Rutgers Housing-New Brunswick

You should receive your assignment packet by mid August. You'll be able to talk, write, or email your roommate before you move in. Some students like to coordinate the colors of things like your bedspreads, or share things such as a bookshelf or rug. Space is limited, so we encourage you to communicate with your future roomie about sharing things and avoid duplicating nonpersonal items.
Please remember to bring ALL the housing information you received over the summer.

You'll need essentials such as:

Touch-tone telephone (an answering machine is a convenience)
Nonhalogen desk, floor, or bedside lamp for reading and studying
Extra-long twin sheet set (or two for when one is in the laundry)
Pillow
Comforter or bedspread and blanket
Towels and washcloths
Alarm clock or clock radio
Bathrobe
Rubber flip-flops for shower
Toiletries (shampoo, soap, shaving cream, hand lotion, etc.)
Hair dryer
Small plastic basket or bucket to carry toiletries to and from the bathroom
Cleaning products (dust rag, general purpose cleaner, etc.)
UL-listed extension cord(s), not to exceed 6' in length

For your wardrobe:

Clothes hangers
Laundry basket or bag (and detergent)
"Under the bed" storage boxes
Coat rack
Ironing board and iron

For mishaps, emergencies, and general "fix its":

First-aid kit
Sewing kit
Flashlight
Small tool kit (screw driver, hammer, pliers, etc.)

For getting around:

Bicycle
In-line skates
Umbrella
Backpack
Good walking shoes
Boots for wet weather
Warm coat

For study breaks and general relaxing:

Radio, stereo, or portable "walkman"
Small television
DVD/VCR

For making the most of your study time:

Computer*
Surge suppressor or two for electronic equipment (including your stereo)
Dictionary and thesaurus
Calculator
Pens, pencils (pencil sharpener), and hi-liters
Stapler
Scissors
Tape
Ruler

*For Ethernet access in those residence halls that provide it, we recommend these cards: 3com, Netgear, LinkSys, and Intel. We do NOT recommend REALTEK. Any specific computer questions can be routed to our student housing network coordinator at helpdesk@nbcs.rutgers.edu.

To make your new home feel more like home:

Posters
Family photos
Indoor plants
Fan
Utensils for snacks
Your favorite coffee or tea mug

What size sheets do I need for the bed?

Our single beds are larger than normal so you will need an extra-long twin-size sheet set (at least 36" wide x 80" long) for your bed. Two sets make laundry a little less of an emergency situation. It is a good idea to mark your sheets, towels, and other items with your full name.

What kind of clothes do I need?

As you probably know, one of the nicest things about the area in which Rutgers is located is that we enjoy all four seasons of the year. Temperatures during the academic year can range from the 90s in September, down to the 20s (and occasionally colder) during the winter months, back up into the 80s and 90s in May. The New Brunswick and Piscataway campuses are all near the Raritan River which can make for humidity, wind, and changeable conditions, You'll need a variety of clothes to be comfortable in all seasons and weather conditions. Waterproof boots (for snow and rain) and a warm coat (it can get pretty chilly waiting for the bus) are essential. Come prepared to dress in layers—"in-between" seasons it can be chilly in the morning, but quite warm in the afternoon. You may want to bring out-of-season clothing back home during break times to save on valuable storage space in your room.

What appliances are available?

Microwaves are provided in most residence halls in shared kitchenettes. Many of these kitchen areas also have refrigerators and some have ovens. MicroFridges - microwave/refrigerator units - are provided in all undergraduate residence halls. The fee is included in the room charge.

What appliances may I bring?

You may bring a radio, stereo, computer and peripherals, hair dryer, razor, TV, VCR, and a hot-pot (provided that it has an automatic shut-off if the fluid boils down or is emptied and that it accepts only water), and a UL-listed hot air popcorn popper. Don't bring a microwave, air-conditioner, or space heater.

Keep in mind, room space is limited. We suggest you check with your roommate(s) regarding sharing of any appliances.

Can I cook my own meals in my room?

To protect your health and safety, kitchen appliances other than an approved microfridge unit are NOT allowed in residence halls. Do NOT bring a toaster oven, microwave oven, broiler, hotplate, electric wok, rice cooker, immersion coil, hot dog/hamburger cooker, or unapproved hot-pot. Besides, why cook and clean up when you can just run to the nearest dining hall for a nutritious meal?

OK, what else should I NOT bring?

Leave all flammables such as kerosene or oil lamps, alcohol burners, candles, fireworks, sparklers, incense, art supplies such as thinners, chemicals, spray paint, and the like at home.
Do not bring halogen lights or lamps—they can cause fires.
Firearms, other weapons, and explosives of any kind are forbidden.

Can I bring my pet?

You'll have to leave Fido home. Pets are not allowed in campus residence halls or apartments. Experience has shown that animals can cause allergies and other difficulties in group living settings. You'll be too busy to pay much attention to them anyway.

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