Villanova, PA (Philadelphia Main Line) · Wildcats on the Main Line
St. Monica Hall Dorm Checklist 2026
Villanova University
Double rooms only; ~160 residents across four floors
- Bed SizeExtra-long twin, 36 x 80 x 7 in.
- Under-BedNot published — confirm with Residence Life
- ACYes
- On-Campus98% of first-year undergraduates live on campus (Villanova Fast Facts)
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- Closets have 48-inch openings with no doors — bring a curtain or tension rod to cover them.
- Bed frames are university-provided and height-adjustable, but personal construction of lofts, platform beds or shelving is banned campus-wide, and cinderblocks may not be used to raise a bed.
- Bed heights can be changed, but only by Villanova's professional movers — students may not un-bunk or re-bunk beds themselves. Personal lofts, platform beds and cinderblocks are prohibited.
Living in St. Monica Hall: what to know before you pack
The room
St. Monica's doubles are furnished with a bed, dresser, closet, and a desk-with-shelf-and-chair per resident, along with a full-length mirror on the door and vertical blinds. Rooms have wood-laminate flooring rather than the tile common in Villanova's older halls, while hallways are carpeted. Closets have 48-inch openings and no doors — noticeably narrower than Good Counsel's 72-inch openings — with a 13-inch-deep shelf set about 24 inches from the top and a rod roughly 68 inches off the floor, so most residents plan for a curtain or tension rod. The building is listed as air conditioned, though Villanova doesn't publish whether that's a window unit or central air here, and bed frames adjust in height but cannot be lofted or raised by students.
Day to day
Opened in 1985 as a "twin" four-story residence alongside Katharine Hall, St. Monica is one of the newer traditional halls at Villanova, traditionally housing 160 students in doubles on the south campus. Lounges are available on all floors, giving residents more casual gathering space per floor than in some larger halls. Laundry is centralized on the first floor rather than spread across multiple levels, and it's free for residential students. The carpeted hallways and wood-laminate room floors give St. Monica a slightly different feel from Villanova's older, all-tile traditional halls, while keeping the same basic double-room traditional-hall model.
Move-in day
St. Monica shares Villanova's single First-Year Student Move-In Day — Wednesday, August 19, 2026 — with the rest of the university's first-year housing rather than a separate hall-specific date. After assignments go out, families receive an email with instructions on how to sign up for a specific arrival time, so grab a slot as soon as the link arrives. Because closets here have a narrower 48-inch opening than in some other halls, it's worth packing slim hangers and a properly sized curtain rod before arrival rather than adjusting on the spot. Early drop-off of belongings isn't allowed, and returning students move in August 21-23, so St. Monica's move-in day traffic is entirely first-year families.
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Everything for your St. Monica Hall room
The complete Villanova University packing list, tuned to St. Monica 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 fitSt. Monica Hall beds are Extra-long twin, 36 x 80 x 7 in. — 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.St. Monica 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 buyingSt. Monica Hall beds have Not published — confirm with Residence 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
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 Aug 18, 2026
- Villanova Residence Life - St. Monica Hall ↗
- Villanova Residence Life - Housing Services (mattress dimensions, bunking, free laundry) ↗
- Villanova Residence Life - Housing Information and Policies (fall 2026 move-in) ↗
- Villanova Residence Life - Incoming Students ↗
- Villanova Student Handbook - Residence Life Policies ↗
St. Monica Hall FAQ
- When was St. Monica Hall built?
- St. Monica opened in 1985 as one of a pair of "twin" four-story residences with Katharine Hall, making it one of Villanova's newer traditional halls.
- How big are the closets in St. Monica Hall?
- Closet openings measure 48 inches with no doors, with a 13-inch-deep shelf set about 24 inches from the top and a hanging rod roughly 68 inches from the floor.
- How many students live in St. Monica Hall?
- St. Monica traditionally houses 160 students, all in double rooms, across four floors.
- Is St. Monica Hall air conditioned?
- Yes — "Air conditioned" is listed in St. Monica's official building information. Villanova's handbook notes its halls use window units or central air, but the specific system for St. Monica is not published.
- Is St. Monica Hall a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: St. Monica Hall has Extra-long twin, 36 x 80 x 7 in. beds with Not published — confirm with Residence Life of under-bed storage, and is fully air conditioned. Villanova University provides bed, dresser, closet (48-in. opening, 13-in. shelf depth), desk w/ shelf & chair, full-length mirror on door, vertical blinds, wood-laminate flooring, carpeted hallways, air conditioning, lounges on all floors, first-floor laundry, wireless internet, Xfinity on Campus streaming TV in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how St. Monica Hall stacks up against Villanova University's other halls above.
Thinking About Living in St. Monica Hall Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about St. Monica Hall: it has Extra-long twin, 36 x 80 x 7 in. beds with Not published — confirm with Residence Life of under-bed clearance, and the room is air conditioned. On top of that, the room comes with bed, dresser, closet (48-in. opening, 13-in. shelf depth), desk w/ shelf & chair, full-length mirror on door, vertical blinds, wood-laminate flooring, carpeted hallways, air conditioning, lounges on all floors, first-floor laundry, wireless internet, Xfinity on Campus streaming TV; you'll need to bring tension rod & curtain for open closet, extra-long twin linens, lamp, shower caddy, surge protector, extension cord yourself; candles, incense, open flames, hot plates, induction cooktops, space heaters, halogen lamps, personal AC units, personal lofts/platform beds, cinderblocks, wall-mounted shelves, pets, hoverboards, toaster ovens & crock pots 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 Villanova University’s other halls below.
More Villanova University halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.