What to bring:

PRO TIPS:
  • Note that Walsh has large, blue rolling bins + elevator to help with move in
  • Use masking tape to label ALL bags/boxes/luggage with your name & room number!
  • Take pictures of important documents (i.e. medical insurance card).
    -    -BUT, If you plan to work on campus, you must bring your passport OR license + Social Security Card.​ They need to be originals, NOT copies!

The Basics:

PERSONAL
  • Shower Caddie, washcloth/loofah, shower shoes
  • Towels: Hair, Body, Face, Hand
  • Toiletries; basic first aid; handsoap; opt. vitamins 
  • Any prescription medications--they can be filled at pharmacy on campus. 
  • Bedding: Extra-long twin sheets (80"), Comforter or blanket, pillow, pillow case  
  • Laundry Basket or Bag and Detergent--label them!!
  • Clothes: South Bend experiences ALL the seasons so bring layers! 
  • Umbrella/raincoat/rainboots
  • Laptop/Phone/Chargers
  • ​Pictures of home, friends, family​ (lots of them!)
ROOM
  • Fan(s) (Walsh does not have Air Conditioning in the student rooms):
         -small one(s) for your bed and/or desk
         -talk to roommate about big one(s) for room 
  • Basic School Supplies    
  • Extension cord(s), power strip(s)
  • Cup, plate, bowl, utensils, dish towel, dish soap
  • Basic cleaning supplies + Hand Sanitizer
  • Stackable, vertical storage items
  • Reading light/night light
  • Masking tape/painters tape or command strips for posters & pictures​

Discuss with Roommates FIRST!

It may be better to each bring/buy different items you both want to use, rather than splitting the cost of these. It makes move-out and transitioning rooms in future years much easier. *None of the items on the list below are necessities.*
  • Mini-Fridge (cannot exceed 5 cubic feet)
  • Larger Room Fan(s)
  • Decorations
  • Storage Options
  • Carpet/Rugs
  • TV, Speakers, Game Systems
  • Floor Lamps; any additional lighting
  • Dust Buster/Mini-Vacuum (Each floor has a one)
  • Small Tool Kit (RAs have a tool kit as well)
  • Couch/Futon: most first years in Walsh don't have room-WAIT until you get here to check your room size and then decide with your roommate. You can always get one delivered right to your door.​

OPTIONAL:

PERSONAL
  • Simple Bathrobe: walking to communal bathroom
  • Reusable Waterbottle
  • Some non-perishable snacks
  • Headphones: respect your roommate's study time!
  • Keurigs are allowed, but try a French Press or a portable French Press for more sustainability!
  • Collapsible Drying Rack, Batteries, Mini Sewing Kit
  • Stamps, Decorative Items​
  • Bicycle and Bike Lock: must be kept outside
    Spacing
ROOM
  • Dry Erase markers for your door sign
  • Mattress pad
  • Desk organizer
  • Bed Risers: more storage if you don't bunk
  • Plastic drawers or thin tubs for storage
  • Back of Door Hanging Racks (Pad the edges!)
  • Ikea bags are great for packing if you're driving here--reusable and do not take up as much space as bins! Try these or these!
  • Hanging shoe bags and hanging jewelry organizers also offer vertical storage.
  • Clothes hangers (Wonder Hanger saves space!)​

    ​

DO NOT BRING:

  • Large Fridge (cannot exceed 5 cubic feet)
  • Microwave: Walsh has one on every floor
  • Hot plates, toasters, george foreman grills
  • Portable air conditioners (including dual purpose fans)
  • Pets (non-carnivorous fish are ok, tanks need to be under 30 gal).
  • Self Stick floor tiles, carpet tape, nails, adhesive squares, poster putty
  • Candles, incense, anything else with open flame
  • Halogen lamps with bulb brighter than 300 watts
  • A car--first years are not permitted to have cars on campus first semester
  • Hoverboards or electric scooters​
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Water Bed​


    ​​

Some packing tips:

  • Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute. It's never too early to start gathering and shopping for any of the necessities listed above, especially if you're looking for deals or thrifting. Also, the earlier you start, the less stress you'll have when moving in.
  • Don’t stress: You don't need to get everything before coming here. Plenty of stores in the South Bend/Mishawaka sell most of the necessities.
  • (Flying here?) Pre-Order and PickUp Option: There might be some store chains that allow you to place an order in your hometown, and then pick it up in South Bend. For those who need to fly to campus, this may be a good plan. Both Bed, Bath, & Beyond and Target have services like this. You can also shop at any store online and ship it to campus after you arrive.
  • (Driving here?) Use what you’re already bringing: Packing in suitcases seems easy, but space is limited. It's totally okay to pack in laundry baskets, crates, or plastic bags if you’re driving here. Blue Ikea bags (see above) are also a lifesaver! They are inexpensive, incredibly durable, large (but still carryable) and can fold up SO SMALL to store for future use when you move out again.  No need to break down boxes to tape again or store large tubs. Also very sustainable!
  • Shipping: Packages/shipments sent to the University must arrive after you check-in to the residence hall. Packages that arrive earlier will not be accepted. Students may use the following address format below. For more information, visit campusmail.nd.edu.
Student Name
100 Walsh Hall
Room #
Notre Dame, IN 46556
  • Banking: There are many surcharge-free ATM’s conveniently located across campus, including LaFortune Student Center.  1st Source Bank and Notre Dame Federal Credit Union have locations on or near campus, and other institutions are located in the surrounding community. Click here for more info!

  • Laundry: is now free on campus for all students, no need to bring quarters!
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  • Luggage Storage: We do have a storage room in Walsh where you can keep your boxes, bins (stacked of course) and suitcases.