Muncie, IN · First-Year Housing Required
North West Hall Dorm Checklist 2026
Ball State University
Double rooms; semi-private bathrooms shared by a small group
- Bed SizeTwin XL, adjustable-height frame
- Under-Bed54 in adjustable under-bed clearance
- ACYes
- On-CampusRequired
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- As the newest first-year hall, North West tends to fill up quickly during housing selection -- apply and select early if you want a spot here.
Living in North West Hall: what to know before you pack
The room
A standard North West double has a 115-inch ceiling and roughly 171 by 126 inches of floor space per Ball State's official dimension guide -- a noticeably taller room than most of the university's older halls. The Twin XL bed frame is adjustable up to 54 inches of clearance underneath, and each resident gets a 45.5-inch-wide desk with a cubby, a roll-away side table, a 29.5-inch-wide dresser, and, in the standard double the PDF documents, a closet measuring 72 inches from floor to railing rather than a freestanding wardrobe -- though the hall's own amenity list says "wardrobe or closet," so confirm which one your room has. Bathrooms are semi-private, shared by a small group of residents rather than a full floor. Note that the PDF's summary room line reads "14'25" x 10'5"," which is a typo in Ball State's own document; the length and width rows are the usable figures.
Day to day
Opened in the 2021-2022 academic year, North West is a two-tower, five-floor hall in the North Residential Neighborhood, close to North Dining Hall and the Jo Ann Gora Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Each floor has its own fully equipped kitchen and a lounge with a TV, plus shared access to a music room, game room, and modern fitness area. North West is home to the Design and Education Living-Learning Communities, which are explicitly built for first-year students exploring those fields through workshops, field trips, and discussions. Because it's the newest hall on campus, the building and its furniture tend to show the least wear of any first-year option.
Move-in day
Move-in for North West follows Ball State's Fall 2026 first-year schedule: Sunday, August 16, or Monday, August 17. Check in first at North West's welcome table or tent (the hall is at 1701 N. McKinley, front desk 765-285-6800) to get your room key and scan the QR-coded confirmation emailed with your appointment time, before unloading the car. Follow directional signage and University Police guidance on arrival, and don't unpack until you've checked in -- vehicles left unattended in unauthorized spots get towed to Scheumann Stadium, and overnight parking during move-in is only at the stadium lot. Bellhop-style carts are available on-site but go fast during peak hours, so a personal dolly helps. With two towers and five floors, expect a longer walk from some drop-off points to your actual room than at smaller halls.
Room ideas
See The Raised Bed styled
The frame goes up, and the floor underneath comes back as storage.
Styled render — not a photo of North West Hall.
Everything for your North West Hall room
The complete Ball State University packing list, tuned to North West Hall — best picks flagged, anything the room already includes pulled out, and every item shoppable. Affiliate links; live Amazon prices where available, may vary.
121 items across 15 categories
Email me this checklist
We’ll also send the 2–3 things worth knowing before move-in day.
0 of 119 packed
Bedding
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⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitNorth West Hall beds are Twin XL, adjustable-height frame — get Twin XL, not standard twin.
Pillowcases × 4 (2 per pillow)
⭐ Top pickMattress topper (Twin XL)Compare picks →Dorm mattresses are firm and thin — a 2–3" memory foam or gel topper makes a real difference
Waterproof mattress pad (Twin XL)Protects the mattress from spills and wear — a cheap layer you'll be glad you packed
Zippered mattress encasement (waterproof, bed-bug proof)Dorm mattresses are used and shared — a zippered encasement fully seals it against spills, dust mites, and bed bugs
Fan — optional
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⭐ Top pickSmall desk fan (optional)Compare picks →AC is available but many students still bring one for air circulation or white noise.North West Hall is air-conditioned, so a fan is comfort, not survival.
