What To Bring

The Housing & Residential Life team has created a list of essential and suggested items to make the transition to dorm living as smooth as possible.

What’s Provided in Every Residence Hall Room

Each student room comes furnished with:

  • Twin XL bed frame and mattress
  • Closet or wardrobe
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

What to Bring to Campus

Essential Items:

  • Twin XL sheets, blankets, and pillow
  • Towels (at least 2)
  • Shower caddy & shower shoes
  • Toiletries
  • Laundry basket & detergent
  • Clothing hangers
  • Reusable water bottles, mugs, bowls, and plates
  • Personal medications & prescriptions
  • Personal emergency kit (flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies)
  • Blue painter’s tape (for wall-safe decorating)
  • Decorative items to make your room feel like home

Optional / Recommended Items:

  • Desk lamp (non-halogen only)
  • Area Rug (talk with your roommate)
  • Headphones or Earbuds
  • Laptop and flash drive
  • UL-approved power surge protector
  • Fan (note: rooms in Ball, Stauffer, Johnson, and Wanberg do not have A/C — only common areas do)
  • Lockbox for medications or valuables
  • Small tool kit/sewing kit
  • Portable clothes steamer
  • Photos/ room décor/mini dry-erase board for door
  • Microwave (800 watts or less – 1 per room)
  • Mini refrigerator (must not exceed 4.6 cu. ft. – 1 per room)

What Not to Bring - Prohibited Items

These are not allowed in residence halls due to safety and policy reasons:

  • Air conditioners (unless approved through Student Accessibility Services)
  • Air fryers*
  • Anything with an open flame or exposed heating element
  • Candles, incense
  • Space heaters
  • Electric skillets*
  • Electric/gas grills
  • Halogen lamps
  • Ice baths
  • Irons & ironing boards
  • Nails or push pins (they damage the walls — fees may apply)
  • Ovens, toasters, or hot plates*
  • Sunlamps
  • Waterbeds
  • Weapons (including ANY blade/knives over 2.5", pellet/airsoft guns, paint guns, mace/tear gas, etc.)

*May be used in designated building kitchens only, but must be stored unplugged in rooms.

Strongly Suggested to Leave at Home

These items are allowed but often cause issues with space or damage:

  • Excess clothing (closet space is limited)
  • Large or hard-sided suitcases (difficult to store)
  • Too many decorative items or knick-knacks
  • LED strip lights
  • Command hooks (often damage walls — painter’s tape is safer)

Need help deciding? Reach out to residentiallife@whittier.edu — we're here to help you feel prepared and welcome!

Recommended Services & Programs

Though theft is uncommon in the residence halls, you can never be too careful. Whittier College assumes no responsibility for loss of property due to theft and recommends the purchase of personal property insurance to cover all valuable personal items while at the College. If you are interested in insuring your personal property, consider College Plus, the premier personal property insurance plan specifically designed for college students. Students may be eligible for personal property coverage under their family's homeowner's insurance. All students are reminded to keep their room door locked at all times and engrave valuable items at no cost through the Department of Campus Safety.