Pittsburgh, PA · Guaranteed Housing in the Steel City
Forbes Hall Dorm Checklist 2026
University of Pittsburgh
Double rooms, some with semi-private adjoining powder rooms (showers are communal for all residents); triples are also priced on the rate table; 6 floors
- Bed SizeTwin XL
- Under-BedNot published; raised beds not permitted
- ACPartial
- On-CampusGuaranteed for 2 years (not required)
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- Meal plan is required for Forbes Hall residents -- Panther Central's hall page lists Meal Plan: Required.
- Bathroom setup differs by room: Panther Central notes some doubles have semi-private adjoining bathrooms, and Pitt's campus tour site adds that those are powder rooms and that showers are communal for all residents -- a private shower is not on offer here.
- Air conditioning is not itemized on Panther Central's Forbes Hall page, though Pitt's campus tour site describes Forbes as housing first-year students in air-conditioned double rooms (on a page whose capacity figure is out of date) -- confirm with Panther Central before deciding what cooling to pack.
Living in Forbes Hall: what to know before you pack
The room
Forbes Hall's 267 residents live mainly in double rooms, and Panther Central notes that some of those doubles have a semi-private adjoining bathroom. Pitt's campus tour site sharpens the detail: those are semi-private powder rooms, and showers are communal for everyone in the building -- so pack a shower caddy and flip-flops regardless of which double you draw. Triples are also priced on the rate table, at $4,325 per term against $4,810 for a double. Every room includes a Twin XL bed, dresser, desk and chair, window blinds, and closet or wardrobe space where available. Loft beds are prohibited campus-wide, so plan under-bed storage at standard bed height.
Day to day
Forbes Hall is designated first-year housing and hosts the Swanson School of Engineering Living Learning Community, so many residents share an engineering course load and a built-in study group. Panther Central lists laundry, a kitchenette, and study rooms on every floor -- a genuinely useful combination that keeps late-night work and a load of laundry on the same trip. The signature building amenity is a rooftop patio overlooking Forbes Avenue, renovated in 2024 with native plantings that reduce urban heat and capture stormwater. A meal plan is required for all residents.
Move-in day
Forbes Hall move-in happens during Pitt's general First-Year Move-In weekend, Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2026, with arrival windows assigned by hall and floor in three blocks each day -- 8-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m., and 4-7 p.m. -- through arrival.pitt.edu. At 267 residents across 6 floors, Forbes is one of the more manageable move-ins among Pitt's first-year halls, with a shorter elevator wait than the 19-story Litchfield Towers.
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Everything for your Forbes Hall room
AC is hit-or-miss in Forbes Hall — pack a fan just in case. The complete University of Pittsburgh packing list, tuned to Forbes 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
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Bedding
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⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitForbes Hall beds are Twin XL — 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 throw
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 — check your assignment
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⭐ Top pickTower fan or desk fanCompare picks →AC varies by hall. Bring one — it's cheap insurance until you know your assignment.Forbes Hall is only partially AC'd — check your room assignment before skipping it.
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 buyingForbes Hall beds have Not published; raised beds not permitted 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
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⭐ 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 pickIn your room ✓Step 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)Forbes Hall rooms already include a bin — skip unless you want a second.
⭐ Top pickIn your room ✓Trash bags (4 gallon, drawstring)Dorm bins are 4 gallons — 13-gallon kitchen bags swim in themForbes Hall rooms already include a bin — skip unless you want a second.
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
Forbes Hall FAQ
- Does every Forbes Hall room have a private bathroom?
- No. Panther Central says some doubles have semi-private adjoining bathrooms, and Pitt's campus tour site clarifies that those are powder rooms -- showers are communal for all Forbes residents regardless of room type.
- Is Forbes Hall connected to the Engineering LLC?
- Yes. Panther Central lists Forbes Hall as housing first-year students and the Swanson School of Engineering Living Learning Community.
- Are there triples in Forbes Hall?
- Yes. Panther Central's rate table prices triples at $4,325 per term alongside doubles at $4,810, so triples are offered at a lower per-term rate.
- Is there a kitchen in Forbes Hall?
- Each floor has a kitchenette, along with laundry and study rooms. In-room cooking appliances like toaster ovens, toasters, hot plates, and air fryers remain prohibited.
- Does Forbes Hall have air conditioning?
- Panther Central's current Forbes Hall page does not itemize air conditioning. Pitt's campus tour site describes Forbes as housing first-year students in air-conditioned double rooms, but that page's capacity figure is out of date, so treat it as strong rather than conclusive. Personal AC units are prohibited campus-wide -- confirm Forbes's status with Panther Central and bring a fan as insurance.
- Is Forbes Hall a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: Forbes Hall has Twin XL beds with Not published; raised beds not permitted of under-bed storage, and is only partially air conditioned. University of Pittsburgh provides Twin XL bed, dresser, desk, desk chair, window blinds, wardrobe/closet (availability varies), trash and recycling bins; laundry, kitchenette, and study rooms on each floor in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how Forbes Hall stacks up against University of Pittsburgh's other halls above.
Thinking About Living in Forbes Hall Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about Forbes Hall: it has Twin XL beds with Not published; raised beds not permitted of under-bed clearance, and AC is only partial in this building — some rooms have it, some don't. On top of that, the room comes with Twin XL bed, dresser, desk, desk chair, window blinds, wardrobe/closet (availability varies), trash and recycling bins; laundry, kitchenette, and study rooms on each floor; you'll need to bring Bedding, towels, toiletries, refrigerator, cooking appliances yourself; Same as campus-wide policy: air conditioners, extension cords, loft beds, waterbeds, candles, halogen fixtures, hoverboards and e-scooters, pets 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 Pittsburgh’s other halls below.
More University of Pittsburgh halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.