We know you are itching to get into your room in the residence halls! But what should you bring to live on campus? See our handy infographic to the right.

What Will You Find In Your Room?

No matter which residence hall you live in, every room contains:

• Desk and chair
• Dresser
• Wardrobe or Closet
• Extra-long twin bed*
• Internet Service
• Cable TV Service

*Vartabedian Hall has Full size beds.

What Should I Pack?

• Your Photo ID: You will need a photo ID for check-in.
• Sheets, towels and other linens: Extra-long twin sheets (XL twin), pillow, blanket, comforter, mattress pad, towels, washcloth, etc. Your bed comes with a mattress, so you don’t need to pack that.
• Bathroom supplies: You will need to bring toilet tissue, hand soap and bathroom cleaners. Bathrooms are not supplied with toilet tissue, and you and your roommate will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining them. Shower curtains are provided, but students can feel free to bring a decorative shower curtain. Everyone will want to bring typical toiletry items.
• Clothing: While every room has hanging space and a dresser, you may run out of room for every piece of clothing (or pair of shoes) that you own. Think practically about what you will need/wear. If you’re planning on going home at Thanksgiving or Winter Break, maybe you can trade out summer and winter clothing at that time. Realize that you will end up getting lots of t-shirts from different organizations around campus. Plan ahead and be realistic!
• Network cable for your computer or gaming device: Cat 5, 15-foot recommended maximum length. Wifi is available in the rooms but some may prefer a direct connection.
• Coaxial cable for your T.V.: You will need to provide a cable jumper to connect your television to the wall outlet. Our cable provider recommends a high-quality coaxial cable, size RG-6 or RG-59, 750 ohm rated, with screw-on connections. If both you and your roommate will be bringing TVs, you will need a splitter as there is only one outlet in the rooms.
• Study light: CFL bulbs or LED lights only.
• Dishes: Silverware, cups, plates, bowls, glasses, dish soap, dish towel, paper towels, etc.
• Power strips: Power strips are used instead of extension cords.
• Laundry supplies: Laundry basket or bag, low-sudsing (high efficiency) detergent for front loading washer, fabric softener, stain fighters, etc. There are laundry facilities in every hall. Laundry is $1 to wash and $1 to dry. You can pay with quarters or with a debit/credit card through the Speed Queen phone app.
• Health care products: First aid kit, allergy, headache or stomach medications, adhesive bandages, sunscreen, etc.
• Mini Fridge: 5 cubic feet or less
• Microwave: 900 watts or less
• Other Appliances that ARE allowed: Coffee pot, iron, blender, coffee grinder, juicer, electric can opener. Please see below for a listing of appliances that are not allowed in the halls. If there is an appliance you are interested in bringing but is not featured on either list, please contact us for clarification.

What Should I Leave At Home?

• Pets: Only fish in a 10-gallon or less aquarium are permitted. *With the exception of Service Animals or APPROVED ESAs.
• Fireworks, explosives, and weapons.
• Candles or incense: Open flames are prohibited in the residence halls. Even candles that have never been used are not allowed. Battery-operated (flameless) candles are a great alternative.
• Extension cords or multi-plug converters without a built-in circuit breaker: Use a power strip instead.
• Toxic chemicals or hazardous materials
• Combustible materials (flammable or combustible liquids, solids, gases or hazardous materials)
• Grills: propane, charcoal, wood-fired
• Mattress: You will need to use the mattress provided in your room and are not allowed to bring a separate mattress. A mattress cover or pad is allowed.
• Appliances that are NOT allowed: The use of any appliance with open heating elements is prohibited. Appliances that are not allowed include air fryer, electric wok, electric skillet, George Foreman Grill or similar, hamburger cooker, hot plate or any appliance with open heating coils, toaster, toaster oven, deep fryer, electric sandwich maker/press, waffle maker, bread maker, hot cutter, hot oil popcorn popper, broilers, camp stoves, convection ovens, induction cooking appliances, grills (propane, wood-fired or charcoal), soldering iron, space heater or any electrical appliance that is not UL approved and/or labeled. Please see above for a listing of appliances that are allowed in the halls. If there is an appliance you are interested in bringing but is not featured on either list, please contact us for clarification.

Did You Know?

Students may have items shipped directly to the university. The university will begin accepting deliveries for the fall semester on Aug. 21, 2023.

Forget something? Chances are you can find it in Max’s Mart (located in the Commons Building). This dining location accepts Flex Dollars and contains typical grocery store items. Toothbrushes, toilet paper, laundry detergent and more. MWSU offers the Campus Cupboard for all students. You are able to visit the cupboard twice a month. It is open Tuesday & Wednesday 2-4 pm and Fridays 12-2 pm. Visit Blum 214 (the Student Affairs Office) for access.

Every student has free access to the Saint Joseph Transit. This makes it easy and convenient to get to many larger stores in the Saint Joseph area; from grocery stores, to a place to get bedding, to the mall, you can get there for free.

Have a question? Contact the Department of Housing and Residence Life.