What to Bring to Campus

Moving into your new campus home is exciting. Below are guides to the essentials, plus a few extra items to consider to help make campus life easier. We also strongly encourage students to consider renter’s insurance to protect your belongings in case of unexpected incidents. While the university maintains insurance for the building structures, your personal items (laptops, clothing, musical instruments, electronics) may not be fully covered. A renter’s insurance policy is a low-cost way to protect your property in case of theft, damage, or loss.

We can’t wait to welcome you to your home away from home! Each residence hall room comes furnished with a Twin XL bed, wardrobe or closet space, dresser, desk, chair, and waste bin. Start with the essentials, then decide what else you might need once you’ve settled in. Many items can also be purchased in the Indianapolis area after you arrive.

  • Bed & Bath
    • Twin XL bedding (sheets, comforter, pillows, mattress pad)
    • Towels, washcloths, shower shoes, shower caddy
    • Hair styling tools (with automatic shut-off)
    • Toilet paper (Central, East, and Roberts residents)
    • Bathmats (Central, East, and Roberts residents)
    • Laundry basket/hamper, detergent, dryer sheets
    • Shower liners provided by the University
  • Study & Organization
    • Desk lamp for softer lighting
    • School supplies: notebooks, pens, backpack, etc.
    • Storage bins, under-bed organizers, small closet organizers
  • Comfort & Personal Items
    • Small fan (all halls are air-conditioned, but some students prefer extra airflow)
    • Personal décor (posters, photos, plants)
    • Clothes and hangers
    • Reusable dishes and utensils
    • Basic first aid kit, medicine, and prescriptions
  • Electronics
    • Laptop, tablet, headphones, chargers
    • Small extension cord or surge protector (15 amps or less)
  • Cleaning
    • Cleaning supplies and small trash bags
  • Larger Shared Items (coordinate with your roommate)
    • Area rug (6x4 or 5x7)
    • Full-length mirror
    • TV/video game console
    • Mini fridge (3.5 cu ft. or less)
    • Microwave
  • Permitted Small Appliances
    • Hair dryers and curling irons (auto shut-off)
    • Electric kettles (auto shut-off)
    • Standard-size microwave (within wattage limits)
    • Single-use pod coffee makers (Keurig, Nespresso, etc.) — no hot plate coffee makers
    • Blenders or smoothie makers
    • Candle warmers with light bulbs (no hot plate warmers)

Apartments come fully furnished with a Full XL bed, desk, dresser, and closet space in each bedroom. Living rooms include a couch and coffee table, and larger 3- and 4-bedroom layouts may also feature an end table and chair. Kitchens are equipped with a full-size stove, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and in-unit laundry. In Greyhound Village and University Lofts, barstools are also provided for the kitchen area.

  • Bed & Bath
    • Full XL bedding (sheets, comforter, pillows, mattress pad)
    • Towels, washcloths, hair styling tools
    • Toilet paper, shower curtain, bath mat
    • Laundry basket/hamper, detergent, dryer sheets
  • Study & Organization
    • School supplies: notebooks, pens, backpack, etc.
    • Storage bins, under-bed organizers, closet organizers
    • Lamps for softer lighting
  • Comfort & Personal Items
    • Clothes and hangers
    • Personal décor (posters, photos, plants)
    • Small fan if needed (all units are air-conditioned)
    • Basic first aid kit, medicine, and prescriptions
  • Electronics
    • TV, laptop, tablet, headphones, chargers
    • Small extension cord or surge protector (15 amps or less)
  • Cleaning
    • Bathroom and kitchen cleaners
    • Small vacuum, broom, mop, toilet brush, etc.
    • Trash cans and bags
  • Shared Items (coordinate with roommates)
    • Kitchenware (pots, pans, dishes, utensils, silverware)
    • Small appliances (toaster, coffee maker, blender, iron, etc.)
    • Living room décor (TV, video game consoles, floor lamps, extra seating/furniture)
  • Permitted Small Appliances (apartments may have more flexibility than residence halls)
    • Air fryers
    • Coffee makers (any type)
    • Crockpots/slow cookers
    • Instant Pots or rice cookers

Certain items are prohibited for safety, policy, or community reasons and are best left at home for everyone.

  • Fire & Safety Hazards
    • Alcohol and alcohol paraphernalia (not permitted in residence halls)
    • Candles, incense, candle warmers with hot plates
    • Fireworks, gasoline, kerosene, butane, or other flammable materials
    • Cigarettes, vape devices, and tobacco products
    • Illegal drugs and related paraphernalia (bongs, pipes, grinders, etc.)
    • Space heaters and electric blankets
    • Hoverboards and electric scooters
  • Electronics & Furniture
    • Halogen lamps
    • Large or bulky furniture (couches, recliners, mattresses)
    • Wireless routers
  • Weapons
    • Firearms, ammunition, BB/pellet guns, paintball guns
    • Large knives, blades, tasers, and martial arts equipment
  • Prohibited Appliances in Residence Halls:
    • Air fryers, toasters, toaster ovens, 
    • Hotplates or portable burners, 
    • Coffee makers with hot plates, 
    • Candle warmers with hot plates
    • Any appliance with an open heating source and no automatic shutoff feature
    • Refrigerators larger than 3.5 cubic feet

Beyond the essentials, there are a number of items that can make campus living more comfortable and convenient. These aren’t required, but many students find them helpful once they’ve settled in. We’ve also included a few practical tips to help you prepare, pack smart, and make the most of your new space.

  • Items: 
    • Alarm clock 
    • Extra-long charging cables
    • Flashlight and batteries in case of emergency
    • Fish tank or aquariums (20 gallons or less)
    • Reusable Water Bottles and grocery bags
    • Small tool kit or sewing kit
    • Small lockbox for valuables
    • Umbrella or rain jacket
    • Water Filter Pitcher
    • Personal Documents: Health Insurance Cards, Campus Employment Documents (social security card, birth certificate, banking information)
    • Bike and bike lock (U-Lock recommended; keep the serial number recorded)
  • Tips:
    • Coordinate with roommates to avoid duplicate items. (Do you need two TVs and two brooms, but no mini fridge?)
    • Think compact and flexible– spaces can be limited, so consider items that can be versatile.
    • Choose auto shut-off features– They’re safer, energy-efficient, and approved. 
    • Don’t forget the cleaning supplies–Spills, dishes, and shared spaces need attention too!
    • We strongly encourage students to consider renter’s insurance to protect belongings in case of unexpected incidents. The University is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings.