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Essentials to Bring

Check out a list of suggested essential items to bring with you when you start your life at Central as a residential student.

General

  • Hangers
  • Raincoat and umbrella
  • Renters insurance
  • Health insurance card
  • Safe or lockbox
  • School supplies
  • Laundry detergent for high-efficiency washers
    • Laundry pods may be used
  • Refrigerator
    • 4.3 cubic feet or smaller

Bedroom

  • Bedding
  • Bedspread/comforter
  • Blankets
  • Extra-long twin sheets
  • Pillow
  • Mattress pad
  • Alarm clock
  • Fan

Bathroom

  • Health and beauty products
    • Shampoo
    • Soap
    • Toothbrush
    • Toothpaste
    • Razor/shaving cream
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels and washcloths

Kitchen

  • Dishwashing soap
  • Snacks
  • Microwaveable/reusable dishes
    • Cups
    • Bowls
    • Silverware

Tech

  • Computer
  • Ethernet cord
  • Power strips with surge protectors
  • Extension cord
  • USB drive
  • Cell phone and charger

Other items you may want

  • A list that includes the make, model and serial number for any personal item you are bringing with a value over $100.
  • Social Security card (if you plan on getting a job on-campus).
  • Bike and bike lock (Optional. Remember to register your bike with Parking Services if you bring one.)

Sheets and linens

The National Residence Hall Honorary has partnered with Dormify to provide students with a convenient, affordable way to purchase sheets, bedding, storage solutions and everything else you'll need for your new home away from home. Please visit Dormify to start creating your new dream room! Proceeds from this program go to the CMU National Residence Hall Honorary for programming within university housing.

Microwaves and refrigerators

Bedloft.com also rents approved Combination Units (microwave/refrigerator) to interested students.

  • A Combination Unit is a three-in-one appliance that combines a refrigerator, freezer and microwave, and is the only microwave approved for use in all CMU residence halls. Combination Units can be pre-ordered and delivered directly to your room.
  • Other microwaves are only allowed in Northwest Apartments and Campbell, Celani, Fabiano, Kesseler and Kulhavi Halls.
  • The Residence Hall Assembly student leadership group receives a portion of all profits which helps support programs and activities for all residence hall students. 

Note: Central Michigan University is not responsible or liable for the services and/or actions of bedloft.com or the Residence Hall Linens organization.

Prohibited items

Please review the list of prohibited items.

  • 3D printers
  • Air conditioners (including evaporative air coolers) (unless approved from the Student Disability Services office)
  • Alcohol (if under 21 years of age)
  • Barbecue grills and fire pits
  • Bidets (students will need to buy a portable standalone unit that does not tie into the toilet)
  • Candles, candle warmers, lanterns, incense or other open flame devices
  • Dishwashers (if not provided by the university)
  • Electric or kerosene heaters
  • Empty alcohol “empties” containers (if under 21 years of age)
  • Extension cords, outlet adapters or multiple plugs - except for power strips with built-in circuit breakers (limit of one power strip per resident)
  • Firearms and weapons (including toy guns)
  • Halogen bulbs or lamps
  • Hoverboards
  • Lava lamps
  • Live trees and wreaths
  • Mattresses (not provided by the university)
  • Mercury thermometers
  • Personal lofts
  • Microwaves (except in Campbell, Celani, Fabiano, Kesseler, Kulhavi, Northwest Apartments and Graduate Housing.)
  • Pets/Animals
  • Stolen Property (street signs, barricades, university signage, etc.)
  • Vape Pens
  • Waterbeds