Rochester, NY · First-year housing is required
Mark Ellingson Hall Dorm Checklist 2026
RIT
Single, single-with-bath, double, triple & quad rooms across 12 floors, including suite sets of three double rooms sharing one bathroom; co-ed, all-female, mainstream & gender-inclusive floors
RIT's tallest residence hall (12 floors, nicknamed 'Tower A'), one of the original towers associated with the university's 1968 relocation to its Henrietta campus — RIT does not publish an exact per-hall construction year, so treat 1968 as campus-level history, not a confirmed building date.
- Bed SizeTwin XL, fixed frame, ~28in off floor
- Under-Bed~28in stock; risers up to 7.25in only
- ACYes
- On-CampusRequired (1st year)
✓ In the room
bed (Twin XL mattressvinyl cover)desk with drawerschairdresserclosetwaste/recycling cansMicroFridgefree WiFi & ethernet jackfurnished roomutilities includedmeal plan requiredlive-in stafffree laundry in buildingelevator24/7 card access
✗ Not provided
bedding (sheetspillowcomforter)cotton mattress covertowelsalarm clockcooking appliancespersonal AC unit or space heater
⊘ Prohibited
cooking appliances (rice cookerstoasterstoaster ovensinstant potsair fryershot plates)candles/incensehalogen torchiere lamps 300W+extension cordspersonal space heaters or AC unitsself-elevated or self-bunked bedsbed risers over 7.25 inches
- Bed risers are capped at 7.25 inches and prohibited entirely under an already-raised bed.
- An avoidable or false fire-alarm activation can bring a fine up to $200 under the housing contract.
What’s different about Mark Ellingson Hall
The core checklist below works everywhere. These are the few things that are genuinely different about this building — get them right and the rest is easy.
Air-conditioned
Mark Ellingson Hall is air-conditioned — but confirm your specific room before skipping a fan entirely.
~28in stock; risers up to 7.25in only clearance
Measure before you buy storage bins. Most on Amazon are 12"+ and won't slide under a ~28in stock; risers up to 7.25in only frame — buy low-profile.
Beds are Twin XL, fixed frame, ~28in off floor
Standard twin bedding slips right off. Buy sheets, a topper, and a mattress pad labeled XL Twin specifically.
Fridge & microwave provided
Your room already includes a fridge/microwave unit — don't buy your own. Personal fridges and microwaves are almost always prohibited here anyway.
Room ideas
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Everything for your Mark Ellingson Hall room
The complete RIT packing list, tuned to Mark Ellingson 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 121 packed
Bedding
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⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitMark Ellingson Hall beds are Twin XL, fixed frame, ~28in off floor — 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
Extra blanket or throwMark Ellingson Hall's AC runs cold at night — pack a warm layer.
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.Mark Ellingson 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 buyingMark Ellingson Hall beds have ~28in stock; risers up to 7.25in only 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
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 21, 2026
Mark Ellingson Hall — frequently asked questions
- What size bed does Mark Ellingson Hall have?
- Mark Ellingson Hall uses Twin XL, fixed frame, ~28in off floor beds. Always confirm your bed size before buying sheets — dorm beds are almost always XL Twin (80"), not standard Twin (75").
- How much under-bed clearance is there in Mark Ellingson Hall?
- Mark Ellingson Hall has ~28in stock; risers up to 7.25in only of under-bed clearance. Measure any storage bins before buying — many standard under-bed containers are too tall.
- Is Mark Ellingson Hall air conditioned?
- Yes, Mark Ellingson Hall is air conditioned.
- What does RIT provide in Mark Ellingson Hall?
- RIT provides the following in every room at Mark Ellingson Hall: bed (Twin XL mattress, vinyl cover), desk with drawers, chair, dresser, closet, waste/recycling cans, MicroFridge, free WiFi & ethernet jack, furnished room, utilities included, meal plan required, live-in staff, free laundry in building, elevator, 24/7 card access.
- What is not provided in Mark Ellingson Hall?
