Your home away from home
Since residence will be your home for the year, it’s best to make it as comfortable as possible by bringing some essential items (and some suggested nice-to-have items). There are also some items that are prohibited in residence, so make sure to review the information on this page carefully!
What's included
- twin XL bed and mattress* (extra-long sheets are recommended) (most beds are adjustable height up to 30-31” for additional storage underneath)
- desk and chair
- closet or wardrobe
- bureau (or drawers under your bed)
- mirror
- waste / recycling basket
- window with drapes
- ڲ
*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
- government-issued photo ID (for example, driver’s licence or passport but not high school ID card)
- 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
- 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
pillows + pillowcases
sheets (Twin extra-long recommended)
duvet / comforter
tissues
blanket
- photos
- posters
- a small rug
- throw pillows
- adhesive removable poster strips (3M brand)
Note: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. You will be charged at the end of the year for any damage to your walls due to using unauthorized supplies.
You can leave adhesive tabs on the wall for staff to remove after you leave.
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.
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
travel mug
mini fridge (up to 4.2 cu.ft)
microwave (up to 1 cu.ft)
umbrella
flashlight
adhesive removable hooks
a set of dishes
television
lightweight message board (cork or dry-erase)
- small set of speakers (no sub-woofers)
- headphones
luggage for short-term travel
power bar (CSA approved)
chemical-free, environmentally friendly cleaning products
handheld broom
paper towels / reusable cloths
stick vacuum (some students prefer this for cleaning their floor, especially if they have a rug)
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 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 your 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 NOT to bring
To ensure the safety and comfort of everyone in the residence community, there are some items that are prohibited in residence, so make sure to review the list below carefully.
candles, incense, potpourri pots, and 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
electric bikes and scooters
pets (except small fish in a fishbowl)
any other materials or objects that may endanger student health and safety in residence
Buy dorm essentials on campus
In addition to textbooks and study supplies, the Dal Bookstore offers many dorm essentials at their campus locations in Halifax and Truro. You can even order in advance and have them delivered to your room and waiting for you when you arrive. They even offer mini fridges!