Seattle, WA · Dawgs on Campus Parkway
McMahon Hall Dorm Checklist 2026
University of Washington
Single (60) & double (480) rooms — 540 room units — in a cluster system with semi-private bathrooms
- Bed SizeTwin XL (inches not published)
- Under-BedNot published — confirm with Res Life
- ACNo
- On-Campus72.6% of first-years lived on campus in 2025 (not required)
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- McMahon-specific balcony rules in the 9-Month Housing Agreement ban sitting or standing on railings, climbing over or under them, hanging items or hammocks or draping laundry on them, throwing anything off the balcony, excessive noise, and smoking, cooking, sleeping, or consuming alcohol regardless of age — a written Community Standards violation, not a suggestion.
- University custodial staff routinely enter McMahon's cluster lounges and bathrooms to clean. Section 16 of the agreement names McMahon explicitly and states residents have no expectation of privacy in Common Areas — the 48-hour entry notice covers routine inspections and maintenance, not this routine cleaning.
- McMahon is the one HFS building without a shared kitchen, per the campus housing amenities page — plan food storage and prep around that.
- HFS has flagged that fencing and scaffolding will be installed around portions of McMahon's exterior starting May 2026.
Living in McMahon Hall: what to know before you pack
The room
McMahon Hall is built on a cluster system: 60 singles and 480 doubles share semi-private bathrooms with their immediate cluster rather than each room having its own — the opposite setup from West Campus halls like Elm, Maple, and Alder. At 1,032 beds, HFS's Facts & Figures page makes McMahon the largest residence hall in the system, ahead of McCarty (970) and Maple (917). Rooms come with the same twin XL bed used campus-wide; HFS publishes no McMahon-specific mattress or clearance dimensions, so confirm with Residence Life if a measurement matters. Temperature is managed by a central heating system with individual radiators residents can turn on or off for some comfort adjustment — heat only. There's no air conditioning, consistent with every UW residence hall, so a fan belongs on the packing list. One genuine perk: toilet paper is provided here, which is not true of most halls.
Day to day
McMahon's cluster bathrooms are cleaned routinely by University custodial staff, who Section 16.2 of the housing agreement names explicitly as entering McMahon cluster lounges and bathrooms — Common Areas where residents have no expectation of privacy, and which sit outside the 48-hour notice that covers routine inspection of your own room. Worth knowing before move-in day. The building includes The 8, a newly renovated multi-use community center with a makerspace, study lounge and games area, plus a fitness room in the North Tower with ellipticals, treadmills and table tennis, and it sits near several North Campus dining locations and the Frost Bite ice cream shop. McMahon is also the one HFS building without a shared kitchen. Balconies have their own conduct code — no sitting or standing on railings, no hammocks or draped laundry, no smoking, cooking, sleeping, or alcohol regardless of age — and HFS has flagged exterior scaffolding and fencing work starting May 2026.
Move-in day
McMahon is one of the North Campus buildings — along with Hansee, Spratlen, McCarty, Oak, and Oliver — that checks in at the E01 parking lot rather than Boat Street, so families shouldn't default to the West Campus routine. After unloading, the car moves to on-campus self-serve parking. Autumn 2026 check-in runs September 22–25, with a specific appointment window sent alongside room-assignment information, and HFS says to budget roughly 2–3 hours. Toilet paper is one of the few items HFS actually stocks in McMahon (and Hansee) — its move-in checklist lists toilet paper as a bring-your-own item "except Hansee and McMahon." Rideshare and taxi drop-offs for this cluster of buildings route through the Oliver Desk rather than the Lander Desk.
Room ideas
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Everything for your McMahon Hall room
McMahon Hall has no AC, so a fan leads the list. The complete University of Washington packing list, tuned to McMahon Hall — best picks flagged, anything the room already includes pulled out, and every item shoppable. Affiliate links; live Amazon prices where available, may vary.
122 items across 15 categories
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0 of 122 packed
Fan — pack first
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⭐ Top pickTower fan or desk fanCompare picks →No AC in your hall — this is your most important item.McMahon Hall has no AC — August move-in gets hot; don't skip this one.
⭐ Top pickClip fan for bunk or loft (optional second fan)Compare picks →McMahon Hall has no AC — August move-in gets hot; don't skip this one.
Bedding
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⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitMcMahon Hall beds are Twin XL (inches not published) — 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 differenceNo AC in McMahon Hall — a cooling gel topper is worth it.
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
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 buyingMcMahon Hall beds have Not published — confirm with Res Life 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 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 · Best fans for dorms without AC
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
McMahon Hall FAQ
- Are McMahon Hall bathrooms private?
- No — McMahon uses a cluster system where a small group of rooms shares a semi-private bathroom, unlike the private-bath rooms in Elm, Maple, or Alder.
- How big is McMahon Hall?
- It's UW's largest residence hall: 1,032 beds per HFS's Facts & Figures page (ahead of McCarty at 970 and Maple at 917), across 540 room units — 60 singles and 480 doubles — per HFS's McMahon Hall page.
- Do I need to bring toilet paper to McMahon?
- No. HFS's 9-Month Move-In checklist lists toilet paper as a bring-your-own item "except Hansee and McMahon," making McMahon one of only two halls where it's provided.
- Are there special rules for McMahon's balconies?
- Yes — the 9-Month Housing Agreement lists McMahon-specific balcony restrictions: no sitting or standing on railings, no climbing over or under them, no hanging items or hammocks or draping laundry, no throwing anything off, no excessive noise, and no smoking, cooking, sleeping, or drinking alcohol regardless of age.
- Where do we check in for McMahon Hall move-in?
- McMahon checks in at the E01 parking lot, along with Hansee, Spratlen, McCarty, Oak, and Oliver Halls, per HFS's 9-Month Move-In guide.
- Is McMahon Hall a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: McMahon Hall has Twin XL (inches not published) beds with Not published — confirm with Res Life of under-bed storage, and is not air conditioned. University of Washington provides School-wide list, plus: The 8 — a newly renovated multi-use community center with a makerspace, study lounge and games area; a fitness room in the North Tower; toilet paper (McMahon is one of only two halls where HFS provides it); heat via a central system with individually adjustable radiators in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how McMahon Hall stacks up against University of Washington's other halls above.
Thinking About Living in McMahon Hall Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about McMahon Hall: it has Twin XL (inches not published) beds with Not published — confirm with Res Life of under-bed clearance, and there's no AC, so plan around that. On top of that, the room comes with School-wide list, plus: The 8 — a newly renovated multi-use community center with a makerspace, study lounge and games area; a fitness room in the North Tower; toilet paper (McMahon is one of only two halls where HFS provides it); heat via a central system with individually adjustable radiators; you'll need to bring Same as school-wide list, EXCEPT toilet paper — HFS's move-in checklist lists toilet paper as bring-your-own "except Hansee and McMahon." Note also that HFS's amenities page flags McMahon as the one building without a shared kitchen. yourself; Same as school-wide list, plus McMahon-specific balcony rules (see keyWarnings) 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 Washington’s other halls below.
More University of Washington halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.