What to Bring/Not Bring

You know the basics to bring – clothes, a computer, linens and towels, school supplies, toiletries, posters and pictures, etc. – but here are some additional things to think about.

• Computer
• Sheets (extra-long twin)
• Clothes for all weather
• Laundry basket
• Cleaning supplies
• Trash can
• Flip flops for community bathrooms
• Shower caddy to carry your toiletries to the shower
• First aid kit (basics like Band-Aids and mercury-free thermometer)
• Basic dishes and utensils
• 3M adhesive strips for putting things on the walls
• Fan
• Pictures, posters or other items to decorate the room
• Multi-outlet strip with a circuit breaker
• Hand sanitizer
• Suite bathrooms: shower curtain, trash can

LED light strips are a fun way to decorate. However, the strips are not permitted to be adhered directly to the wall (e.g. peel and stick LED lights). LED light strips are only allowed to be used as decoration if they are mounted using 3M command hooks or similar devices. 

Residence halls and apartments have bike racks outside. We recommend registering your bike or scooter with Public Safety. U-Locks are recommended for securing your bike or scooter.

All electrical equipment must have an approved UL rating. Appliances or equipment such as ceiling fans may never be directly wired to a residence hall. Irons, coffee makers and electrical teapots are permitted in your room, as long as they are equipped with an automatic shut-off feature and fully enclosed heating elements.

Microwaves and small refrigerators are permitted in your room and must use less than 1.5 amps of electrical current. Ecomax, a combination refrigerator, freezer and microwave unit, are available for rent through MyCollegeFridge.

Due to the complexity and size of Western's wireless network, some home consumer devices are not compatible with wireless at WMU. These include Google Home, some Nintendo systems and wireless printers. A full list is available online.

• Air conditioners
• Air fryers
• Anything with an exposed heating element
• Anything with an open flame
• Candles and candle warmers (eg. Scentsy)
• Coffee pots without an automatic shut-off feature
• Contact paper
• Dry-erase/memo boards are prohibited on room doors
• Fireworks
• Flammable liquids
• George Foreman-style grills>
• Grills or griddles
• Halogen floor lamps
• Hoverboards
• Incense
• Instant pots/pressure cookers
• Irons without auto shut off features
• Lava lamps
• Lofts – personal or homemade
• Mattress from home
• Outdoor antennas or satellite dishes
• Pets other than fish
• Space heaters
• Sub-woofers
• Toasters/toaster ovens
• Tobacco and tobacco-related products (vapes, cigarettes, chew, etc.)
• Vapes
• Waterbeds and water-filled furniture
• Weapons (including paintball guns, airsoft guns, stun guns, martial arts weapons, knives, etc.)
• Wirelessly-controlled lighting
• Wireless routers or printers

Some devices, such as wirelessly controlled lighting, can cause interference and slow down or disrupt wireless connections. Learn more about troubleshooting wireless connections and how to reduce interference.