what to bring (and what to leave at home)

SHARED ITEMS:

There are some items that a room only needs one of so we encourage you and your roommate(s) to discuss and divvy up the following items on the list below.

• Stereo
• TV, VCR, DVD player with all cords and cables
• Standing lamps (halogen lamps and multi-head lamps are not allowed)
• Microwave (allowed but strongly discouraged)
• Refrigerator (size - 2x2) (we recommend that roommates share one refrigerator)

WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR ROOM:

• Bed linen (for extra long twin size bed)
• Pillow
• Comforter/Blankets
• Extra blankets/sweaters for cold nights
• Twin mattress pad (for extra long twin size bed)
• Clothes hangers
• “Milk Crates” or Storage boxes
• Wastebasket
• Fan
• Light bulbs
• Tissues and paper towels
• Suitcase and/or duffel bag
• Extension cords (we ask that use of these is minimal)
• Power strips (with Surge Protector)
• Flashlight
• Calendar
• All-purpose cleaner
• Small vacuum
• First Aid Kit with Tylenol, Advil, Tums, etc.
• Wastebasket
• Posters
• Alarm clock
• Computer and Ethernet Cable
• Headphones
• Printer
• Cell Phone
• Option - Land Line phone, in addition to cell phone (phone jacks are provided, although the student is responsible for installation and monthly phone payment through Verizon)

FOR THE BATHROOM AND SHOWER:

• Towels: full sized and hand towels
• Bathrobe
• Shampoo, conditioner, soap etc...
• Toothpaste, toothbrush, plastic toothbrush case etc..
• Shower caddy (something to carry toiletries to bathroom)
• Shower shoes (flip-flops are popular)
• Hairdryer, curling iron, brush etc.
• Shaving items

FOR THE LAUNDRY ROOM:

• Laundry detergent, dryer sheets and stain remover
• Laundry basket or bag
• Quarters for the washer and dryer
• Dorm-size ironing board and iron (one with Auto Shut-Off)
• Drying rack

FOR THE KITCHEN:

• Snacks – granola bars, crackers, ramen noodles, mac and cheese, etc.
• A few plates and bowls, cups, glasses, mugs etc... (all microwave safe)
• Utensils for eating 
• Can opener
• Sponge and dishsoap

ADDITIONAL ITEMS STUDENTS MAY WANT WITH THEM:

• Room decorations/ posters
• Small rug or carpet
• Message board for door
• Camera & photo album
• IPOD/Discman
• Video game systems
• Movies and Music
• Stationary
• Envelopes and stamps
• Key chain
• Backpack

WHAT NOT TO BRING:

• Hot plates
• Bunsen burner
• Electric cookware
• Lamps with halogen light bulbs and multi-head lamps
• Lava Lamps
• Paper lanterns
• Candles
• Incense
• Space heaters
• Electric blankets
• Air conditioners
• Bed raisers
• Too much clothing (students can swap out different seasons during the breaks)
• Car (student parking is very limited)
• Pets (No pets are allowed in the Residence Halls, including fish)
• Weapons (guns, knives etc...)

** We do recommend waiting until your arrival to purchase some items due to the fact that we have a large variation of room sizes.  All electrical items must bear the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) Seal of Approval. **

The following is a list of local stores to pick up extra items upon arrival:

• Tags Hardware Store - Porter Square (it's a hardware store with many home goods as well, they are very nice there)
• Target – Somerville Avenue in Somerville
• Rite Aid Pharmacy – Massachusetts Ave
• CVS – Porter Square