What will my room include?

Your room will have a twin bed, desk, desk chair, desk lamp, bureau, and wastebasket for each occupant. These must not be removed from the room. The furniture provided meets most students' needs, and it is best not to duplicate those items or bring large furniture. The windows have drapes, shades, or blinds. Your service center can give you more information on furnishings and measurements.

What additional items should I bring for my room?

It's a good idea to check with your roommate(s) before the academic year begins so you don't duplicate items, but some general suggestions include: sheets and bedding that fit an extra-long twin bed; a pillow; towels; a container to hold/carry toiletries; storage crates; clothes hangers; a sewing kit; office supplies; a UL-approved outlet strip with breaker switch (extension cords are prohibited); an alarm clock; your computer, if you have one; a stereo (or speakers for your iPod); a fan; and a floor lamp. Thermostatically controlled appliances are allowed (i.e., popcorn poppers, coffee pots, automatic toasters) but must be operated in your residence hall kitchen.

What size linens and bedding will fit my bed?

Residence hall mattresses are 8" thick by 36" wide by 80" long -- that's extra long -- and regular twin size sheets will not fit. You may purchase extra-long twin sheets at your regular shopping center, or you can take advantage of Cornell’s optional linen purchase plan. More information about the linen plan will be available in the "Your Housing Assignment" packet that you will receive, but in the meantime visit www.rhl.org/cor for more information.

Can I have a refrigerator in my room?

Many students find it convenient to have a small refrigerator or microfridge (combined microwave and refrigerator) in their rooms. You may either bring your own -- assuming it does not draw more than 3 amps [300 watts] to start and 1.5 amps while running -- or Campus Life can help you rent one. Information about refrigerator rental is included with the “Your Housing Assignment” mailing. You may also order a refrigerator by visiting www.campusspec.com or by calling 1-800-525-7307.

What about a TV?

Your residence's common room will have a TV with cable, but some students choose to bring their own TV for their room. For cable service, Cornell residents may subscribe to DirecTV, an IP-based television service from Campus TeleVideo. Active network jacks are available in each residence hall or house room. Students interested in having a television in an area without an active network jack, such as a shared living area in a suite, can either run cable from an active network jack to the shared area or pay to have a jack in the shared area activated. For information on fees and service, and to sign up, visit www.campustelevideo.com/studentservices/cornell.asp.

What kind of clothes should I bring?

Many student find it works well to bring clothes for the first 7 weeks only, if you're going to be heading home for fall break (October 10-13). Keep in mind that September and October can be chilly and wet in Ithaca, so be sure to bring jeans, sweaters or a light jacket, and rain gear.

Is there anything I should NOT bring with me?

Yes, as a matter of safety there are a few items that you are NOT allowed to have in your room: extension cords; "spider" lamps; any lamp (particularly a halogen lamp) that requires a bulb greater than 150 watts; appliances not controlled by thermostats; candles; incense burners; microwave ovens; and cinder blocks. Additionally, weapons and firearms must be registered and kept with Cornell University Police and may not be kept in residence halls.