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Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

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Even the best brochures and postcards (and yes, even websites) can only tell you so much about a college. The only surefire way to know if DSU is right for you is to see for yourself.

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Home ― Student Life ― Housing ― What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)

What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)

Love where you live

Think of your dorm room like a campground: you should leave it better than you found it. 

students moving into dorms

Below, you'll find a list of things you can bring with you, like small appliances and decor items to personalize your room. There is also a list of items that are off-limits, don't forget to check it out. Most of it's a no-brainer: weapons and fire hazards, for example. Some things (tacks and duct tape) cause damage to walls and furniture.

The list below should not be considered all-inclusive. Is there something we missed? Just ask. We'll make the call on a case-by-case basis.

We ask every resident to use common sense and ask authorized residence life staff if you have any doubt whether something's allowed.

Thank you for adhering to these expectations.

So, what is allowed? What's not allowed?

For each resident

  • Loftable bed
  • Extra-long twin mattress (36” x 80”)
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Dresser/closet (built-in or free-standing)

For each room

  • Blinds/window covering
  • Wastebasket
  • Outlets
  • Internet access

For each hall

  • Vacuum/Broom
  • Rubber mallets to adjust lofted beds
  • Television in lobby and lounges
  • Kitchen facilities with toaster, microwave, stove/oven
  • Homemade or rented lofts
  • Bed risers
  • Sofa bed
  • Non-UL approved power strips
  • Extension cords
  • Window fan
  • Electric blanket
  • Refrigerators over 4.6 cubic feet
  • Open element appliances
    • Space heaters
    • Immersion heaters
    • Kerosene heaters
    • Hot plates
    • Broilers
    • Ovens
    • Pizza cookers (i.e. Pizza Pizzazz)
    • Air fryers
    • Freezer
  • Sun lamps, halogen lamps, lava lamps, and neon signs
  • Window air conditioning units
  • Outside antennae/satellite dishes
  • Potpourri pots (candles and electric)
  • Candle warmers with open heating element
  • Open flame candles
  • Carpet padding
  • Nails and screws (or any item that could damage hall walls)
  • Living - or formerly living - trees, garland, etc.
  • Wall paint
  • Alternative lights bulbs (i.e. black light bulbs, color bulbs)
  • Dartboards

Weapons

  • Firearms
  • Air guns
  • Tasers
  • BB guns
  • Knives with a blade greater than 3 inches
  • Bows
  • Arrows
  • Ammunition
  • Fireworks or other explosives
  • Dangerous chemicals
  • Metal tipped darts
  • Recreational an/or toy guns replicating or mimicking weapons

Allowed

  • Fun-tac poster putty or poster tape
  • 3M hooks
  • Wickless candles
  • Glade plug-ins (except those with an additional outlet)
  • Candle warmers
  • Fragrance pots
  • Potpourri pots
  • Posters
  • Pictures
  • LED-based light strings

Not allowed

  • Duct tape
  • Double-sided foam or scotch tape
  • Cellophane tape
  • Nails
  • Screws
  • Tacks
  • Hooks
  • Pins
  • Carpet tape
  • Painting room
  • Contact paper
  • Foam-back or rubber-back carpet
  • Halogen lamps
  • Lava lamps
  • Neon signs
  • Sun lamp
  • Anything that would attach to the ceiling
  • Live Christmas tree
  • Outdoor designed Christmas tree lights
  • Decorations that cause a fire hazard
  • Multi-head extension cords designed to increase the number of outlets
  • Candles with wicks
  • Incense
  • Homemade loft kits or any other not furnished by DSU
  • Bed unit and mattress unless approved in advance by residence life personnel

Each resident

  • Extra-long twin sheets
  • Towel (Bath, hand, washcloth)
  • Laundry basket
  • Detergent and fabric softener for HE machines
  • Clothes hangers
  • Trash bags
  • Toiletries
  • Flip-flops and/or shower shoes
  • Shower caddy
  • Allowed appliances in room
    • Mini-fridge (cannot exceed 4.6 cubic feet)
    • Iron and tabletop ironing board
    • Television
    • Mini projector
    • Fans, counter or floor-based
    • Keurig machines (no open heating element)
  • Allowed appliances that MAY ONLY BE USED IN THE KITCHEN AREAS (must have thermostats and auto-shutoff and no open coils)
    • Coffee maker 
    • Crock pot 
    • Electric skillet/fry pan
    • Electric grill (i.e. George Foreman)
    • Waffle/pancake making device
    • Popcorn popper
  • Desk lamp
  • Scentsy candle warmer (or other non-open heating element candle warmers)
  • Computer/laptop
  • UL approved power strips
  • Free standing furnishing (i.e. entertainment centers, shelving)
  • Cooking utensils, cookware, dishes
  • Umbrella, raincoat, boots
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • First aid kit/medicine
  • Over the counter medications (Tylenol, Benadryl, throat lozenges, cough syrup, etc.)
  • Prescriptions
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Face Coverings
  • Please note that items hung on walls must be done so they can be removed without damage to the walls or paint.

 

For Each Room

Below are suggested items for you and your roommate to share. We encourage you to reach out to your roommate and coordinate details before arriving on campus:

  • Microwave (cannot exceed 750 watts)
  • Carpet or area rug
  • Mini-fridge (not to exceed 4.6 cubic feet)
  • Television