Bathroom
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⭐ Top pickShower caddy (hanging mesh or plastic tote)Compare picks →Most freshman halls have communal bathrooms — you carry everything to and from the shower
Toiletry bag for daily-use items
⭐ Top pickHand soapOnly if your room has its own sink — communal bathrooms stock their own
Toothbrush covers (travel cases)Breathable vented covers keep your toothbrush clean on the trip to and from a communal bathroom
Facial tissuesKeep a box at the desk and nightstand — colds and allergies rip through a dorm
Toilet paper (2-ply)One of the most commonly forgotten items. Suite / private-bathroom halls only — communal-bath dorms stock it for you (check the “In every room” list above)
Personal Care & Grooming
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Hair dryer (compact)Not provided — you'll want your own for the walk back from a communal bathroom
Hair straightener or curling iron
Hair claw clips (variety pack)
Nail clipper & grooming kit
Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
Period-supply organizer pouchA discreet zip pouch for pads or tampons — the essential nobody wants to source last-minute at a new campus
⭐ Top pickOver-door / full-length mirrorCompare picks →Dorm rooms rarely have a full-length mirror, and you can't drill the walls — an over-door one hangs with zero damage
Self-Care Essentials
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Sleepytime herbal tea, vanilla (20-pack)Caffeine-free — a wind-down ritual beats scrolling before bed
Face mask sheets (12-pack)Finals-week pick-me-up when you don't have time for a real self-care routine
Comfort-snack variety box (40-pack)A sealed care-package box for the week you don't want to leave the room
Everyday makeup kit (e.l.f.)Primer, mascara, lip gloss, brow gel — a basic kit, not a full vanity
Storage & Organization
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⭐ Top pickUnder-bed storage bins or drawersCompare picks →Check your hall's under-bed clearance on the hall checklist page before buyingNorth West Hall beds have 54 in adjustable under-bed clearance clearance — measure before buying.
Adjustable bed risers (set of 4)Stackable to 3, 5, or 8 inches — lift the bed for far more under-bed storage. Check your frame first; many dorm beds already adjust in height
Command picture hanging stripsVelcro-style strips hang posters, photos, and light frames level and hole-free, then peel off cleanly — no move-out damage charge
Tension curtain rods (2-pack)No-drill spring rods (28–43") to add a closet rod, hang a window curtain, or string a divider curtain for privacy in a shared room
Stackable desk drawer organizer
Closet Space-Savers
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⭐ Top pickSlim velvet hangers × 30–40Compare picks →Dorm closets are narrow — thin non-slip hangers fit far more than bulky plastic ones
⭐ Top pickCascading hanger connector hooksCompare picks →Chain hangers vertically to turn one closet rod into three or four rows
⭐ Top pickMulti-slot space-saving hangersCompare picks →One hanger holds five items stacked vertically
⭐ Top pickCloset-doubler rod (2-tier)Compare picks →Hangs from the existing rod to add a second hanging level — no tools
Tech & Power
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⭐ Top pickSurge protector power strip (6+ outlets)Compare picks →Most schools require a surge protector — plain extension cords are prohibited
Ethernet cable (10 ft)Wired connections are faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for video calls and gaming
USB-C hub or docking station
⭐ Top pickAA + AAA batteries (48-pack)For the alarm clock, the remote, the clip fan, and the battery string lights many halls allow where plug-in ones are banned
⭐ Top pickBluetooth speaker (compact)Optional — keep it compact and respect quiet hours, which most halls enforce
Printer (optional — most campuses have free print labs)
Assorted zip ties (variety pack)Assorted sizes and colors for taming the cable mess behind the desk, bundling cords under the bed, and loft/dorm setup
Reusable velcro cable tiesHook-and-loop straps you can undo and re-bundle — the rearrangeable alternative to zip ties for chargers and monitor cords
Adhesive cable clips (cord holders)Stick-on clips anchor phone chargers and cords to the desk edge so cables stop sliding behind the desk
Charging cables (10 ft, 3-pack)Extra-long braided USB-C cables reach from a lofted bed to a far wall outlet — the spare everyone forgets
Multi-port USB wall charger (40W)One 4-port block charges your phone, earbuds, and tablet from a single scarce dorm outlet
Laundry
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Laundry detergent pods (compact for dorm storage)
Dryer sheets
Mesh laundry bag for delicates
