Moving into a residence hall is one of the most exciting steps in the journey of a Newman University student. While you can’t bring your entire bedroom from home, a little planning goes a long way in turning your new space into a sanctuary for study, rest and community.
To help you prepare for your home away from home, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to what you’ll need, what’s nice to have and what should stay at home.
Keep a lookout for NU Clues that offer inside knowledge and tips to make your on-campus living experience as good as it can be.
Bedding and bath essentials
Your room is your place to recharge after a long day of classes and activities. Start with the basics: extra-long twin sheets, a comfortable comforter and your favorite pillows.
A mattress pad is highly recommended. Not only does it add a layer of comfort to help with the stress of a busy semester, but it also helps maintain good hygiene.
Don’t forget to bring a hamper to keep dirty clothes at bay until laundry day.
For the bathroom, remember that rugs and trash cans are not provided. You’ll want to bring at least two sets of towels, a bathrobe and — optionally — a shower caddy to keep your toiletries organized.
NU Clue: Carrocci Hall features suite-style living where four students share one bathroom. There are common spaces on each floor for movies, games and more, as well as free laundry facilities located on the first floor.
Kitchen and snack supplies
While the Mabee Dining Hall and Sacred Grounds Coffee & Café offer plenty of options, it’s beneficial to have a snack stash for when they’re closed. Keeping a few essentials in your room is also a game-changer to power through late-night study sessions.
Small refrigerators (6 cubic feet or less) and microwaves (less than 750W) are allowed and encouraged. They are perfect for keeping snacks fresh and heating a quick meal when needed. Don’t forget a manual can opener, a few microwave-safe dishes and reusable water bottles.
NU Clue: The Mabee Dining Hall gives students the option of eating in the cafeteria or boxing meals to go in an eco-friendly, reusable container. Just be sure to clean it immediately after each use so it’s ready when you need it most.
Study space and organization
Your desk will be your personal headquarters for academic success. In addition to your laptop, bring a desk lamp for late-night reading so you don’t disturb your roommate.
Basic school supplies like notebooks, pens, highlighters and a calculator are must-haves.
Using 3M Command Adhesive Strips© is the only recommended way to hang decorations, as nails, pins and duct tape can damage the walls. To keep your space tidy, bring extra clothes hangers and a laundry basket.
NU Clue: Students can print research articles, finished papers and more in the Dugan Library, so no need to bring your own printer.
Personalizing your space
This is your home for the next year, so make it reflect your personality and values! Hang posters of your favorite bands or sports teams, and bring framed photos of family and friends to keep home close to your heart.
For a little extra ambiance, stringed lights (hung with Command strips) can add a warm glow to your room. If you want a sweet scent, only flameless scented candles or plug-in air fresheners are allowed (candles and incense are not allowed).
NU Clue: All decorations should be appropriate for a Christian community and reflect the values of Newman University.
What to leave at home
To ensure the safety of everyone in the community, certain items are not permitted in the residence halls. Please leave the following at home:
- Space heaters and cooking appliances with exposed heating elements (toasters, toaster ovens, George Foreman grills)
- Pets (except for fish in tanks 20 gallons or less)
- Incense, candles or oil lamps
- Wireless internet routers (campus Wi-Fi is provided)
- Weapons, fireworks or explosives of any kind
On-campus living spaces
Newman offers three distinct residential experiences tailored to your journey:
- Carrocci Hall: The primary home for first-year students, featuring suite-style living and a required meal plan.
- Beata Hall: For sophomores and older, featuring “pods” with individual bedrooms. It is also home to Metanoia, our Catholic faith-based living community. (See “More about Metanoia” section below)
- Fugate Hall: Apartment-style living for juniors, seniors and students 21 or older, featuring full kitchens.
Newman University requires first-year students and sophomores to live on campus, fostering a strong sense of belonging and academic support. For questions about housing or exemptions, contact the Residence Life team at [email protected].
More about Metanoia
For students seeking a deeper sense of community rooted in faith, Beata Hall is home to something special: Metanoia, Newman’s Catholic living community.
The living community’s goal is to create a lifestyle based on Catholic values that honor God, serve the community and promote human dignity and academic growth. Metanoia residents live on the third floor of Beata Hall in co-ed pods, each equipped with five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room. A shared lobby space serves as a gathering place for prayer and fellowship.
Importantly, Metanoia isn’t a closed community. All Newman students are welcome to join residents for prayer and activities.
Interested in Metanoia? Reach out to the Campus Ministry office to learn more.
Visit the Residence Life page on our website
Find residence life applications, a move-in guide and more at NewmanU.Edu.
