Illinois State University Dorm Packing List 2026

Read before you pack

• ⚠All residence halls are air conditioned, but campus-wide cooling runs only from mid-August through mid-September and is off the rest of the year unless a medical accommodation is approved through Student Access and Accommodation Services. Cardinal Court apartments are the exception, with year-round resident-controlled thermostats.
• ⚠Housing bans all electrical appliances except hair tools, mirrors, shavers, irons, and single-serve coffee makers like Keurigs. Personal microwaves, standard coffee makers, toasters, hot plates, and air fryers are prohibited, carry a $50 fine for a first violation and $100 after that, and may be removed from the room.
• ⚠Knives with blades longer than three inches, weapon look-alikes such as Nerf or Orbeez guns, and any item classified as a weapon under Illinois law are prohibited in all University Housing properties and handled under the university's Prohibited Weapons Policy.
• ⚠Cancelling a fall housing contract between August 4 and September 4 costs $250 plus 50% of remaining room charges, rising to $250 plus 100% of room charges from the first possible day of occupancy after September 4.
• ⚠Irons may be used only in a floor or suite utility room. Iron use inside student rooms is prohibited.