Room Furnishings and Packing List

A poster with a description of what's in a room.

All rooms have a:

  • Bed
  • Mattress
  • Desk and chair
  • Dresser
  • Closet space
  • Wastebasket

Note that some rooms have hutches or bookshelves but not every building has these.

All rooms have basic window coverings for privacy. Curtains are not allowed.

Beds and Mattresses

Beds in double and triple rooms are bunkable and loftable in a variety of configurations to customize your living area.

Students must use the University-provided mattress. If there is a medical condition that requires a special mattress, you will need to fill out an accommodation request and, if recommended, you will need to provide proof that the mattress meets the University’s fire protection standards.

We also have a limited supply of 36˝ x 90˝ beds and mattresses for students over 6'4". Please let us know if you require our longest mattress and bed frame.

Laundry and Cleaning

There are laundry facilities in each hall. You are responsible for doing your own laundry and cleaning your own room. The housekeeping staff sanitizes the bathrooms and public areas of housing facilities. It is not the job of the housekeeping staff to clean up after students and students are expected to keep common areas clean and clear of personal belongings.

Internet and Cable

Every room on River Campus has a wired high-speed computer connection (ResNet), to the University’s systems and the internet as well as wireless connections. In addition, each room has a cable outlet providing 55–60 channels of local, national, and cable television, with additional subscription services available through Spectrum Cable. See University IT page for more information.

What to Bring

Packing list.

Bed and Bath

Bed and bath items to bring:

  • Twin extra-long sheets
  • Blankets
  • Pillows
  • Mattress pad (optional)
  • Shower flip-flops and caddy/tote
  • Umbrella and rain boots
  • Winter coat, hat, gloves, boots, and scarf
  • Toiletries
  • Clothes and shoes

Storage, Laundry, and Cleaning

Storage, laundry, and cleaning items to bring:

  • Hangers
  • Laundry basket/bag
  • Detergent
  • Cleaning supplies (mini vacuum, cleaning wipes, duster, Windex, dish soap, sponge, etc.)

Misc

Misc items to bring:

  • School supplies
  • Clock
  • Organizational containers
  • Health/first-aid kit
  • Headphones
  • Mini fridge (no more than 4.5 cu. ft.)
  • Microwave
  • TV and co-axial cable
  • Unbreakable tableware (plate, utensils, cups, bowls, water bottle, etc.)
  • Tool kit
  • Mirror
  • Fan
  • Reusable bag
  • Bike and bike lock

New York State fire codes severely restrict cooking in student rooms. However, students may bring small refrigerators (no more than 4.5 cu. ft.) and small microwaves. These items should be stored within each student’s room. Check with your area office about other appliances before you bring them to the residence halls as many are not permitted in bedrooms.

Additional Items

These are common items students bring but may have restrictions:

  • Surge protectors, must have:
    • UL approved tag
    • Over-current protection (switch has a reset button)
    • Grounded (three prongs)
  • Lamp:
    • Must not have bendable arms that can be turned upwards
    • Clip lamps and lamps with outlets are prohibited

Coffee markers, hair dryers, curling irons, blenders, etc. are allowed if they have an automatic shutoff. No cooking appliances are allowed in your bedroom except a microwave.

Basic extension cords are not allowed.

What Not to Bring

A poster listing what not to bring to campus.

Appliances

Students should not bring cooking appliances such as:

  • Grills/panini presses
  • Toasters
  • Toaster ovens
  • Electric skillets
  • Crock pots
  • Hot plates

Any portable heating or cooling devices such as space heaters or air conditioners are not permitted.

Lighting

Any lighting that has an upward facing lamp or that has a movable “octopus” arm so that the lamps can be faced upward are prohibited.

Students and their parents should read the lamp guide before purchasing a lamp.

Decorations

All decorations must cover less than 20 percent of the total wall and door space. Decorations cannot be touching the ceiling or any fire equipment.

Curtains or drapes are not permitted.

Crepe paper, plastic or Mylar decorations are not permitted.

Items that Use Fire

Candles, lanterns, lamps, incense or any other item that produces an open flame are not permitted. Please note this includes unburned candles. Candles found in rooms can carry fines.

Extension Cords and Plug Outlet Adapters

All lightweight extension cords or multi-plug outlet adapters are prohibited. Flexible (twisty) power strips and appliances (bed lofts, lamps, etc.) with outlets are prohibited. Also, cords cannot be affixed to walls, across corridors, or under floor coverings.

Multiple approved power strips connected together (“chaining”) is not permitted.

All fridges and microwaves must be plugged directly into a wall and not into a surge protector. Remember: Surge protectors must have UL approved sticker.

Other

Pets are not permitted other than fish in a 5 gallon tank or less.

No weapons are permitted.

No 3D printers.

Questions

If you have any questions about if an item is permitted, your area office can assist you. The full policy can be found on the Environmental Health & Safety website