What You'll Need

These recommendations are meant to help you feel prepared and comfortable in your new space. We encourage you to bring what you can based on your resources and needs. Please check with your roommate and/or suitemates to ensure you don't bring duplicate items (like TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, dishes, etc).

What to bring

Bedding and linens

  • Twin XL sheets (36" x 80") – 2 sets recommended
  • Pillows and pillowcases
  • Blanket/comforter
  • Mattress pad or mattress topper
  • Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths – at least 2 of each
  • Shower caddy (for carrying items to/from the bathroom)

Laundry & Cleaning

  • Laundry bag or basket
  • Detergent and dryer sheets
  • Hangers and/or closet organizers
  • Broom, dustpan, disinfectant wipes
    • The Office of Residential Life at Lincoln Center has a vacuum that residents can borrow! Rose Hill students are expected to bring their own vacuum. 
    • Cleaning supplies (Remember, you are responsible for cleaning the entire room; at Lincoln Center and in some upperclass Rose Hill residence halls, this includes a kitchen and bathroom.)
  • Toilet brush, bathroom cleaner 
  • Toilet paper and paper towels
  • Small wastebaskets for trash and recycling. Recycling is mandatory in residence halls. At Lincoln Center, only clear trash bags are allowed.

Kitchen & Food Storage

  • UL-approved electric coffee maker or single-use coffee maker with automatic shut-off
  • UL (Underwriters Laboratories) appliances only (hair dryers, coffee makers, popcorn poppers, etc.). Electric coffee makers and irons are allowed, but they should have an automatic turn-off.
  • AirFryer: one per apartment in McMahon Hall or one per room in McKeon Hall. For Rose Hill, an air fryer is allowed in apartment style only - specifically Campbell, Salice Conley, Walsh Hall, and Belmont Community Housing. 
  • 4 Tier Wire Shelving Unit: one per apartment in McMahon Hall or one per room in McKeon Hall
    • Nothing larger than 20"W x 12"D x 32"H
  • Reusable dishes, utensils, cups, and mugs
    • Residents of McMahon Hall, Salice Conley Hall, Campbell Hall, Belmont Community Housing, and Walsh Hall should bring silverware, cookware, and other kitchen utensils.
  • Microwave-safe containers and food storage containers
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small dish sponge and dish soap
  • Non-perishable snacks and basic groceries
  • Personal refrigerators (maximum 4 cubic feet) are permitted in all residence halls except McMahon Hall, Walsh Hall, Salice Conley Hall, Campbell Hall, and Belmont Community Housing. Only one refrigerator is permitted per room.

Room Essentials

  • Desk lamp (non-halogen only)
  • Residents of Walsh Hall, Alumni Court South and Loschert Hall, should bring their own lamps as there is no overhead lighting.
  • Alarm clock
  • Flashlight or small emergency light
  • 3-tier utility cart (Nothing larger than: 17" x 14" x 30", one per student)
  • Plastic storage/drawers (Nothing larger than: 16" x 22" x 25”, one per student)
    • Storage boxes that will fit under your bed
  • Surge protector/power strip (UL-listed)
  • Command strips or sticky tack (no nails or damaging adhesives)
  • Cable-ready television set and coaxial cable for hookup (only one television is allowed per room/suite.)
  • Ethernet cable (if needed)
  • One telephone per room (see Student Telephone Service for specifications).

Toiletries & Personal Care

  • Bathroom Caddy
  • Shower Organizer (one per bathroom)
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste
  • Soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair products
  • Nail clippers, tweezers
  • Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, pain reliever, etc.)
  • Prescription medications (with copies of prescriptions, if needed)

Important Documents

  • Student ID (check your Fordham email for information on retrieving it and adding it to your digital wallet!)
  • Government-issued ID / Travel Documents
  • Health insurance card
  • Emergency contact list

Miscellaneous Items

  • Umbrella
  • Camera
  • Luggage/keys
  • Batteries
  • Flashlight
  • Notecards/postcards
  • Small wallet or ID holder
  • Cards/games/sports equipment
  • Journal
  • Books/magazines

Additional Notes

  • Extension Cords
    If you bring extension cords, you must bring heavy-duty cords. All power strips MUST have surge protectors/suppressors.
  • Renters Insurance
    Please make sure that your parents’ homeowners or renters insurance covers any losses you may incur in the residence halls. The University will not reimburse you for losses resulting from damage, theft, or similar events. Please record the serial numbers of the items you bring.