Foldable clothes drying rackAir-dry laundry and delicates in a tight room to dodge dryer shrink and per-load costs, then fold it flat against the wall- Laundry app or coinsCheck if your school uses an app (Circuit, LaundryView) or quarters before you go
Fabric stain remover spray
Tide-to-Go or similar
Desk & Study
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⭐ Top pickDesk lamp (LED)Compare picks →Not provided in most halls — check your school's provided list above- Pencil cup / organizer
⭐ Top pickLaptop stand (adjustable)Ergonomic for long study sessions — pairs with any keyboard
Scissors and tape
Whiteboard or sticky notes for the door- Backpack (bring from home)
Health & Safety
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Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, medical tape)
Ibuprofen / acetaminophen
Cold and flu medicine
Hand sanitizer
Reusable face masks
Disinfecting wipesWipe down desks, doorknobs, and shared surfaces — cold and flu rip through a dorm floor
Vitamin C / immune supportDorms are germ factories — keep a box for the first sign of dorm crud
24-hour allergy tabletsNon-drowsy antihistamine for new-city pollen and dusty old dorm buildings
Blister patchesHydrocolloid patches for the blisters a big campus gives you in week one
Comfort & Room
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Gym bag / duffel (with shoe pocket)Gym, weekend trips home, and laundromat hauls — a tote won't cut it
Sleep mask + earplugsShared room, roommate's lamp, hallway noise — the cheapest sleep upgrade there is
Portable white-noise machineMasks thin dorm walls and a roommate's off-schedule coming and going so it's easier to fall asleep
Collapsible storage ottomanA 36L cube that swallows a bin of gear, holds 250 lb for guest seating or a footrest, then folds flat when you don't need it
Odor absorber (charcoal bags)Skip plug-in fresheners, candles, and wax warmers — most dorms ban them (fire code). Charcoal bags absorb odor with no flame or outlet.
Handheld garment steamerFaster and far more compact than an iron + board.Before you buy: check your school's appliance rules — some restrict irons/steamers — and pick one with auto-shutoff.
Slippers / house shoesCold, not-always-clean dorm floors — shower shoes are for the bathroom
Lint roller (5-pack)
Mini tool kit / screwdriver setFor assembling a loft, tightening a wobbly bed frame, and move-in boxes
Water filter pitcher (Brita)Dorm tap water, no kitchen filter — a 6-cup fits in a mini-fridge
⭐ Top pickMini fridge (if not provided)Compare picks →Check the “In every room” list above first — many schools include a MicroFridge and ban personal ones. Bring one only if yours doesn't.
⭐ Top pickBed rest reading pillowDorm beds have no headboard — a backrest with arms lets you sit up to study or read in bed
Weighted blanket (15 lb, twin)Calmer, deeper sleep in a noisy hall — sized to a dorm bed
Compact HEPA air purifierQuiet desktop unit for dusty old buildings, allergies, and roommate smells
Folding saucer / lounge chairThe extra seat a dorm never has — folds flat when you don't need it
Mini projector (movie nights)Turns a blank wall into a movie night — a floor favorite
Essential-oil diffuserWater-based ultrasonic (no flame) — the dorm-safe way to freshen a roomBefore you buy: some schools restrict diffusers, humidifiers, or scented devices — check your housing rules, and pick one with auto shut-off.
Kitchen & Dining
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Dorm dinnerware set (microwave-safe)Microwave- and dishwasher-safe plates, bowls, and cups so you're not eating ramen out of the pot
Divided microwave meal-prep plates with vented lidsPortioned, vented-lid plates for reheating and storing dining-hall leftovers or meal-prepped food — BPA-free, stackable, microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Dish drying matAbsorbent mat to air-dry dishes on a tiny counter — doubles for drying a shower caddy or shoes
Bottle & straw brush setCleans the straws and narrow necks of Stanley-style tumblers your other brushes can't reach
Paper towelsFor spills and quick cleanup when there's no kitchen — select-a-size to waste less
Misc Essentials
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Reusable water bottle (large, 32 oz+)
Umbrella (compact)
Rain jacket or packable jacket
Reusable tote bags × 2–3 (grocery runs, gym, dining)
Alarm clock or use your phone
Shower timer (optional, for communal bathroom courtesy)
⭐ Top pickArea rug (3×5 ft)Compare picks →Adds warmth and cuts the echo on bare dorm floors — measure your space first
⭐ Top pickIn your room ✓Step trash can with lidNot provided — a hands-free pedal can with a soft-close lid keeps odors down by the desk (grab a pack of small liners too)North West Hall rooms already include a bin — skip unless you want a second.
