The contents of this page are intended to make it easier for you to pack for campus life. You should plan to bring the essentials, but keep in mind that you'll be sharing space with others and that you'll need to pack and move everything again at the end of the year.

Packing
When packing, think small. Remember that you can always bring more later on.

• Not all halls have elevators, so it is better to pack your things in mid-sized boxes that can be carried by one person.
• You may want to contact your roommate(s) or suitemates to determine what kinds of shared items to bring. Your roommates' name(s) and contact information are listed on the Contract Acceptance and Notice of Room Assignment document that comes in the mail.

The Essentials

• Appropriate clothing—Think in terms of a number items of lighter clothing, which can be layered as it gets colder and shed as it warms up. Bring hats, gloves, and boots for winter. Remember, the record high temperature in August in Iowa City is 108F, and the record low in February is -32F. In your four years, you will experience temperatures close to both these extremes. Then there's the wind down the river.
• Academic supplies (backpack, pens, notebooks, etc.)
• Alarm clock
• Bathrobe, shower shoes, and a small bucket for carrying toiletries
• Bedding: blankets, pillows, and sheets (all beds require extra-long sheets, 36" x 80")
• Cleaning supplies
• Clothes hangers
• Cable TV cord (if bringing a TV)
• Desk lamp
• Fan (if in a non-air-conditioned room)
• Flashlight
• Laundry basket/bag, detergent, and supplies
• Telephone with cords and answering machine (only one needed per room)
• Towels, washcloths, and toiletry items

Useful, But Not Essential

• Computer (for more info, see below)
• Ethernet drop cord for computer (at least 14 feet)
• Iron and ironing board
• Refrigerator (not to exceed five cubic feet and nine amps. No personal refrigerators needed in Mayflower). For information on renting a refrigerator from an independent company, please visit the Micro Fridge rental program.
• Select small appliances (note that there are specific limits on the types of appliances allowed in the residence halls. For more information, see Facilities - Appliances)
• Vacuum cleaner

Not Allowed

• Air conditioners or space heaters
• Lofts (except Mayflower; see Facilities - Furniture & Lofts for more information)
• Nail picture hangers (no holes permitted in walls)
• Pets (other than fish)
• Refrigerators exceeding five cubic feet and nine amps (or any refrigerator at Mayflower - already supplied)

Strictly Prohibited and a Violation of University Policy

• Alcohol and empty alcohol containers
• Candles, incense, or incense burners (no open flames are permitted for safety reasons; for more information see Facilties - Fire Prevention)
• Firearms, fireworks, or explosives
• Halogen lamps (all styles)
• Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia
• Cooking appliances, such as electric grills, pizza cookers, and toaster ovens (except in rooms with a kitchen; for more information, see Facilities - Appliances)

Insurance
Before you move into the residence halls, you should determine whether your possessions are covered by your parents' homeowner's policies. If not, you should plan to purchase enough insurance to cover the value of your personal property. The University does not carry insurance on residents' personal property nor does the University assume liability for any loss or damage to personal property.

Computers
All rooms have a ResNet data port that provides a fast, direct data connection to the campus network and Internet. The connection is ethernet based, and requires an ethernet card—a regular phone-based modem will not work with ResNet.

Computing/ResNet

Furniture
All rooms in the residence halls have basic furnishings, including beds, desks, sinks, and mirrors. Students are encouraged to personalize their rooms as long as changes don't damage the room or create safety hazards.

Facilities - Furniture & lofts

Cars and Parking
Should you bring your car to campus? Experience says no. Parking space on or near campus is at a premium—either very expensive to get, or else unavailable—and the campus has been designed such that walking or Cambus is actually easier than trying to drive and park.

Parking information
Cambus (University bus service)