Gainesville, FL · Go Gators · Move-In Aug 15
Broward Hall Dorm Checklist 2026
University of Florida
Traditional singles, doubles & triples; community bathrooms
- Bed SizeXL Twin (Extra-Long)
- Under-BedLoft by request (varies)
- ACYes
- On-CampusOptional
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- UF bans hooks that hang over the door — including over-door organizers, over-door mirrors, and hook-style hangers. Use Command-style adhesive hooks or freestanding storage instead.
- UF prohibits all candles, wax warmers, wickless candles, incense, oil diffusers, and even plug-in air fresheners — a broader ban than most schools. Anything with a flame, heating element, or fragrance-diffusing plug gets confiscated.
Living in Broward Hall: what to know before you pack
The room
Broward Hall is a traditional, community-style residence hall in UF's Broward Area, with single, double, and triple rooms that share bathrooms down the floor. Every room is fully furnished — a bed frame and Twin XL (Extra-Long Twin) mattress, a desk and chair, and a dresser or wardrobe with closet space for each resident. UF lists the bed as Twin XL and tells students to buy Extra-Long Twin sheets, so shop for sheets labeled Twin XL rather than standard twin. UF does not put a fridge or microwave in the room, so you'll bring your own — a refrigerator under 3.5 amps and 12 cubic feet and a microwave under 1,500 watts — and it's worth coordinating with your roommate so you don't end up with two of each. Because the room is air-conditioned, you don't need a fan for cooling, though a small one is fine for circulation.
Day to day
Broward's biggest draw is its location: it sits steps from Broward Dining, Century Tower, and the Plaza of the Americas, putting you in the geographic heart of campus with a short walk to most first-year classes. The hall houses the UF Promise Living-Learning Community and has a game room, a piano lounge, and study spaces that make it easy to meet people in the first weeks. Bathrooms are community-style — shared by your floor — so a shower caddy and shower shoes belong on your list. Two UF rules trip up freshmen here as everywhere on campus: over-the-door hooks are banned, so skip over-door organizers and hook-style hangers, and all candles, wax warmers, and even plug-in air fresheners are prohibited. Depending on your room, nearby campus construction can add some background noise.
Move-in day
UF first-year move-in is August 15–16, 2026, by appointment — you select an arrival window, so book early and arrive within it to keep elevator and unloading waits short. Because Gainesville is deep in hurricane season at move-in, UF recommends packing an inclement-weather kit: a flashlight, spare batteries, and about three days of non-perishable food and water. A dolly or hand truck helps for the trip up, and a clearly-marked first-night bag saves you digging through boxes late in the day. Since the room comes furnished, hold off on buying extra furniture until you've seen how much floor space you actually have.
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 Broward Hall.
Everything for your Broward Hall room
The complete University of Florida packing list, tuned to Broward Hall — best picks flagged, anything the room already includes pulled out, and every item shoppable. Affiliate links; live Amazon prices where available, may vary.
120 items across 15 categories
Email me this checklist
We’ll also send the 2–3 things worth knowing before move-in day.
0 of 120 packed
Bedding
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⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitBroward Hall beds are XL Twin (Extra-Long) — 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.Broward 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 buyingBroward Hall beds have Loft by request (varies) 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 Jul 17, 2026
Broward Hall FAQ
- What size sheets do I need for a Broward Hall bed?
- Buy Twin XL — also sold as Extra-Long Twin. UF lists its residence-hall beds as Twin XL and specifically tells students to buy Extra-Long Twin sheets, which are cut for the longer 80-inch mattress; standard twin sheets are made for a 75-inch bed and will pull off the corners. UF names the size but doesn't publish exact inch measurements, so go by the Twin XL / Extra-Long Twin label rather than a specific number. A couple of UF halls (Cypress and Keys) use Full XL beds instead, but Broward is a standard Twin XL hall, so Twin XL sheets are what you want.
- Does Broward Hall have air conditioning?
- Yes. Broward is air-conditioned, and UF's own packing list leaves a fan off the essentials because the rooms are cooled — a small fan is still fine if you like the airflow or white noise. Note that UF prohibits installing personal window or portable air-conditioning units in the rooms, so you can't add your own on top of the building system, and you won't need to. Gainesville stays hot and humid well into the fall semester, so the in-room AC is one of the more important comfort factors, and Broward has it.
- Do I need to bring a fridge and microwave to Broward?
- Yes — UF does not provide an in-room fridge or microwave, so you bring your own. Keep the refrigerator under 3.5 amps and 12 cubic feet and the microwave under 1,500 watts to stay within UF's Community Standards limits, and you can have at most two microwaves in a room. Coordinate with your roommate before move-in so you don't both haul one up. Every floor also has a community kitchen with a microwave, oven, and stove if you need more than your in-room setup for cooking.
- Is Broward Hall a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: Broward Hall has XL Twin (Extra-Long) beds with Loft by request (varies) of under-bed storage, and is fully air conditioned. University of Florida provides Bed frame & mattress, desk, desk chair, dresser/wardrobe, closet in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how Broward Hall stacks up against University of Florida's other halls above.
Thinking About Living in Broward Hall Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about Broward Hall: it has XL Twin (Extra-Long) beds with Loft by request (varies) of under-bed clearance, and the room is air conditioned. On top of that, the room comes with Bed frame & mattress, desk, desk chair, dresser/wardrobe, closet; you'll need to bring Bedding, desk lamp, mini-fridge, microwave, shower caddy, towels, hangers yourself; All candles, incense, wax warmers & plug-in air fresheners, floor/halogen lamps, over-the-door hooks, personal AC units, space heaters, in-room cooking appliances, hoverboards/e-scooters, non-UL or 10 ft+ extension cords, cats & dogs 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 University of Florida’s other halls below.
More University of Florida halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.