Carbondale, IL · Public Research University
Neely Hall Dorm Checklist 2026
SIU Carbondale
Suite-style, 2BR + private bath, single or double, ~300-600/tower, floors 2-17
- Bed SizeTwin XL, loftable via free move-in kit
- Under-BedAbout 11 in. unlofted by default
- ACYes
- On-CampusRequired for eligible freshmen
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- Neely Hall was named in SIU's original Saluki Village housing plan as scheduled to close once that project completed its first phase; as of August 2026 the project is stalled indefinitely (developer contract canceled, $2.2M exit payment) with no replacement timeline, so Neely is open for Fall 2026 — worth re-checking in future years.
Living in Neely Hall: what to know before you pack
The room
Same suite layout as Mae Smith: two bedrooms sharing a private bathroom, single or double occupancy depending on assignment, beds sitting low by default with a free lofting/bunking kit available from Housekeeping.
Day to day
Neely is the oldest of the three East Campus towers (1965) and shares Trueblood Commons with Mae Smith and Schneider. It hosts several living-learning communities.
Move-in day
New and first-year students move in Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (7:30am-5:30pm); returning students move in Friday, August 14, same hours.
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 Neely Hall.
Everything for your Neely Hall room
The complete SIU Carbondale packing list, tuned to Neely 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
≈ $1,980 for the 89 items with live prices — not the full list · Amazon prices as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 fitNeely Hall beds are Twin XL, loftable via free move-in kit — get Twin XL, not standard twin.Price: $37.97Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
- ⭐ Top pickTwin XL flat sheet × 2Compare picks →
Price: $37.97Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Pillowcases × 4 (2 per pillow)Price: $11.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickComforter or duvet (Twin XL)Compare picks →Price: $27.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickMattress topper (Twin XL)Compare picks →Dorm mattresses are firm and thin — a 2–3" memory foam or gel topper makes a real differencePrice: $36.54Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Extra blanket or throwNeely Hall's AC runs cold at night — pack a warm layer.Price: $11.95Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Waterproof mattress pad (Twin XL)Protects the mattress from spills and wear — a cheap layer you'll be glad you packedPrice: $25.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 bugsPrice: $21.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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.Neely Hall is air-conditioned, so a fan is comfort, not survival.Price: $59.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 showerPrice: $9.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Toiletry bag for daily-use itemsPrice: $17.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ 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 bathroomPrice: $7.98Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Facial tissuesKeep a box at the desk and nightstand — colds and allergies rip through a dormPrice: $15.29Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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)Price: $24.98Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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
⭐ Top pickHair brush + comb setPrice: $9.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickGentle face wash (CeraVe)Price: $15.97Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickRazor & blade refillsPrice: $21.94Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Period-supply organizer pouchA discreet zip pouch for pads or tampons — the essential nobody wants to source last-minute at a new campusPrice: $9.15Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ 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 damagePrice: $43.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Self-Care Essentials
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Satin scrunchies (60-pack)Cuts down on breakage vs. elastic bands — cheap upgradePrice: $9.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Sleepytime herbal tea, vanilla (20-pack)Caffeine-free — a wind-down ritual beats scrolling before bedPrice: $5.49Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Face mask sheets (12-pack)Finals-week pick-me-up when you don't have time for a real self-care routinePrice: $9.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 vanityPrice: $21.00Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 buyingNeely Hall beds have About 11 in. unlofted by default 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 heightPrice: $21.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickOver-door organizer (shoe pocket style)Compare picks →Price: $20.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickCommand hooks and strips (damage-free wall mounting)Price: $14.84Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Command picture hanging stripsVelcro-style strips hang posters, photos, and light frames level and hole-free, then peel off cleanly — no move-out damage chargePrice: $7.95Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 roomPrice: $9.49Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 onesPrice: $20.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickCascading hanger connector hooksCompare picks →Chain hangers vertically to turn one closet rod into three or four rowsPrice: $11.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickMulti-slot space-saving hangersCompare picks →One hanger holds five items stacked verticallyPrice: $13.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickCloset-doubler rod (2-tier)Compare picks →Hangs from the existing rod to add a second hanging level — no toolsPrice: $23.60Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 prohibitedPrice: $9.97Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Ethernet cable (10 ft)Wired connections are faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for video calls and gamingPrice: $9.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickPower bank / portable chargerPrice: $25.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ 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 bannedPrice: $16.70Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickHeadphones or earbuds (noise-cancelling recommended)Price: $99.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ 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 setupPrice: $14.69Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Reusable velcro cable tiesHook-and-loop straps you can undo and re-bundle — the rearrangeable alternative to zip ties for chargers and monitor cordsPrice: $14.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Adhesive cable clips (cord holders)Stick-on clips anchor phone chargers and cords to the desk edge so cables stop sliding behind the deskPrice: $7.96Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 forgetsPrice: $6.89Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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)Price: $12.97Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Dryer sheets
