Moving into your first-year residence hall can feel overwhelming, so Rowan student Rachel Rumsby breaks it down with the essentials she actually used. From lighting and storage to comfort items that make a dorm feel like home, these must-haves will help you settle in and stay organized all year.
Two Students Share Their Perspectives
From a 2026 student on campus to a 2021 student perspective, two Rowan Profs share their personal must-haves for your first-year room.
2026: Ignacio’s Version
Today we hear from Ignacio Domingo, a sophomore mechanical engineering major and international student from Spain. He has lived on-campus in Holly Pointe and the Nexus Properties Apartments. In this story, Ignacio shares her must haves for first year residence hall living.
My freshman year, I lived in a shared room in Holly Pointe, and these are some of my personal must-haves that I wish I had known about before moving in. One thing I would definitely recommend is talking with your roommate before buying everything, since some items can be shared. This will help you avoid bringing duplicate things and too much stuff to your dorm.
Organizers
This is a small item, but it can make a big difference. Since you are sharing a small space, it is always nice to keep your room smelling fresh and clean. It will help your room feel more cozy and pleasant, especially after a long day.
Laundry basket
It will be very useful for carrying your clothes to the laundry room. Some dorms do not have a laundry room, so this item is a must-have if you need to go back and forth to another building every week.
Coat rack
This is a small item but it can make a big difference. Since you are sharing a small space, it is always nice to keep your room smelling fresh and clean. It will help your room feel more cozy and pleasant.
Fan
In most dorms, you cannot control the temperature of your room, so some days it may feel cold and other days too warm. This item will be very helpful for keeping your room comfortable and adjusting it to the temperature that feels best for you.
Power strips (no extension cords)
This is definitely something you will need because dorm rooms usually do not have enough outlets for all your devices. A power strip will make it much easier to charge your phone, laptop, and other electronics at the same time. Just make sure it is allowed by the dorm rules, since extension cords are usually not permitted.
First aid kit
This is one of those things you may not think about at first, but it is always good to have one just in case. Having basic items like band-aids, pain relievers, or medicine for a cold can be very helpful when you do not feel well and do not want to run to the store right away. It will give you peace of mind and help you handle small health problems quickly and easily.
Vacuum cleaner
Keeping your dorm clean is important and a small vacuum cleaner can make that much easier. It is very helpful for picking up dust and dirt from the floor, especially in a small shared space. This item will help you keep your room clean and comfortable throughout the semester.
2021: Rachel’s Version
Today we hear from Rachel Rumsby, a junior Communication Studies and Public Relations double major from Bergen County, NJ. She has lived on-campus in Mimosa Hall and the Rowan Boulevard Apartments. In this story, Rachel shares her must haves for first year residence hall living.
During my first year at Rowan, I lived on campus in a six-person suite with three bedrooms and one bathroom in Mimosa Hall. My bedroom was outfitted with a wardrobe, desk, desk chair and a bed. You can find out more about furniture for each residence hall here. Besides the essentials such as clothes, bedding, decor, a micro-fridge and toiletries, here are some must haves I found helpful during my time in a first year residence hall.
Fans
It gets very hot the first few weeks of school, especially in the traditional residence halls. I recommend getting a tower fan and a window fan. The tower fan will circulate the air and create a breeze, while the window fan can push cooler air inside or force hot air outside. This was 100% a must have for me as a first year student.
Lamps
In the traditional residence halls, there is no overhead lighting. In Holly Pointe Commons, there is overhead lighting, but not a lot. The best idea would be to get a standing lamp that will light up the room, and a desk lamp for studying. I personally had a standing lamp with multiple lights, so I was able to adjust the amount of lighting in the room.
A rug
Mimosa, Evergreen, and Mullica Halls do not have carpets. A rug will make the space more comfortable and be softer on your feet. Even if your space has carpet, a rug is still a nice piece of decor!
Quarters
Quarters are the way to go when doing your laundry. The washers and dryers in the residence halls do not take Rowan Bucks or Dining Dollars. In my personal experience, I have also noticed that when I use my debit card for laundry, the machine charges me more than what the price is when you use quarters, and the card reader is broken sometimes. That being said, I highly recommend bringing quarters for laundry.
[Editor note: Laundry payment options have changed, students can pay via mobile app (which integrates with Rowan Bucks and/or quarters, and some buildings also accept credit/debit.]
A tension rod and an extra shower curtain
At least in Mimosa, there is no privacy between the shower and the rest of the bathroom, but there is a space where you can put up this “privacy curtain” outside of the shower. Put this up to have a space where you can change outside of the shower and just a little extra privacy. That way, if someone wants to use the bathroom stall on the other side of the bathroom, or the sink, you don’t have to worry! You can get these items at the dollar store.
First aid kit
A first aid kit is definitely a must have. A good first aid kit has bandages, pain relievers, extra masks, alcohol wipes and any other items you may need if you get a headache or get hurt. I know I am clumsy and I have nicked myself with a razor on more than one occasion, so bandages are super helpful. I also get headaches sometimes, so pain relievers are a must have for me. You never know what may happen, so it’s always good to be prepared!
A mattress topper and/or mattress pad
The beds at school are not like your bed at home. A mattress topper and mattress pad will make sleeping a little more comfortable, with a little more support than the mattress provides.
Looking for more information on first year living? Check out our First Year Dorm Survival Kit story or see our University Housing playlist on YouTube for first year residence halls. Looking for more information about Rowan Housing or specific dorms? Check out the Residential Learning and University Housing website.
Story by:
Ignacio Domingo, sophomore Mechanical Engineering major and Rachel Rumsby, junior communication studies and public relations double major