Future Student Information
What things should I bring to school?
These are only suggestions. Most students find they will need: an alarm clock with battery back-up, a backpack, school supplies, extra-long twin sheets (You will be receiving linen sales information from the Residential Housing Association soon.), pillows, a blanket or comforter, bath towels, a small iron, a small ironing board, a laundry bag, laundry detergent, money for laundry, some pictures and posters, a stereo and a telephone. Some students also find bringing a TV, answering machine and a computer an added convenience. Remember to pack personal products like shampoo, deodorant and prescription/over-the-counter medications. You should also consider cleaning supplies for your room such as paper towels, a vacuum, air fresheners, etc.
Computers
If you are bringing a computer to school, your computer must be equipped with an Ethernet cable and an Ethernet card. Also, your computer must have a Windows operating system of 95 or greater or a Mac operating system of OS 7 or greater. There are computer labs in Kentucky Hall and University Suites.
Telephones
Local telephone service is provided, however, telephones are not provided for residents. You must bring your own telephone and you may want to bring an answering machine.
Cable
Cable service is provided in every room in the residential village. However, you must supply your own cable cord and a cable ready T.V. University Housing does not provide cable boxes or cable cords.
Posters
Adding posters to the walls will help bring your own room to life, but be sure to use the white plastic tack that is available at many supermarkets. Do not use the blue or yellow gooey tack. It will cost you money to remove. Please note that residents are not allowed to use screws, bolts, or nails.
Bunking the Beds
Many rooms have bed frames that can be bunked. Check with the RA on your floor or breezeway to find out if the beds are bunkable and how they work. Most beds in our residence halls and apartments are adjustable in height.
If you are interested in renting a loft for your room to maximize storage, you can do so through www.bedloft.com.
Storage
University Housing does not provide storage for students. You will have to find a place in your room for everything you bring. Soft luggage can be folded and easily stored. Many students find that chests or plastic totes are convenient for both transporting and storing belongings in their rooms.
*We encourage you to contact your assigned roommate(s) before you pack to coordinate who will bring what. You don’t want to have a room with two televisions and no stereo. Some students discuss color schemes and coordinate their bedspreads, while others wait and let the room evolve as they get to know one another.
What special things should I bring if I am living in...?
Commonwealth/Kentucky Hall
If you are assigned to Commonwealth or Kentucky Hall, you will want to bring shower shoes (flip flops), a shower caddy and a bathrobe.
Norse Hall, Woodcrest Apartments & University Suites
If you are assigned to Norse Hall, Woodcrest Apartments or University Suites, you will want to bring cleaning supplies for the kitchen and bathroom areas of your apartment. You will also want to bring shower shoes (flip flops), toilet paper, dishes, pots and pans.
Is there anything I can’t bring to school?
YES! There are a few things that may not be brought into a residence hall and/or a student’s room as they violate Northern Kentucky University and/or University Housing policies. They include but are not limited to: any high wattage electrical appliances such as space heaters, heat lamps, any open coil electrical devices, or musical instrument amplifiers. Students should not bring any candles, incense/aromatic herb burners, and device using halogen bulbs, toasters, hot plates or tanning lamps. Students are not permitted to bring or construct lofts. The only pets that are permitted are fish. In addition, students are not permitted to bring illegal drugs or alcohol (Northern Kentucky University is a dry campus).
If you have a question about a specific item and whether or not it is permitted in the residence halls, please contact University Housing at (859) 572-5676 or 1-866-572-5676.
The Roommate Relationship
Sharing a small space in a residence hall can help you develop the valuable skills of communication, compromise, and consideration.
In a roommate relationship, nothing is of little importance. Whether your roommate is a friend from home or someone you have just met, you must learn to communicate.
Remember that your roommate does not have to be your best friend. In fact, many roommates find that even though they may not want to spend every minute of the day together, they can live together comfortably. Remember, too, that if there is ever a problem between you and your roommate that you cannot solve together, our staff is here to help. Your resident assistant can help you talk through and deal with a problem cooperatively. If the problem is a serious one, the RA will notify the hall director.
The hall director can help by talking with you and helping you develop and explore your options. If a severe conflict occurs, a member of our staff also may become involved.
The bottom line to a successful roommate relationship is clear, considerate,
and continuous communication. With a little help from our staff, you and
your roommate can forge a working relationship and take advantage of the
opportunity to develop strong interpersonal skills.