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 wallPrice: $39.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
- Laundry app or coinsCheck if your school uses an app (Circuit, LaundryView) or quarters before you go
Desk & Study
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⭐ Top pickDesk lamp (LED)Compare picks →Not provided in most halls — check your school's provided list abovePrice: $20.98Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
- Pencil cup / organizer
⭐ Top pickLaptop stand (adjustable)Ergonomic for long study sessions — pairs with any keyboardPrice: $16.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Scissors and tape
Whiteboard or sticky notes for the doorPrice: $16.90Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
- Backpack (bring from home)
Health & Safety
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Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, medical tape)Price: $8.43Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Ibuprofen / acetaminophen
Disinfecting wipesWipe down desks, doorknobs, and shared surfaces — cold and flu rip through a dorm floorPrice: $10.23Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Vitamin C / immune supportDorms are germ factories — keep a box for the first sign of dorm crudPrice: $12.98Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 onePrice: $13.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 isPrice: $7.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Portable white-noise machineMasks thin dorm walls and a roommate's off-schedule coming and going so it's easier to fall asleepPrice: $19.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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.Price: $23.98Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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.Price: $30.86Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Slippers / house shoesCold, not-always-clean dorm floors — shower shoes are for the bathroom
Mini tool kit / screwdriver setFor assembling a loft, tightening a wobbly bed frame, and move-in boxesPrice: $22.62Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Water filter pitcher (Brita)Dorm tap water, no kitchen filter — a 6-cup fits in a mini-fridgePrice: $32.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ 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.Price: $239.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickBed rest reading pillowDorm beds have no headboard — a backrest with arms lets you sit up to study or read in bedPrice: $34.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Weighted blanket (15 lb, twin)Calmer, deeper sleep in a noisy hall — sized to a dorm bedPrice: $37.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Compact HEPA air purifierQuiet desktop unit for dusty old buildings, allergies, and roommate smellsPrice: $43.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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.Price: $12.15Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 potPrice: $18.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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-safePrice: $18.95Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Dish drying matAbsorbent mat to air-dry dishes on a tiny counter — doubles for drying a shower caddy or shoesPrice: $11.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Bottle & straw brush setCleans the straws and narrow necks of Stanley-style tumblers your other brushes can't reachPrice: $3.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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+)Price: $21.94Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Rain jacket or packable jacket
Reusable tote bags × 2–3 (grocery runs, gym, dining)Price: $28.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 firstPrice: $29.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ 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)Price: $27.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickTrash bags (4 gallon, drawstring)Dorm bins are 4 gallons — 13-gallon kitchen bags swim in themPrice: $11.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
Safety box openerCeramic auto-retract blade opens the mountain of move-in boxes without slicing what's inside — safe and dorm-allowedPrice: $9.98Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 lifesaverPrice: $42.99Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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 breaksPrice: $26.95Amazon price as of Aug 31, 2026, may vary
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
Neely Hall FAQ
- Is Neely Hall closing?
- Not for Fall 2026, and there's no confirmed closure date at all right now. SIU's original Saluki Village plan named Neely for eventual closure, but as of August 2026 the whole project is stalled indefinitely — the SIU Foundation paid $2.2M to cancel its developer contract and the university is waiting on a new campus master plan before deciding next steps.
- Is Neely Hall a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: Neely Hall has Twin XL, loftable via free move-in kit beds with About 11 in. unlofted by default of under-bed storage, and is fully air conditioned. SIU Carbondale provides Twin XL bed frame, mattress, 2 desks+chairs, 2 dressers/cabinets, 2 closets/wardrobes, curtains, ceiling light, sink, mirror, smoke detector, shower curtain liner, shared kitchenette access, overnight front-desk service, student lounges, laundry every floor (2+) in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how Neely Hall stacks up against SIU Carbondale's other halls above.
Thinking About Living in Neely Hall Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about Neely Hall: it has Twin XL, loftable via free move-in kit beds with About 11 in. unlofted by default of under-bed clearance, and the room is air conditioned. On top of that, the room comes with Twin XL bed frame, mattress, 2 desks+chairs, 2 dressers/cabinets, 2 closets/wardrobes, curtains, ceiling light, sink, mirror, smoke detector, shower curtain liner, shared kitchenette access, overnight front-desk service, student lounges, laundry every floor (2+); you'll need to bring Same as school-wide list, plus cooking/baking not permitted in-room yourself; Same as school-wide list 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 SIU Carbondale’s other halls below.
More SIU Carbondale halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.