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Housing and Residential Experience

What to Bring

Suggestions:

  • Non-Disposable Straws, Dishware, and Cutlery
  • Hand Sanitizer/Clorox Wipes/Cleaning Supplies
  • Reusable Water Bottle
  • Outdoor Blankets
  • Standard twin sheets, blankets, mattress cover or pad, bed topper, pillows,
    and pillowcases
  • Shower caddy, towels, bathrobe, shower shoes, and personal items
  • Apparel that is appropriate for the season
  • Rain Gear/Umbrella
  • Laundry basket, detergent, and fabric softener
  • Computer and associated cables (Wireless routers, wireless printers, and Google Chromecast are prohibited.)
  • Headphones
  • Refrigerator that is less than six years old with no more than 4.0 cubic feet capacity
  • Microwave that is 800-watt with an interior capacity of no more than one cubic foot
  • TV (Wall mounting is not permitted.)
  • Removable, putty adhesive for mounting posters, etc.
  • Tension rods and curtains to hang at windows and closet openings
  • Multi-outlet strips with surge protection and minimum ratings of 115 amps and 1800 watts
  • Bicycle and “u-lock” (Chain and cable locks are easily cut and do not prevent theft.)
  • Cleaning supplies, cloths, air freshener, broom, dust pan
  • Snacks and beverages, air-tight food storage containers to keep food fresh and avoid attracting pests
  • Small First Aid Kit
  • Prescriptions: Minimum 30-day supply- including prescription bottles and any medical records and reports for new providers
  • Hangers
  • Rubber Mallet for lofting/unlofting your bed

These are among the items that will make your residence hall room more like home. Feel free to decorate, but remember that holes in the walls and painting are not permitted, per the Student Handbook.

Please see the Student Handbook for a complete list of prohibited items. For quick reference, do not bring these items to campus: anything that can produce open flames (candles, oil lamps, incense, etc.) and appliances with exposed heating coils. Do not bring wireless printers, wireless access points (routers, hubs, etc) because they interfere with and degrade Vanderbilt’s wireless network. Print stations are located in all residence halls.

Due to limited closet space, we suggest bringing clothes appropriate to the season. We also recommend coordinating with your roommate on larger items when possible. Many of the larger item purchases can be made upon your arrival in Nashville

In addition to insuring your belongings, register your bike and laptop with the Vanderbilt University Police Department here.

Student Renter’s Insurance Requirement

As noted in the Housing Contract, the University is not liable for damage to property or injuries arising out of a resident’s occupancy of their assigned rooms, except if such damage or injury results from negligent acts or omissions by the University.

As a resident, you are liable to the University and others for loss or damage caused by your actions or those of your guests. You are required to maintain adequate property and liability insurance that includes the following:

  • Personal Property Insurance: covering the students belongings while on campus, with a limit adequate to repair or replace the student’s personal property in the event of loss, damage, or theft.
  • Personal Liability Insurance: with a limit no less than $100,000 and include coverage for student caused water damage or fire damage to adjacent spaces.

These insurance requirements are minimum requirements only. The university does not warrant or represent that this coverage will be adequate or sufficient to protect you or your guests from liability. We recommend that you discuss your specific insurance needs with an authorized insurance agent. Required insurance may be provided by a standalone Renter’s Insurance Policy or by endorsement or extension from a Homeowners Insurance Policy maintained by you or by a Parent/Guardian/Family Member.

Fully compliant renters’ insurance may be obtained from: