This story was updated on August 8, 2024.
Moving into your own space is inspiring, exciting and sometimes overwhelming. Your residence hall should serve as more than just somewhere to sleep—it’s your personal space to recharge, study, socialize and relax as you acclimate to college life.
Whether it’s your first year on campus, you’re a returning student or you’re transferring, read on to find out what essential items you should bring and things you need to know to ensure a smooth start to your year of living in University Housing.
What to do before move-in
1. Report your immunizations.
Learn more about which immunizations are required for incoming Temple students. Go to the Student Health website and log in to the Patient Health Portal to report your immunizations or sign the waiver before you get to campus. You’ll need your AccessNet username and password to log in.
2. Know your assigned move-in date and pick your time.
Your move in date and time is visible for you on MyHousing. Please make sure to stick to your arrival time for a smooth check in process
What to bring with you
1. Sheets, pillows, blankets and towels
There are two bed dimensions in Temple’s residence halls: regular twin or twin XL. Be sure to buy the right size sheets (and an extra set!) to fit your bed. Don’t forget towels, either. Pro tip: add some colorful pillows and blankets for extra pizzazz.
STANDARD TWIN: 75 inches by 39 inches
• 1300 Residence Hall first- through third-floor suites
EXTRA-LONG: 80 inches by 39 inches
• 1300 Residential Hall fourth- and fifth-floor apartments
• 1940 Residence Hall
• Mitchell and Hilarie Morgan Hall
• James S. White Hall
• Temple Towers
2. Room decorations and materials for wall hangings
One of the greatest parts of customizing your space is the freedom to bring decorations that reflect your personal style, such as posters, photographs, string lights—you name it. You’ll want to decorate your room to be as cozy as possible so it feels like your new home—think family photos, items from home, comfy pillows and stuffed animals, or anything else that reminds you of home. Don’t forget to bring the necessary materials to hang these items and be sure to check what kinds of hanging materials are allowed in each residence hall. There are some restrictions, like no candles or contact paper, and only 50% of your walls can be covered. Guidelines for hanging or decorating can vary by building, too. We recommend visiting the housing website (under “Room Decorating”) for specific instructions.
3. Electronics and appliances
This may seem obvious, but make sure to bring a laptop to do your classwork. Many students also need headphones for watching video assignments or virtual meetings with counselors or classmates. Don’t forget a surge protector/power strip to plug everything in, and of course your chargers! You may also want to bring a fan, TV and/or coffee maker. Please note that cooking appliances such as hotplates and portable stoves are not allowed, and kitchen appliances such as rice cookers and toasters are only allowed in the kitchen areas of apartment-style living spaces.
You can bring a fridge, but it must be less than 3.6 cubic feet and Energy Star rated. You can also rent a combination microwave/fridge! We highly recommend you do this through our preferred vendor, Microfridge.
4. Cable lock or safe
A cable lock can help keep your laptop safe, or an actual small safe can help protect other valuable items.
5. Trashcan
This also might seem like an obvious one, but bring a small trashcan for your room, as you are responsible for taking out your personal trash. In apartments, you may want a larger trashcan to share with your roommates.
6. Laundry detergent, hamper and quarters
Of course, living on your own also means that laundry will become part of your routine. Bring some laundry detergent, a hamper or clothing bag for easy transport and quarters to run the machine.
7. A reusable water bottle
There are multiple bottle filling stations all around campus. Not only is this better for the environment, but it helps you to stay hydrated!
8. Cleaning supplies
Living on your own means you have the extra responsibility of keeping your space tidy. We recommend picking up some items to help with dusting, sweeping/vacuuming, disinfecting and the like. Temple will keep common spaces in your residence hall clean, but you’re responsible for cleaning your own room.
9. Health items
These could include your health insurance card, medications you may take, over-the-counter pain relief medicine, bandages and whatever else you may need.
For more details about the move-in process, check out the full Fall 2024 Move-in Guide. Can’t wait to see you!