⭐ Top pickIn your room ✓Trash bags (4 gallon, drawstring)Dorm bins are 4 gallons — 13-gallon kitchen bags swim in themNorth West Hall rooms already include a bin — skip unless you want a second.
Safety box openerCeramic auto-retract blade opens the mountain of move-in boxes without slicing what's inside — safe and dorm-allowed
Move-In Day Gear
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Wheeled rolling moving bagWheels and a pull handle let you drag a fully loaded 600D bag up the stairs instead of hauling the weight — the move-in day lifesaver
XL moving & storage bags (6-pack)Haul a whole carload of bedding and clothes in one trip, then fold them flat to store bulky stuff over breaks
Folding hand truck / dollyRolls a mini-fridge, boxes, and furniture up to your room in far fewer trips, then folds flat to slide under the bed
Folding collapsible wagon cartLoad a full haul and roll it across campus in one pass, then collapse it flat when you're done
Related guides: Dorm move-in checklist · Best dorm shower caddy · Dorm mattress topper guide
Dorm shopping guides: Mini fridge · Surge protector · Storage bins · Mattress topper · Desk lamp · Bedding sets · Twin XL sheets · Shower caddy · Towels · Shower shoes · Laundry hamper · Area rug · Mirror · Over-door organizer · Closet organizers · Fans (no AC) · Loft bed setup
Sources & verification — last checked Aug 18, 2026
- Ball State Housing - North West Hall ↗
- Ball State Housing - North West Hall Room and Furniture Dimensions PDF ↗
- Ball State Housing - Housing Rates (Tier 2 hall bathroom/AC listing) ↗
- Ball State Housing - Policies and Information (prohibited and restricted items, lofts, appliances) ↗
- Ball State Housing - Move-In 2026 ↗
North West Hall FAQ
- How many students live in North West Hall?
- Around 500 residents across two towers and five floors, per Ball State's own hall description.
- Can beds be lofted or raised in North West?
- Yes -- the official room-dimension guide states the Twin XL bed frame is adjustable, with up to 54 inches of clearance underneath, and the hall page describes the furniture as loftable. Ball State supplies the hardware and lends a rubber mallet at the front desk; outside loft kits and risers are not permitted, and one window must stay completely clear when furniture is lofted.
- Does every floor have a kitchen?
- Yes, North West is built with a fully equipped kitchen on every floor, along with a lounge area with a TV.
- What Living-Learning Communities are in North West?
- The Design and Education Living-Learning Communities, both aimed at first-year students exploring those career paths through field trips, workshops, and discussions.
- Is North West Hall a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: North West Hall has Twin XL, adjustable-height frame beds with 54 in adjustable under-bed clearance of under-bed storage, and is fully air conditioned. Ball State University provides Twin XL bed and mattress (adjustable frame), desk with cubby, chair, roll-away side table, dresser, closet or wardrobe, trash can, per-floor kitchens, lounges with TVs, music room, game room, fitness room, laundry room, study lounges, Wi-Fi in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how North West Hall stacks up against Ball State University's other halls above.
Thinking About Living in North West Hall Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about North West Hall: it has Twin XL, adjustable-height frame beds with 54 in adjustable under-bed clearance of under-bed clearance, and the room is air conditioned. On top of that, the room comes with Twin XL bed and mattress (adjustable frame), desk with cubby, chair, roll-away side table, dresser, closet or wardrobe, trash can, per-floor kitchens, lounges with TVs, music room, game room, fitness room, laundry room, study lounges, Wi-Fi; you'll need to bring Twin XL bedding, towels, toiletries, storage containers, lamp, UL-approved 15-amp power strip with a built-in circuit breaker yourself; Candles and burnt wicks, incense, wax melts, open flames and hand-held lighters, alcohol containers full or empty, weapons including pellet/airsoft/dart guns and bows and arrows, space heaters, hot plates, toaster ovens, deep fryers, adhesive products including 3M strips, LED and smart light strips, pets other than fish in a tank of 20 gallons or less, tobacco and vaping products, wireless routers and hotspots, indoor e-scooter/hoverboard riding or charging isn't allowed. The full day-to-day breakdown above covers the room, the building, and move-in day in more depth.
Still weighing this hall against others? Our guide on how to pick a dorm covers what actually matters, or see Ball State University’s other halls below.
More Ball State University halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.