- RIT does not supply the following at Mark Ellingson Hall: bedding (sheets, pillow, comforter), cotton mattress cover, towels, alarm clock, cooking appliances, personal AC unit or space heater. Students must bring or purchase these themselves.
- What items are prohibited in Mark Ellingson Hall?
- Prohibited items at Mark Ellingson Hall include: cooking appliances (rice cookers, toasters, toaster ovens, instant pots, air fryers, hot plates), candles/incense, halogen torchiere lamps 300W+, extension cords, personal space heaters or AC units, self-elevated or self-bunked beds, bed risers over 7.25 inches. Check the official housing policy for the full current list before packing.
- When should I order so everything arrives before move-in?
- Order 2–3 weeks before your move-in date — standard shipping windows stretch during August peak season. Inside two weeks, fast shipping is the safe play: students can start a free 6-month Prime Student trial before ordering so the whole haul arrives in time.
- Is Mark Ellingson Hall a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: Mark Ellingson Hall has Twin XL, fixed frame, ~28in off floor beds with ~28in stock; risers up to 7.25in only of under-bed storage, and is fully air conditioned. RIT provides bed (Twin XL mattress, vinyl cover), desk with drawers, chair, dresser, closet, waste/recycling cans, MicroFridge, free WiFi & ethernet jack, furnished room, utilities included, meal plan required, live-in staff, free laundry in building, elevator, 24/7 card access in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how Mark Ellingson Hall stacks up against RIT's other halls above.
- Are all RIT residence halls air conditioned?
- Yes. The Incoming First-Year FAQ states plainly: "All residence halls and all rooms at the RIT Inn have air conditioning." Kate Gleason, Sol Heumann, Mark Ellingson, and Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry Halls are each individually described as air-conditioned on their own housing pages.
- Can I loft or bunk my own bed?
- No. RIT's housing Terms & Conditions state: "Only lofted beds purchased by RIT housing and assigned to specific housing units are allowed to be lofted. Residents may not bunk or loft beds." Students who want extra under-bed space may add bed risers up to 7.25 inches instead.
- When is fall 2026 move-in for incoming first-years?
- Monday, August 17, 2026, 8am-6pm, and Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 8am-1pm, both by appointment only. Summer Vestibule Program students move in separately on Sunday, August 9. Appointment access opens only after a student's RIT ID photo is submitted and approved.
- Is first-year housing required at RIT?
- Yes. All entering first-year students must live in an RIT Housing first-year community for their first academic year. Exemptions exist for students living with a parent within 30 miles, marriage, active military call-up, academic suspension or graduation, co-op/resident-teaching/study-abroad placement, withdrawal or leave of absence, and DSO-approved accommodations — RIT does not publish an age or veteran-status exemption.
- What size bed and how much clearance underneath does an RIT dorm room have?
- A Twin XL mattress on a fixed frame set roughly 28 inches off the floor, campus-wide. Students cannot raise or bunk these beds themselves; the only permitted adjustment is a bed riser up to 7.25 inches, and none are allowed under beds already set at 5 feet.
Thinking About Living in Mark Ellingson Hall Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about Mark Ellingson Hall: it has Twin XL, fixed frame, ~28in off floor beds with ~28in stock; risers up to 7.25in only of under-bed clearance, and the room is air conditioned. On top of that, the room comes with bed (Twin XL mattress, vinyl cover), desk with drawers, chair, dresser, closet, waste/recycling cans, MicroFridge, free WiFi & ethernet jack, furnished room, utilities included, meal plan required, live-in staff, free laundry in building, elevator, 24/7 card access; you'll need to bring bedding (sheets, pillow, comforter), cotton mattress cover, towels, alarm clock, cooking appliances, personal AC unit or space heater yourself; cooking appliances (rice cookers, toasters, toaster ovens, instant pots, air fryers, hot plates), candles/incense, halogen torchiere lamps 300W+, extension cords, personal space heaters or AC units, self-elevated or self-bunked beds, bed risers over 7.25 inches isn't allowed.
Still weighing this hall against others? Our guide on how to pick a dorm covers what actually matters, or see RIT’s other halls below.
More RIT halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.