Residence

What to Bring to Res

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Shop Dorm Essentials at the Dalhousie Bookstore

The Dalhousie Bookstore is your one-stop shop for residence living. From kitchenware to bedding and everything in between, we've got you covered!

Shop in-store and online!

Make yourself at home.

In addition to textbooks and course supplies, did you know the Dal Bookstore also carries a wide selection of items to make your room feel like home?

Make sure to check out their selection of Home & Dorm Essentials! Order online and pick up in store or have it delivered directly to you residence room. Learn more about this free, time-saving service.

Tips and suggestions

Here are some tips for packing smart and bringing the things you'll need to feel right at home.

What's already in your room

  • Twin XL bed and mattress* (extra-long sheets are recommended)
  • Desk and chair
  • Closet or wardrobe
  • Bureau (or drawers under your bed)
  • Mirror
  • Waste / recycling basket
  • Window with drapes
  • Fan

*Some rooms on the Truro campus have double beds. You will be notified before you move in if you will be getting a double bed.

What you may want to bring

Personal items

  • Government-issued photo ID (for example, driver’s licence or passport but not high school ID card) is required to get your DalCard
  • Proof of any private health insurance
  • Provincial health card, if applicable
  • All university documents, including a copy of your offer of admission, offer letters for scholarships and bursaries and any paperwork related to your government student loan or bank line of credit
  • Emergency contact information
  • Sleepwear
  • A formal outfit
  • Exercise gear
  • Swimwear
  • Government issued photo ID
  • Cold, flu, and pain relief medicine, as well as any prescription medications you may require
  • First aid kit
  • Cell phone + charger
  • Seasonal outerwear and rain gear, including waterproof shoes or boots, and warm clothes for the winter

Bedroom essentials

  • Pillows + pillowcases
  • Sheets (Twin extra-long recommended)
  • Duvet / comforter
  • Tissues
  • Blanket
Did you know the Dal Bookstore carries lots of great items for your residence, including bedding, pillows, towels and more? Visit the Dal Bookstore's website to bowse their selection.

Study supplies

  • Pens
  • Highlighters
  • Pencils + erasers 
  • 3-hole punch
  • Stapler
  • Scissors
  • Notebook(s)
  • Ruler
  • Backpack / book bag
  • Binder(s)
  • Index cards
  • Post-it notes
  • Laptop + charger
  • Calculator
  • Printer* + paper + ink
  • Paper clips + binder clips
  • Agenda / academic planner
  • Whiteboard + dry erase markers

* To prevent WiFi signal interference, your printer's wireless function must be disabled at all times. To connect to your printer, please use a USB cable.

The Dal Bookstore carries a wide variety of school supplies - including calculators, stationery, backpacks and more!

Shower and bathroom supplies

  • Shower caddy
  • Bathrobe
  • Shower shoes / flip flops
  • Bath towels
  • Hair products
  • Toothbrush + toothpaste + floss
  • Personal toiletries (makeup, deodorant, etc.)
  • Hair appliances
  • Personal tools (nail clippers, tweezers, razor, etc.)
  • Body wash / shower soap
Convenience and service: Check out the Dal Bookstore where you can find many useful items for your room. Bonus! Order online by Aug. 26 to have them delivered right to your residence room!  

Miscellaneous items

  • Laundry basket / bag
  • Travel mug
  • Mini-fridge
  • Umbrella
  • Flashlight
  • Adhesive removable hooks
  • A set of dishes 
  • Television
  • Lightweight message board (cork or dry-erase)
  • Stereo system with headphones (no sub-woofers)
  • Luggage for short-term travel
  • Power bar (CSA approved)
  • Adhesive removable poster strips (3M brand)
  • Posters and family photos (affixed with poster strips)

Important: You can’t use tape or tacks when hanging up posters and photos. You will be charged at the end of the year for any damage to your walls due to using unauthorized hanging material or techniques.

Convenience and service: Check out the Dal Bookstore where you can find many useful items for your room. Bonus! Order online by Aug. 26 to have them delivered right to your residence room!  

Cleaning supplies

  • Chemical-free, environmentally friendly cleaning products
  • Handheld broom
  • Paper towels / reusable cloths

Please note: Students living in LeMarchant Place are responsible for cleaning their own suite and bathrooms. The following is a list of recommended items for these students:

  • Toilet brush
  • Plunger
  • Toilet paper
  • All purpose bathroom cleaner and sponge
  • Broom / mop

Laundry items

  • Laundry basket / bag
  • High efficiency laundry detergent Note, regular laundry detergent clogs the machines. Please bring detergent for high-efficiency machines.
  • Foldable clothing drying rack
  • Sewing kit
  • Iron + mini ironing board
  • Lint-roller
  • Hangers
  • Space bags to store seasonal items

Personal insurance for your belongings

Purchasing personal insurance for your belongings is up to you. The university is not liable, directly or indirectly, for theft or loss of personal property due to fire, water, or any other cause. Therefore, just like for an apartment, you are encouraged to have your own insurance against loss or damage to personal property. You might be covered under your parents' home policy while living in residence. Be sure to check that out before you arrive.


What to leave behind

Items not allowed in residence

  • Candles, incense, potpourri pots, open flames of any kind
  • Extension cords
  • Multiple receptacle outlets
  • Halogen lamps, holiday/decorative mini lights
  • LED light strips
  • Toasters, toaster ovens and hot plates
  • Microwaves larger than 1.0 cubic ft.
  • Fridges larger than 4.2 cubic ft.
  • Sandwich makers, electric grills, barbeques, rice makers, electric woks, frying pans, induction cookers
  • Air fryers
  • Wireless routers and other network devices
  • Firearms, BB guns, air pistols, pellet guns, other weapons
  • Explosive devices, propane canisters, flammable liquids
  • Space heaters
  • Air conditioners
  • Milk crates
  • Sub-woofers
  • Pets (except small fish in a fishbowl)
  • Any other materials or objects that may endanger student health and safety in residence
Be sure to review your Residence Community Living Guide to learn more about these and other ways we're creating a safe and comfortable community.

 

Plan to personalize your room

Make your space your own by adding some personal style to your residence room. You might want to bring photos or posters, a small rug or throw pillows. Just remember to use sticky tack, adhesive poster strips or adhesive hooks to hang things on the wall. Nails, screws, tacks, staples, pins and tape are not allowed. Learn more about the rules for decorating your room.