Boston, MA · Urban · Charles River
Rich Hall Dorm Checklist 2026
Boston University
Traditional doubles; ~600 first-year residents
- Bed SizeXL Twin
- Under-Bed
- ACNo
- On-Campus~95%
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- Personal microwaves are prohibited in all BU residence halls — rent a MicroFridge combo unit through BU Vending Services if you need one.
- No air conditioning in this hall. Personal AC units are prohibited — bring a fan (max 12" diameter per BU policy).
Living in Rich Hall: what to know before you pack
The room
Rich Hall rooms are traditional doubles designed for two first-year students, furnished with bed frames, XL Twin mattresses, desks, chairs, dressers, and curtains — everything structural is covered, but you will need to bring your own bedding, towels, desk lamp, fan, hangers, and a power strip with surge protection. Rich Hall has no air conditioning, so a fan is not optional; BU limits blade diameter to 12 inches, so plan accordingly before you shop. Personal microwaves are not permitted in any BU residence hall — if you want in-room microwave or refrigeration access, you must rent a MicroFridge combo unit through BU Vending Services, which is the single most common packing mistake incoming students make. Keep your packing list tight: coffee makers, hot plates, space heaters, electric blankets, halogen lamps, candles, incense, and extension cords are all prohibited.
Day to day
Rich Hall is the third of the three linked 13-story towers on West Campus, standing alongside Claflin and Sleeper and connected to both via a shared lobby and the West Campus dining hall. That physical connection is the heartbeat of life here — you will move constantly between towers, eat meals with the full West Campus community of roughly 1,800 first-years, and find that friendships form fast when proximity is unavoidable. West Campus has a lively, social energy that many students describe as the most immersive first-year experience BU offers, with common areas that stay active into the evening and a density of peers that makes it hard to feel isolated. The tradeoff is that things can get loud, especially on weekends, so if you are a light sleeper you will want earplugs and a white noise app handy.
Move-in day
BU assigns every West Campus resident a specific arrival window in mid-August, and Rich Hall move-in follows that same process — you will receive your window date and time well in advance, and arriving outside your slot is strongly discouraged because the loading zones fill quickly. Elevators in a 13-story tower see heavy traffic on move-in day, so pack strategically: break your load into manageable trips and keep your most essential items — bedding, toiletries, a fan — in one bag you can access immediately. The West Campus dining hall opens during move-in weekend, which makes grabbing a meal between unpacking trips easy. Coordinate with your roommate beforehand on large items like the MicroFridge rental so you are not doubling up on logistics or paperwork.
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Everything for your Rich Hall room
Rich Hall has no AC, so a fan leads the list. The complete Boston University packing list, tuned to Rich Hall — best picks flagged, anything the room already includes pulled out, and every item shoppable. Affiliate links; live Amazon prices where available, may vary.
122 items across 15 categories
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We’ll also send the 2–3 things worth knowing before move-in day.
0 of 122 packed
Fan — pack first
(2)
⭐ Top pickTower fan or desk fanCompare picks →No AC in your hall — this is your most important item.Rich Hall has no AC — August move-in gets hot; don't skip this one.
⭐ Top pickClip fan for bunk or loft (optional second fan)Compare picks →Rich Hall has no AC — August move-in gets hot; don't skip this one.
Bedding
(9)
⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitRich Hall beds are XL Twin — 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 differenceNo AC in Rich Hall — a cooling gel topper is worth it.
Extra blanket or throw
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
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
(5)
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 buyingRich Hall beds have 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
(13)
⭐ 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 pickStep 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)
⭐ Top pickTrash bags (4 gallon, drawstring)Dorm bins are 4 gallons — 13-gallon kitchen bags swim in them
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 · Best fans for dorms without AC
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 Jun 21, 2026
Rich Hall FAQ
- Does Rich Hall have air conditioning?
- No. Rich Hall is not air-conditioned, and mid-August move-in week in Boston can be genuinely warm and humid. BU permits fans with a maximum 12-inch blade diameter, so bringing one is strongly recommended — it will see regular use from move-in day through at least mid-September when temperatures finally start to drop. Personal AC units of any kind — window units, portable units, or otherwise — are prohibited campus-wide, and that rule is enforced without exceptions. The same no-AC situation applies to the other two West Campus towers, Claflin and Sleeper. The only BU freshman hall with AC is Warren Towers Tower A. A quality 12-inch fan is your best tool for the first weeks.
- What is the social scene like at West Campus?
- West Campus is widely considered BU's most socially active first-year environment. The three towers — Rich, Claflin, and Sleeper — share a lobby and a dining hall, which means you are constantly bumping into a community of roughly 1,800 first-year students across all three buildings. Common spaces fill up in the evenings, programming through the Residence Life office is frequent, and the sheer density of people the same age as you makes it an excellent place to form friendships quickly. Students who thrive here tend to be energized by that proximity rather than drained by it.
- Can I bring a microwave to Rich Hall?
- No — personal microwaves are prohibited in all BU residence halls, including Rich Hall, and this is the most common packing mistake incoming students make. If you want microwave or refrigeration access in your room, you must rent a MicroFridge combo unit through BU Vending Services before you arrive. The unit combines a mini-fridge, freezer, and microwave in one appliance and is the only approved option for in-room cooking or food storage. Plan ahead, because units are rented on a first-come basis.
- How does the BU shuttle work from West Campus?
- BU operates a free shuttle service that connects West Campus to central campus and other key stops along the BU corridor, and it runs frequently enough that most West Campus residents use it as their primary way to reach classes on the Charles River Campus side. The shuttle picks up outside the West Campus towers and the ride to central campus takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. Service runs from early morning through late evening on most days, and the schedule is available through the BU transportation website and app. Walking or biking along Commonwealth Avenue is also a realistic option when the weather cooperates.
- Is Rich Hall a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: Rich Hall has XL Twin beds with clearance that varies by room of under-bed storage, and is not air conditioned. Boston University provides Bed frame & mattress, desk, chair, dresser, curtains/blinds in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how Rich Hall stacks up against Boston University's other halls above.
Thinking About Living in Rich Hall Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about Rich Hall: it has XL Twin beds, and there's no AC, so plan around that. On top of that, the room comes with Bed frame & mattress, desk, chair, dresser, curtains/blinds; you'll need to bring Desk lamp, fan, bedding, towels, shower caddy, hangers, power strip with surge protection yourself; Personal AC units, personal microwaves, coffee makers, hot plates, space heaters, electric blankets, halogen lamps, candles, incense, extension cords (use power strips instead) 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 Boston University’s other halls below.
More Boston University halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.