? What to Bring to Campus

Packing for college? Here's a helpful guide to make sure you’ve got everything you need—and nothing you forgot!

? Clothing Essentials

Nebraska weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to come prepared for all seasons.

• Fall Semester: Starts warm, but temperatures begin to drop in October.
• Spring Semester: Usually cold early on, warming up by late April/early May.

Recommended items:

• Light jacket
• Winter coat
• Hat, gloves, and scarf
• Waterproof boots or shoes

?️ Heating & Cooling Notes

Most residence halls operate on a seasonal HVAC system—meaning either heat or air conditioning is available at one time, based on the weather.

• Fall: Switch from A/C to heat
• Spring: Switch back to A/C
• Note: Heating is prioritized.

?️ Housing staff coordinate the system change to maintain comfort across campus.
? Eagle Ridge has independent, year-round climate control.

? Shower & Bathroom Gear

• Kent Hall & Edna Work Wing: Community bathrooms
  • Bring: Robe, shower shoes, and shower caddy
• Suite-style halls:
  • No regular custodial cleaning of bathrooms
  • Bring: Toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies

? Laundry

All residence halls offer free laundry—just bring your own supplies:

• Laundry detergent

• Dryer sheets or fabric softener

? Desk & School Supplies

Stock up on items to help you stay organized and productive:

• Pens, pencils, highlighters
• Notebooks or binders
• Stapler and tape
• Sticky notes or index cards

?️ Bed & Bedding

Mattresses are extra-long twin (36” x 80”)

Bring:

• Twin XL sheets
• Pillow and pillowcase
• Mattress pad or protector
• Comforter or bedspread

? Room Essentials

You’re welcome to bring items to make your room feel more like home!

• TV
• Small refrigerator (max: 6 cubic feet)
• Microwave (max: 1.3 cubic feet)
• Coffee maker, air fryer, or floor fan
• Power strip (surge-protected recommended)

⚠️ All appliances must be UL-approved and must not have exposed heating elements.

? Prohibited Items in Residence Halls

For your safety—and the safety of our community—certain items are not allowed in the residence halls. Please review this list carefully before packing.

? Fire Hazards

To reduce fire risk, the following flammable or heat-generating items are not permitted:

• Flammable liquids (e.g., propane, gasoline)
• Oil fryers, hot plates, or any appliance with exposed heating elements
• Halogen lamps or lighting
• Candles
• Black lights (CSC provides bulbs for all fixtures)

? Appliances Not Allowed

Please avoid bringing oversized or non-approved appliances:

• Refrigerators larger than 6 cubic feet
• Microwaves over 1.3 cubic feet
• Deep freezers or standalone freezers

? Other Prohibited Items

The following are not allowed in campus housing due to safety, legal, or policy concerns:

• Weapons of any kind
  • Firearms may be stored at the local police station
• Waterbeds 
• Knives with blades over 4 inches
• Dartboards
• Lofts or bed risers over 3 inches
• Alcohol containers (even if empty)
• Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Hookahs or hookah accessories
• Tattoo or body modification equipment
• Public or stolen signage

? For More Information

For a full list of residence hall policies and student responsibilities, please review the Student Handbook

Connecting with Your Roommate

Getting to know your roommate before move-in can make your transition to college life much smoother. Here's how to start off on the right foot:

? Contact Your Roommate Before Arrival

You'll receive your roommate's contact information in your housing assignment email from the Housing Office. Reach out—call, text, or message—to introduce yourself. It’s a great way to break the ice and start coordinating your shared space.

Helpful conversation starters:

• "What items are you planning to bring?"
• "Are there things we’ll share, like a mini fridge or rug?"
• "Do you have any preferences for sleep or study routines?"

A little planning now can prevent confusion later!

? Be Upfront and Set Expectations

Honesty from the beginning helps build a respectful and comfortable living environment. Early conversations about boundaries and expectations can make a big difference if issues arise later.

At the start of the semester, RLA staff will guide you and your roommate through a Roommate Agreement. This helpful tool covers topics you may not think to discuss, like guests, cleaning schedules, and quiet hours.

? Show Respect

Respect your roommate’s space and belongings. Always ask before borrowing or using anything that isn’t yours—it’s a simple way to build trust.

? Lock Up When You Leave

Even if you're comfortable leaving your door unlocked, your roommate may not be. A good rule: lock the door when no one is home—and always remember your keys!

?️ Communicate Openly and Respectfully

Most roommate conflicts happen because of miscommunication—or no communication at all. Don’t let problems build up. Talk it out, listen actively, and be respectful when addressing concerns.

? You Don’t Have to Be Best Friends

You and your roommate may come from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. That’s okay—and it’s part of what makes college so enriching. Be open, flexible, and respectful of each other’s differences.

See the roommates page on the housing application within the Housing Portal to assist in finding a roommate.

For information regarding Move-In, please visit our Move-In Page. 

? Parking on Campus

Student parking permits will be distributed during your first floor meeting after move-in. Be sure to attend to receive yours and learn where to park.

For full details on parking policies, designated lots, and campus maps, visit the CSC Parking Information page.

? Which Food Plan Is Right for You?

Not sure which food plan fits your lifestyle? Take this quick quiz to find out!

? Quiz Questions

1. How often do you eat on campus?

• I eat almost every meal on campus—3 times a day
• I usually eat on campus for lunch and dinner
• I grab a few meals per week, but often cook or eat out

2. What’s your weekly routine like?

• I stay on campus most of the week and weekends
• I’m on campus during the week, but travel or go home on weekends
• I’m on campus part-time or like to explore off-campus dining

3. How much flexibility do you want for snacks or coffee?

• I love having extra dollars to spend at the coffee shop or grill
• A little extra spending money is nice, but not a must
• I don’t usually buy food or drinks outside the main dining hall

✅ Your Recommendation:

Based on your answers, here’s the food plan that might be the best fit for you:

?️ 320 Food Block Plan + $250 Eagle Bucks

Best for: Students who eat most meals on campus and want maximum dining access with extra flexibility for snacks and drinks.

Recommended if you:

• Eat 3 meals/day on campus
• Stay on campus most of the time
• Want spending flexibility

?️ 200 Food Block Plan + $250 Eagle Bucks

Best for: Students who eat on campus regularly, especially on weekdays, and want some flexibility for coffee or extras.

Recommended if you:

• Eat 2 meals/day on campus
• Are gone some weekends
• Like having a few Eagle Bucks

?️ 150 Food Block Plan + $250 Eagle Bucks

Best for: Students with lighter dining needs, commuters, or those who cook often or travel on weekends.

Recommended if you:

• Eat just a few meals per week
• Spend time off-campus
• Don’t need a full food plan

? Compare Food Plans in Detail ›

? Dining Services Info (hours, menus, dietary needs) ›