread
  • Mattress topper or mattress pad
  • Pillows and pillowcases
  • Extra blankets
  • Alarm clock
  • Bedside storage organizer (optional)

Bathroom Essentials

For students in community-style bathrooms, a shower caddy and shower shoes are highly recommended.

  • Shower caddy
  • Shower shoes
  • Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Soap and body wash
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Hair care products
  • Razor and shaving supplies
  • Personal hygiene items
  • First-aid kit
  • Prescription medications

For students in suite-style and apartment facilities, cleaning is not conducted during your term of occupancy. You will be responsible for cleaning your own bathrooms, so be sure to develop a cleaning schedule with roommate/suitemates to alleviate conflict, and come stocked with your supplies

  • Cleaning supplies (shower cleaning products like scrubbing bubbles, clorox clean up, etc. toilet bowl cleaner, sponges, gloves)
  • Toilet cleaning brush
  • Plunger
  • Toilet Paper
  • Bath mat
  • Shower curtains

Clothing

Pack for Nashville's changing seasons and campus activities.

  • Everyday clothing
  • Pajamas
  • Undergarments and socks
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Business casual attire for presentations, interviews, and career events
  • Rain jacket or umbrella
  • Light and heavy outerwear
  • Athletic wear

Laundry & Cleaning Supplies

Keeping your space clean and organized contributes to a positive living experience.

  • Laundry basket or hamper
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dryer sheets or fabric softener
  • Stain remover
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Multipurpose cleaner
  • Paper towels
  • Small broom and dustpan
  • Trash bags

Academic Supplies & Technology

Be prepared for classes from day one.

  • Backpack
  • Notebooks and folders
  • Pens, pencils, and highlighters
  • Planner or calendar
  • Laptop or tablet
  • Phone and chargers
  • Headphones
  • USB flash drive
  • Surge protector/power strip (UL-approved)

Storage & Organization

Residence hall rooms are compact, so maximizing your space is important.

  • Clothing hangers
  • Under-bed storage bins
  • Storage containers or drawers
  • Over-the-door organizers
  • Shoe organizer
  • Small lockbox for valuables

Room Décor & Comfort

Personalize your space while following residence hall policies.

  • Photos of family and friends
  • Posters or wall décor
  • Desk lamp
  • Fan
  • Dry-erase board or calendar
  • Bulletin board
  • Area rug (if desired)

Please note: Do not use nails, screws, or other materials that may damage walls. 3-M Command strips and hooks are okay, so long as you remove them correctly at the end of the semester! Review your residence hall guidelines and speak with your Hall Director if you have any questions before decorating.

Kitchen & Miscellaneous Items

Coordinate with your roommate before bringing shared items.

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Food storage containers
  • Coffee mug and reusable utensils
  • Small trash can and trash bags
  • Can opener
  • Mini refrigerator (if permitted)
  • Microwave (if permitted)
  • Cleaning supplies

What TSU Provides

Each resident is provided with:

  • Twin XL bed and mattress
  • Desk and chair
  • Dresser or wardrobe storage
  • Internet access
  • Laundry facilities within the residence hall or designated area

Leave These Items at Home

For the safety of our residential community, prohibited items include:

  • Air Fryers, Crockpots, Instapots, traditional coffee makers (Keurigs are ok!) in Residence Halls. These items ARE permitted in kitchens of apartment-style housing, but may not be used in student rooms.
  • Ring / Doorbell Cameras
  • Mounted TV's/ Swivel TV's (TV's on stands are okay!)
  • Wallpaper (including Peel-and-Stick)
  • Candles and incense
  • Appliances with exposed heating elements
  • Weapons or replica weapons
  • Illegal substances
  • Pets (except approved service animals)
  • Any item prohibited by the Residence Life Handbook

Packing Tip

Many students find that they bring more than they actually use. Start with the essentials, settle into your space, and purchase additional items as needed after move-in. This helps keep your room organized and reduces move-in stress

These checklists are here to simplify the Student Housing Application and Move-In processes for the TSU On-Campus Community.  These lists are suggested, but not exhaustive of all items students may or may not need to complete and/or bring to campus.  If you have any specific questions, please contact the Residence Life Office or your assigned hall director. 

 The Department of Residence Life also strongly encourages all on-campus residents to purchase insurance to cover their personal items like laptops, clothing, cameras, and phones. Refrigerators must be no larger than 3.2 cubic feet. College Student Renter's Insurance policies can often be taken out through a parent's or guardian's Renters or Homeowner's Insurance, or through companies like National Student Services, Inc.