Ann Arbor, MI · Top 10 · Selective
Mosher-Jordan Hall Dorm Checklist 2026
University of Michigan
Doubles & singles, community bathrooms — renovated Hill hall with AC, home to the MRADS learning community
A fully renovated Hill hall (reopened 2008) and one of the few first-year buildings WITH central air conditioning. It's attached to the Hill Dining Center and home to the Michigan Research and Discovery Scholars (MRADS) living-learning community. Students call it 'MoJo.'
- Bed SizeTwin XL · 36"×80"
- Under-BedLoftable modular frame
- ACYes
- On-Campus~97% of first-years
✓ In the room
Bed frame & Twin XL mattressdesk with attached shelfdesk chairdressercloset or wardrobe (loftable modular furniture)
✗ Not provided
Beddingtowelsshower caddyhangersdesk lampfridgemicrowave
⊘ Prohibited
Candlesincensewax warmersdiffusersburning sagehalogen lampspersonal AC unitsspace heatershumidifiersdehumidifierstoasterstoaster ovenshot platesopen-coil cooking applianceshoverboardse-scooters indoorsnatural cut trees or greenery
- Personal air conditioners are banned in Michigan Housing — you can't bring a window unit to any hall. Where there's no central AC, a fan is your only option (Housing installs a unit only with an approved medical accommodation).
- Humidifiers and dehumidifiers of every kind are prohibited (electrical load + fire-alarm risk) — leave them home even for dry Michigan winters.
- Personal refrigerators must be 5.5 cubic feet or smaller and under 1.5 amps, or they're turned away at move-in. Housing rents MicroFridge units (fridge + microwave in one) if you'd rather not buy.
Everything for your Mosher-Jordan Hall room
The complete University of Michigan packing list, tuned to Mosher-Jordan Hall — best picks flagged, anything the room already includes pulled out, and every item shoppable. Affiliate links; prices shown on Amazon.
111 items across 14 categories
Bedding
(9)
⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitMosher-Jordan Hall beds are Twin XL · 36"×80" — 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 throwMosher-Jordan Hall's AC runs cold at night — pack a warm layer.
⭐ Top pickWaterproof 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
(1)
⭐ Top pickSmall desk fan (optional)Compare picks →AC is available but many students still bring one for air circulation or white noise.Mosher-Jordan Hall is air-conditioned, so a fan is comfort, not survival.
Bathroom
(9)
⭐ 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
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 paperSuite / private-bathroom halls only — communal-bath dorms stock it for you (check the “In every room” list above)
Personal Care & Grooming
(10)
Hair dryer (compact)Not provided — you'll want your own for the walk back from a communal bathroom
Hair straightener or curling iron
Hair brush + comb set
Hair claw clips (variety pack)
Gentle face wash (CeraVe)
Razor & blade refills
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
Storage & Organization
(8)
⭐ Top pickUnder-bed storage bins or drawersCompare picks →Check your hall's under-bed clearance on the hall checklist page before buyingMosher-Jordan Hall beds have Loftable modular frame 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
Closet Space-Savers
(4)
⭐ 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
(12)
⭐ 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
Power bank / portable charger
⭐ 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
(7)
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
(6)
⭐ Top pickDesk lamp (LED)Compare picks →Not provided in most halls — check your school's provided list above
⭐ 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
(10)
Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, medical tape)
Ibuprofen / acetaminophen
Thermometer
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
(17)
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.
