Residential Life

2011-12 Housing Guide for New Students and Parents

What to Bring and What to Leave!

When furnishing your room, you can certainly brighten things up with posters, plants, even a big, over-stuffed, comfy chair from the Hamilton College Cram and Scram. Remember, though, you will have to pack and haul all your belongings home at the end of the year--you’d be surprised how much stuff you will collect!

The following page lists suggested items to bring.  Of course, if you forget an item, borrowing from your neighbors is a natural way to make new friends in a residence hall....as long as you return the borrowed items.

REMEMBER:  Call your roommates BEFORE purchase many items for your room.  Avoid duplication!


Absolute Basic Necessities:

  • surge protector and/or a multi-strip with circuit breaker (no extension cords)
  • tape, scissors, stapler, pens, pencils, markers, notepads, stamps, duct tape
  • container for shower accessories, shower footwear
  • telephone/cell phone 
  • laundry drying rack
  • desk lamp (no halogen lamps), wastebasket
  • laundry basket/bag
  • laundry detergent/fabric softener
  • pillow cases
  • any necessary medication
  • towels, wash cloths
  • alarm clock/clock radio
  • clothes hangers
  • address book, calendar
  • message/memo board
  • dictionary, thesaurus
  • blankets, pillows
  • first aid kit (bandages, aspirin, etc.)
  • small fan
  • crates for storage, under bed storage bins
  • two sets of extra long sheets (mattress lengths vary from 76" to 80" in length, 33” width & 6 1/2” depth – non-fitted sheets are best)


Optional Items:

  • trunk  
  • small bookshelves
  • bike & bike lock 
  • non-halogen floor lamp
  • refrigerator (no full size)
  • coffeemaker
  • sports equipment (racquets, etc.)
  • iron/ironing board
  • throw rug  
  • screwdriver/toolbox
  • flashlight and batteries
  • pictures
  • tissues  
  • posters
  • key chain  
  • microwave
  • dishes (plate, bowl, cups, mugs, glasses, knives, forks and spoons)
  • dish soap
  • music (stereo, MPS player/docking unit)
  • sewing kit
  • dry erase board & markers
  • computer (you may connect to the campus network in your room)
  • TV with a generous amount of coaxial cable to attach to jack


Prohibited Items:

  • NO CARS ON CAMPUS!
  • tapestries
  • halogen lamps (fire hazard)
  • toaster ovens
  • pets (except fish) 
  • water beds
  • hotplates or items with exposed heating units
  • air conditioners
  • electric/kerosene heaters
  • alcohol
  • BB guns/air soft guns
  • dartboards
  • George Foreman grill
  • weapons of any kind
  • holiday lights/string lights
  • waffle iron
  • flags  
  • extension cord
  • cloth curtains

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