Personal– Don’t forget to bring some school supplies, a good pair of headphones, your favourite book or movie, a deck of cards and a board game or two. Bring items from home that will make you more comfortable in your new room for the next few months. Leave the candles and incense at home as they are fire hazards in residence. You will not have space for large personal items or furniture in your room so it’s best not to bring them. If you’re not sure about an item, feel free to ask the Residence Admissions Team!

Room decor– This is your chance to personalize your room how you want it. Painting your room or damaging the walls is not allowed but photos, posters and personal decorations are an easy way to make your room feel like home. Small rugs or throw pillows can help make your room feel cozier. (Tip: use removable mounting squares or sticky tack to hang photos and posters without damaging the walls).

Clothing – McMaster residence rooms have plenty of storage for all your clothes, so bring as much as you want. When you’re hanging out with friends or walking around in residence, slippers are super cozy way to keep your feet warm. Winters in Hamilton can be long and cold, bring a good pair of winter boots and a warm jacket so you can enjoy our beautiful campus all year long.

Bedding– At McMaster, you are required to bring your own bedding, so bring as many blankets and pillows as your heart desires. Every room comes with a twin size bed and mattress, so don’t worry about those, but if you want a little bit more comfort, mattress pads are the way to go.

Laundry– All McMaster residence buildings have laundry rooms that you can use with your refillable laundry card that you will get on move-in day. Be sure to bring laundry detergent, dryer sheets and anything else you need to do laundry, but don’t worry about bringing an iron, there’s one in every laundry room. Read more about laundry in residence buildings here.

Ready for Anything– It’s always good to be prepared! Here are a few things that will make your life a little bit easier this year: a power bar, extension cord, small fan, bike and lock, umbrella, pain relievers (ibuprofen), small first aid kit and a calendar/day planner.

Cleaning– Please bring your own vacuum for tidying! All rooms already have a garbage and recycling bin but you’ll need garbage bags to keep your space clean and clutter free. Coordinate with your roommates and split up who’s bringing what cleaning supplies so you don’t end up with duplicates! If you live in an apartment/suite or have an ensuite washroom, it’s your job to keep your kitchen and/or bathroom clean. A few cleaning supplies can go a long way in keeping your place clean.

Kitchen– Tupperware is super helpful to keep snacks for long nights studying.  Every building has kitchens that you have full access to. If you are in a traditional style residence building this means a microwave, toaster, kettle, stove/oven and a community fridge. You can order a mini-fridge for your room through Coldex. If you’re in a triple or quad room you are provided with a mini-fridge for your room, free of charge. The kitchens in suites and apartments don’t come with any small appliances so it’s important to coordinate with your roommates so you have everything you need. None of the kitchens come with cooking supplies, so if you plan on cooking don’t forget to bring what you need.

Bathroom– For traditional style residence buildings, shower caddies are your best friends; they make getting everything you need to the bathroom quick and easy. Don’t forget your towel, bathrobe and shower shoes – these are a must in shared washroom facilities. Other than that you can leave maintenance and cleaning to us. For suite/apartment style rooms or students with ensuite washrooms, you’ll also need to bring toilet paper, hand soap and cleaning supplies.