What to Bring

Students moving into Cal State LA Housing.

 

Moving to college is a big step and coming prepared is crucial for a smooth transition. Before going shopping, here's what we recommend bringing:

South Village

Student sitting on their bed reading, their roommate sits at a desk.

  • Alarm clock
  • Backrest/floor cushions
  • Blanket/comforter/duvet
  • Desk/floor lamps (not halogen)
  • Extra-long twin sheets
  • Face coverings
  • Games/playing cards
  • Mattress pad
  • Pictures/picture frames (no wall mounting)
  • Pillows/pillowcases
  • Power strip (must have integrated circuit breaker)/surge protectors
  • Non-Mercury thermometer

  • Batteries
  • Command hooks
  • Desk organizers
  • Hangers/closet organizers
  • Storage units
  • Over-the-door racks
  • Laundry
  • Detergent
  • Iron (with auto shut-off)/ironing board
  • Laundry bag/pop-up hamper
  • Safety pins/sewing kit
  • Dish soap
  • Dishcloth and towel
  • Refrigerator (<4.0 cubic feet and 1.5 amps).
  • Reusable water bottles

Bathing 

  • Towels & washcloths
  • Shower caddie
  • Bathrobe
  • Personal toiletries and grooming items
  • Toothpaste & toothbrush

Cleaning 

  • Wipes
  • Small, handheld vacuum
  • Trash bags (6-10 gallon)
  • Duster

  • Weapons of any type
  • Drugs/drug paraphernalia/non-prescription drugs
  • Alcohol (for students under 21 years of age)
  • Open heating elements or flames (candles, incense, butane burners, etc.)
  • Electric vehicles (electric skateboards, scooters, hoverboards, etc.)
  • Vaping Materials
  • Tobacco products (University of California is a Tobacco Free and Smoke-Free campus)
  • Heaters, sun lamps
  • Pets (except fish, see Housing policy for details)
  • Drones
  • Personal routers. Undergraduate housing communities are equipped with wireless internet service.
  • Dry-erase boards or cork boards (not allowed on interior or exterior doors)
  • Microwaves

University Apartments

The University Apartments are fully furnished. Kitchens include a stove, microwave, refrigerator and, in some units, a dishwasher.

  • Pillows
  • Twin XL bed sheets and blankets
  • Mattress pad (optional)
  • Under-the-bed storage trays
  • Desk lamp
  • Small wastebasket
  • Alarm clock (optional)
  • TV (optional)
  • Computer/laptop (optional)
  • Clothes hangers
  • Laundry basket or bag
  • Sewing kit

  • Towels
  • Bath mat
  • Shower caddie
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal toiletries and grooming items
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • First Aid Kit: band-aids, alcohol swabs, Q-tips, ace bandages, etc.

  • Cookware (pots and pans)
  • Cooking utensils
  • Can opener
  • Bowls and plates
  • Cups, glasses, mugs
  • Silverware
  • Dish towels
  • Paper towels
  • Napkins
  • Food
  • Plastic storage bags
  • Food-storage containers

  • Non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner
  • Trash bags
  • Mop
  • Broom
  • Paper towels
  • Cleaning sponge
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Dish soap
  • Laundry detergent and fabric softener
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Vacuum

  • Furniture
  • Microwave
  • Pets (Fish are allowed: one 10-gallon tank is allowed per resident.)
  • Space heater
  • Refrigerator
  • Hot plate
  • Weapons, ammunition, fireworks, explosives or dangerous or flammable chemicals

If you have any questions about what to bring or are unsure about any items you may need, contact us at askhousing@calstatela.edu or 323-343-4800.