What to Bring

Before you pack

It is a good idea to contact your roommate(s) before move-in so you can get to know each other and make sure the year starts off on a positive note.

  • Email your roommate to get their contact information.
  • Call your roommate, introduce yourself, and get to know each other a little so it won’t be as awkward on your first day. 
  • Plan who is going to bring shared items like a TV, refrigerator, game systems, etc. 
  • Talk about how you will share the room, guests, cleanliness, noise, and what you will do when an issue arises.
  • Plan on a shopping trip your first week of school so you can split the shopping list.
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Prohibited items to LEAVE AT HOME

Please note this list may not be comprehensive of everything not permitted but includes the most commonly found prohibited items. Review the Standards of Student Conduct and Residence Hall Policies for more details.

  • Extension cords 
  • Multi-plug outlet extenders 
  • Bed risers with outlets 
  • Candles
  • Incense 
  • Hot plates
  • George Foreman grills
  • Toasters
  • Air fryers
  • Curtains (unless labeled fire retardant) 
  • Pets (fish allowed only) 
  • Flammable liquids (gasoline, oil, etc.)
  • Any items with open flames
  • Weapons and amunition
  • Hover boards 
  • Over-door hangers/mirrors 
  • Nails, mounting putty, & wall tacs to hang items on the wall (we recommend using painters tape)
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Suggested packing list

Be sure to connect with your roommate before packing any shared items, or bring only the essentials and plan a shopping trip to purchase shared items after you have arrived.

Basics

  • Towels 
  • Hangers 
  • Laundry bag/basket 
  • Laundry detergent and fabric softener 
  • Stain remover 
  • Pillows 
  • Iron and ironing board 
  • Fan 
  • Alarm clock 
  • Egg crate foam mattress pad 
  • Bedside lamp 
  • Sewing kit
  • Blankets 
  • Comforter 
  • Sheets and pillow cases (extra-long twin sized sheets) 
  • Trash can 
  • Cleaning supplies 
  • Desk/bedside lamp 
  • Storage bins 
  • Basic tool kit 
  • Poster adhesive (we recommend painters tape) 
  • Batteries 
  • Flashlight

Many students will bring a refrigerator and microwave. Keep in mind refrigerators must draw two amps or less and microwaves must be rated as 700 watts or less. Stand-alone microwaves are not permitted in Muse Hall. Microfridges (combination microwave/refrigerator) are permitted in every residence hall (including Muse) and can be rented by contacting Melvin Corp. at 1-800-525-7307.

School supplies

You may want to wait to purchase school supplies until you know what is needed for classes/assignments.

  • Pens and pencils 
  • Post-it notes 
  • Printer paper and ink 
  • Ruler and scissors 
  • Stapler and staples E
  • External hard drive to back up your data
  • Dry erase board/calendar 
  • Desk lamp 
  • Flash drive 
  • Highlighters and index cards 
  • Labels 
  • Notebooks, folders, paperclips, rubberbands

Electronics/technology

  • Surge protector(s) 
  • Cell phone charger 
  • Computer/laptop
  • Computer/laptop case and chargers
  • Printer (wireless printing does not work in student rooms)
  • TV
  • Ethernet cable 
  • Blu-Ray and/or DVD player
  • Gaming console
  • Coaxial cable for TV

Personal hygiene & health

  • Shower tote
  • Soap/body wash
  • Hair care products
  • Prescription medications 
  • Basic first-aid kit
  • Band-aids
  • Thermometer
  • Disinfectant wipes/spray
  • Facial tissues
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, & mouthwash
  • Lotion
  • Cosmetics 
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Acetaminophen (or other fever reducer)
  • Cold/sinus medication
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Antibacterial soap
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Gather your important documents

It isn’t just about packing boxes and shopping for necessities. You need to prepare for living on your own, too.

Health insurance

Health insurance is not required but encouraged for residents. If you do have coverage, be sure to bring a copy of your insurance card or similar documentation in case you ever need it.

Renters insurance

Radford does not provide residents with insurance so you won’t be covered if there is a fire, flood, or other occurrence which can destroy your belongings. Look into getting renter’s insurance. If your parents/guardians are homeowners, ask if your room is covered under their homeowners insurance. In many cases, you might already be covered.

Money

If you bank with a national chain, find a branch and a few ATMs close to campus so you can get cash without being hit with fees. You may want to check out our local banks and set up an account when you get here if you don’t have an account or use a local bank at home.

Valuables

Mark all of your valuables with unique information so it can be identified in case it is lost/stolen and recovered. Your name or driver’s license number is unique and can help the police find you if they recover it. Avoid putting personal information such as your address or social security number. Consider engraving or using a permanent marker in an inconspicuous place to mark your items.

Label Items if Possible

Labeling your bins and bags with your name and contents as you pack will help ensure they not mixed up with anyone else's items.