Bed 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
Kitchen & Dining
(4)
Dorm dinnerware set (microwave-safe)Microwave- and dishwasher-safe plates, bowls, and cups so you're not eating ramen out of the pot
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
(10)
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)
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
(4)
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 27, 2026
- Michigan Housing · Mosher-Jordan Hall ↗
- Michigan Housing · Residence Halls Comparison ↗
- Michigan Housing · Do the residence halls have air conditioning? ↗
- Michigan Housing · Prohibited and Regulated Items (CLAM) ↗
- Michigan Housing · Undergraduate Move-In (Ann Arbor) ↗
- U-M Office of the Registrar · Academic Calendar ↗
Living in Mosher-Jordan Hall: what to know before you pack
The room
Mosher-Jordan — 'MoJo' — was rebuilt in 2008, and the renovation makes it one of the more comfortable first-year halls at Michigan: it's one of the few with central air conditioning. Rooms are doubles and singles with the standard loftable modular furniture — an extra-long twin bed (36"×80"), a desk with shelf, a chair, a dresser, and a closet. Because it's air-conditioned, a fan is optional here rather than essential — but the Hill halls' AC can run cold once the building cools at night, so pack a warm blanket. Bathrooms are shared by the community, and Twin XL sheets are the size to buy, as everywhere at Michigan.
Day to day
MoJo is attached to the Hill Dining Center — the main dining hub for the Hill neighborhood — so meals are essentially downstairs, and it's a quick walk to Palmer Field, the CCRB and NCRB rec buildings, and the other Hill halls. It's home to the Michigan Research and Discovery Scholars (MRADS), a living-learning community that pairs first-years with upperclass research mentors who live in the building, so if you're in MRADS your academic community is your hallmates. Between the AC, the attached dining, and the learning community, MoJo is one of the most sought-after first-year assignments on the Hill.
Move-in day
Move-in is the last week of August, before classes begin Monday, August 31, 2026, with a time slot from your housing portal. MoJo's Hill location means a bit of a climb from lower campus, so pack for one efficient trip and use a cart. The good news for an August arrival: MoJo is air-conditioned, so the heat is far less of a factor than in South Quad, Bursley, or Markley. Still set your loft height on day one, keep a personal fridge to 5.5 cubic feet or under, and bring a warm blanket — the AC runs cold once the building cools down at night.
Mosher-Jordan Hall FAQ
- Does Mosher-Jordan have air conditioning?
- Yes. Mosher-Jordan was rebuilt in 2008 and is one of the few first-year halls at Michigan with central air conditioning — a genuine advantage over no-AC halls like South Quad, Bursley, and Mary Markley during the warm first weeks of the term. That means a fan is optional here rather than essential. Do pack a warm blanket, though: air-conditioned Hill rooms can get chilly at night once the building cools down, and a comforter plus a throw covers the swing between a warm afternoon and a cold 2 a.m.
- What is MRADS at Mosher-Jordan?
- MRADS is the Michigan Research and Discovery Scholars program — a living-learning community housed in Mosher-Jordan that connects first-year students interested in research with upperclass mentors and research advisors who live in the building. If you're admitted to MRADS, your hallmates are your academic community, and the program builds in events, advising, and pathways into undergraduate research early. Even if you're not in MRADS, living in a hall organized around a research community shapes the atmosphere — it tends to be a focused, academically engaged floor culture.
- What's the dining like at Mosher-Jordan?
- Mosher-Jordan is attached to the Hill Dining Center, the main dining facility for the Hill neighborhood, so meals are effectively downstairs — one of the most convenient dining setups of any first-year hall. That convenience means you can pack light on food gear: a water bottle, a few reusable containers for leftovers, and maybe a Brita filter. You don't need cooking appliances (most are banned in the rooms anyway), though a UL-listed electric kettle or coffee maker with automatic shut-off is allowed if you want a hot drink in your room.
- Why is Mosher-Jordan such a popular dorm?
- MoJo stacks up several of the things first-years want most: it's one of the few halls with air conditioning, it's attached to the Hill Dining Center so food is downstairs, and it's home to the MRADS research learning community. The 2008 renovation left it modern and comfortable, and its Hill location puts it near the rec buildings and the other first-year dorms. All of that makes it a high-demand assignment, so if MoJo appeals to you, submit your housing application and preferences as early as you can.
More University of Michigan halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.