As a first-year student moving into a residence (res) room, the goal is to create a comfortable, functional, and personalized space where you can study, relax, and unwind. Moving into res can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming with the number of things to organize.
Res Room Essentials Checklist: Everything You Need for a Comfortable Stay
To help you prepare, here’s a comprehensive checklist of everything you need to bring for a comfortable and organized stay in your res room.
1. Bedding Essentials
- Single or Double Bed Sheets (Check your res specifications for bed size)
- Pillowcases (2–3)
- Comforter or Duvet (Weather-appropriate thickness)
- Pillows (At least 2 for support)
- Mattress Protector (For hygiene and comfort)
- Blankets (Optional, depending on the season)
- Bed Throw or Extra Throw (For extra warmth or decorative flair)
2. Storage Solutions
- Under-bed Storage Bins or Drawers (For extra clothes, books, and miscellaneous items)
- Clothing Hangers (At least 10–15 for your wardrobe)
- Foldable Storage Baskets (For laundry and other essentials)
- Desk Organizers (To keep study materials neat)
- Over-the-door Hooks or Organizer (For extra hanging space)
- Shoe Rack (If space allows)
- Storage Bins or Containers (For storing extra items out of sight)
3. Study and Work Essentials
- Desk Lamp (With adjustable brightness for late-night study sessions)
- Laptop or Tablet (For lectures, research, and assignments)
- Power Strips and Extension Cords (Multiple devices might need to be plugged in)
- Notebooks, Folders, and Stationery (Pens, highlighters, sticky notes, paper clips, etc.)
- Calculator (If required for your courses)
- Charging Cables (For your laptop, phone, and other devices)
- Planner or Calendar (To track assignments, deadlines, and important dates)
4. Personal Care Items
- Toiletries (Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
- Towels (Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths)
- Shower Caddy (For easy access to toiletries while using shared bathrooms)
- Flip-Flops or Shower Shoes (For public showers)
- Hairdryer (If preferred)
- Toilet Paper (Check with your res if they provide this, but it’s always good to have extra)
- First-Aid Kit (Plasters, pain relievers, etc.)
- Face Masks or Facial Wipes (For quick freshen-ups)
5. Cleaning and Maintenance Items
- Cleaning Supplies (All-purpose cleaner, disinfecting wipes, paper towels)
- Trash Bags (Res rooms may have trash bins, but you’ll need your own bags)
- Broom, Dustpan, and Mop (If your res doesn’t provide cleaning services)
- Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener (For washing clothes)
- Laundry Basket or Hamper (To keep dirty laundry in one place)
Read more: Thrive Student Living: What You Need to Know
6. Kitchen and Food Storage
- Mini Fridge (If not provided by the res, check ahead)
- Microwave (If allowed and not provided)
- Plates, Bowls, and Mugs (For in-room snacks and meals)
- Cutlery (Fork, Spoon, Knife) (Essential for eating in your room)
- Reusable Water Bottle (To stay hydrated throughout the day)
- Food Storage Containers (For storing leftovers or meal prepping)
- Coffee Maker or Electric Kettle (If permitted and needed for your morning routine)
- Snacks (Non-perishable items like cereal, granola bars, and instant noodles)
7. Tech and Gadgets
- Laptop Stand or Cooling Pad (To avoid overheating during long study sessions)
- Speakers or Headphones (For music or online classes)
- Flash Drive or External Hard Drive (For extra storage and backup of important files)
- Phone Charger (Always have a spare or long cable)
- Bluetooth Speaker or Headphones (For private listening or enjoying music)
- Clock or Alarm Clock (If you prefer not to use your phone)
8. Decoration and Personal Touches
- Posters, Photos, or Art (To personalize your space and make it feel like home)
- Fairy Lights or LED Strip Lights (For cozy lighting)
- Rugs or Mats (To make the floor area more comfortable)
- Cushions and Throw Pillows (For added comfort and style)
- Plants or Succulents (If allowed, plants can add life and color to your room)
- Framed Pictures (Of family, friends, or pets)
9. Security and Safety
- Padlock for Wardrobe or Drawer (For securing valuables in shared spaces)
- ID Card Holder or Lanyard (To keep your student ID accessible and safe)
- Emergency Contacts List (For quick access in case of an emergency)
- Small Safe or Lockbox (To store important documents, money, or other valuables)
10. Miscellaneous
- Umbrella or Raincoat (For unpredictable weather)
- Extra Pair of Glasses or Contact Lenses (If needed)
- Travel Backpack or Tote Bag (For easy transport between classes and res)
- Workout Clothes and Sneakers (For gym or outdoor activities)
- Small Sewing Kit (For minor repairs to clothes or bedding)
- Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife (If allowed and for emergencies)
- Fan or Heater (If your res room isn’t air-conditioned or you need extra heating)
Recommended for you: NSFAS Funded Students Must Adhere to Accredited Accommodation Rules
Additional Tips for First-Year Students:
- Check Your Res Room’s Rules and Regulations: Make sure you are aware of what’s allowed (and not allowed) in your residence, especially when it comes to electronics, appliances, and food storage.
- Pack Smart and Avoid Overpacking: Don’t bring things you may not need or that could take up unnecessary space. Keep in mind that you’ll need to share space with other students and that you’ll probably collect more things throughout the year.
- Label Your Items: To avoid mix-ups with roommates, label your personal items (e.g., towels, dishes, and stationery).
- Maximize Vertical Space: Use wall-mounted hooks, shelves, or hanging storage options to keep your floor area clear.
Moving into a residence for your first year is an exciting milestone, and with the right preparation, you can create a comfortable, functional, and personalized space that feels like home. By using this comprehensive checklist as your guide, you can ensure that you’ve covered all the essential bases—from bedding and storage solutions to study supplies, personal care, and even a few personal touches to brighten your space.
