As you pack up your childhood bedroom and embark on your new journey here at Tarleton State University, it’s important to keep in mind that while you do want your room to reflect who you are, it should also meet basic safety standards put into place by housing. These requirements keep you, your roommate(s), and every student in your residence hall safe.
It’s also important to know what to pack and what NOT to pack so you and your potential new built-in best friend can spend your time and money buying new items to make your space your own.
WHAT NOT TO BRING…BECAUSE IT’S PROVIDED
First things first, you can breathe easy knowing that your basic room necessities are provided. This includes an XL twin bed and mattress for Centennial, Hunewell, Legends, Heritage, Legacy, Honors Shared Doubles, Texan Village and Texan Hall Shared 2 Bedroom.
Other residence halls like Integrity, Traditions North and South, Honors 2 Bed Suite/Apartment and Texan Hall will receive a full size bed and mattress.
Each residence hall also comes with a desk and chair, micro-fridge/microwave combo, nightstand (excluding Legacy Hall) and small 3-drawer dressers.
And don’t worry, we know what you’re thinking and yes, we do have a collection of room tour videos on our YouTube! Check them out here.
THE “CAN’T LIVE WITHOUTS” AKA THE ESSENTIALS
The essentials list is a collection of items you might already have or those you might need to chat with your roomie(s) about purchasing together BEFORE prematurely adding them to your cart.
Toiletries
Towels/wash cloths
Iron & ironing board
Portable shower caddy
Toilet bowl cleaner and brush
Bathroom cleaning supplies and plunger
Plastic bowls/container & coffee mugs/water bottles
Coffee maker (internal heating element only)
Utensils
Closet hangers
Snacks
Paper towels and napkins
Laundry basket + detergent/dryer sheets
Wastebasket & garbage bags
BEDDING & ROOM SUPPLIES
So you’ve got your essentials covered. Now it’s time to make your space your own! (Go ahead and open up Amazon.)
You’ll need pillows and pillowcases, XL twin or full size sheets, a duvet cover/comforter, a mattress pad (optional) and blankets! This will complete your bedding necessities.
To truly amplify your space, you’ll want to deck out the walls with posters/pictures and bulletin boards – to be added to the wall using sticky tack or 3M Command Strips.
To maximize your space, you might find that storage containers are essential.
STUDY SUPPLIES
Now that your room is all decked out and ready for your lounging needs, it’s time to turn your oasis into a study hub.
AND EVERYTHING ELSE
You’ve slept. You’ve studied. Now it’s time for everything else. In this instance, that includes health and safety items, important documentation, and everything in between.
Thermometer
Prescribed medication (if applicable)
Disinfectant supplies
Driver’s license & car insurance (if applicable)
Health insurance
Debit and credit cards
Alarm clock
Batteries
Small bedroom fan
Table or floor lamp (no flexible gooseneck lamps allowed)
Headphones
Hairdryer
Emergency car kit
First aid kit
Flashlight
Dish soap & kitchen cleaning supplies
Umbrella/rain gear
WHAT NOT TO BRING… BECAUSE IT’S NOT ALLOWED
This is what we like to call the “absolutely not” list. It’s a collection of items that you absolutely cannot have in your residence hall. Failure to comply with this list could result in a fine … or worse.
Let’s be honest, it absolutely is NOT worth it, so if you have any of these in your cart, or various suitcases, take them out ASAP.
For a more in-depth “what not to bring” list, follow @tarletonbound on Instagram.
If you have any questions about specific items, please feel free to reach out to the Department of Residence Life.