You look forward to meeting a new roommate for the first time or reuniting with a continuing roomie, late-night conversations with good friends, and taking part in Residence Hall Association activities.

You look forward to truly making your space your home for the time you’re in campus housing. And one of the biggest questions in your mind is, “What do I need to pack?”

To help you out, ETSU’s Office of Housing and Residence Life offers this Move-In Guide. In addition to information you’ll need before you move in – such as forms to complete, what to expect on Move-In Day, how to access WiFi and streaming services, and more – this handy guide includes a great starting list of packing essentials.

That list contains lots of basics, but here, two ETSU resident advisors (RAs) – Beta Briest (senior, Davis Apartments) and Madysen Osborne (junior, Luntsford Apartments) – share some of the items you can bring to make your room feel more like home:

Décor and Furnishings

  • Cute string lights and light-up decorations
  • Rugs
  • Pictures of family and friends
  • Favorite small decorative items from home
  • Storage bins and baskets
  • Small snack cart
  • Bedside stand/table
  • Plants
  • Over-the-door mirror
  • Desk organizer
  • Mattress cover
  • Bed desk
  • Armrest pillow

Cleaning

  • Bleach wipes
  • Broom and dustpan
  • Vacuum cleaner

Electronics

  • Mini-refrigerator and microwave
  • Coffee maker
  • Multiple phone chargers
  • Cord clips

Miscellaneous

  • Door hooks
  • Hanging shower caddy
  • Shower shoes
  • Dishes, pots and pans (if a kitchen is available)
  • Key ring with ID holder
  • Small lockbox
  • Water filter
  • Clip-on light for reading
  • Phone wallet

In addition, Briest and Osborne stressed a couple of items on the official packing list that some residents may overlook.

Both recommended headphones. “There are going to be times when you and your roommate are doing different things, with one or both of you requiring quiet to concentrate,” Briest said. “Headphones are a great way to both block out noise when needed or relax without disturbing your roommate.

“One other common item I always make sure to mention during open houses is a small personal trash can and some trash bags,” Briest continued. “Many people don’t immediately think of it as something they’ll need.

Osborne said surge protector power strips are important. Make sure the fan you bring is a good one; choose a rolling laundry basket, not a backpack model; and you don’t just need pillows and clothes hangers – you need LOTS of them!

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Related: Find more great ideas in this 2024 blog post, in which ETSU RAs share some other items that don’t commonly appear on residence hall packing lists but that they find essential.

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