What not to bring/prohibited items

The following items are prohibited in any residence hall at Lincoln Center and Rose Hill for your safety, comfort, and community standards. This list is comprehensive but not exhaustive. If you're unsure about a specific item, please contact [email protected] or [email protected] for clarification.

Non-University furniture & large personal items

  • Mattresses (personal or memory foam varieties)
    • Mattress toppers ARE allowed
  • Futons, sofas, or upholstered furniture
  • Folding chairs, bean bag chairs, gaming chairs, and reclining chairs
  • Desks, coffee tables, and personal tables
  • Headboards (not allowed at Lincoln Center only), ottomans, or footstools (regardless of size and functionality)
  • Standing desk shelving units
  • Lofts or self-constructed bed modifications
  • Large bound carpets or rugs (only rugs up to 5’ x 3’ are permitted)
  • Free-standing mirrors larger than 15” x 51”
  • Over the toilet storage

Electrical Items & Appliances

  • Toaster ovens, hot plates, open-coil burners
    • Toasters ARE allowed
  • Rose Hill residents are not allowed to bring microwave ovens.
  • Deep fryers and griddles
  • Portable stoves, washers, dryers, and dishwashers
  • Electric blankets 
  • Space heaters or portable air conditioners
  • Extension cords without surge protection
  • Halogen lamps, lava lamps, neon signs
  • Overpowered speakers or subwoofers
  • Mini-fridges are NOT ALLOWED in McMahon Hall, Campbell Salice Conley Halls, Walsh Hall, or Belmont Community Housing.

Fire hazards & combustibles

  • Candles (used, unused, or decorative)
  • Candle warmers, wax melters
  • Incense or incense holders
  • Fireworks, sparklers, explosives
  • Flammable liquids (e.g., lighter fluid, paint thinner)
  • Hookahs, smoking devices
  • E-cigarettes or vapes (use is prohibited indoors)

Decorations & wall hangings

  • Tapestries, banners, or large wall hangings (larger than 24" x 26")
  • Hanging vines, artificial foliage
  • Window curtains, canopy curtains, or window clings
  • Flags larger than 12” in height
  • Holiday lights, string lights, or LED light strips
  • Holiday trees
  • Wall decals or adhesives that could damage paint or drywall
  • Any items hanging from the ceiling or attached to fire sprinklers
  • Large plants (Nothing larger than 4 feet tall)

Pets & animals

  • All pets, including fish tanks and aquariums
  • Unauthorized emotional support animals (ESA)

Recreational & Miscellaneous Items

  • Shot glasses (decorative or usable)
    • ALL Apartments, regardless of age
  • Wine glasses, beer mugs, and other alcohol-specific drinkware (decorative or usable)
    • For “Dry” Apartments Only (“Dry” apartment means that any residents of the apartment are UNDER 21)
  • Drinking games (card games, etc.)
    • ALL Apartments, regardless of age
  • Dartboards (cork or electronic)
  • Hoverboards, electric scooters, e-skateboards, e-bikes (indoors)
    • Regular bikes may be stored on bike racks outside the buildings or in rooms.
  • Hot tubs, inflatable pools, or other water-filled recreational items.
  • Weightlifting or large fitness equipment
    • The gym is located on the second floor of McMahon Hall at Lincoln Center and at McShane Student Center at Rose Hill
  • Waterbeds or inflatable furniture
    • Air mattresses for guest purposes are allowed
  • Game tables or arcade-style games (e.g., air hockey, ping pong, pool tables)
  • Weapons or weapon replicas (including pocket knives, decorative swords, or toy guns)
  • Musical instruments with amplification (e.g., electric guitars, drum sets)
  • Wireless access points