Pullman, Washington · Cougar First-Year Housing
Stephenson Complex Dorm Checklist 2026
Washington State University
Double room (standard or corner), community bathroom shared with floor
- Bed SizeTwin XL · 80"×36" mattress
- Under-BedLoft/bunk via WSU kits, 27"-57"
- ACPartial
- On-CampusRequired — WSU's First Year Live-In Requirement (WAC 504-24-030) requires single undergraduate first-year students under 20 to live in the residence halls for one academic year. Exemptions are granted only for prior college enrollment (two semesters/three quarters after high school), living with an immediate family member, a documented medical or psychological condition, or financial/extraordinary hardship; fall requests are due June 1.
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- Air conditioning is tagged by WSU for Stephenson Complex in its hall-amenity filter, but WSU does not itemize it by tower (North/South/East), floor, or room type — confirm coverage for your specific assignment rather than assuming the whole complex.
- Bed risers are explicitly permitted. Lofting or bunking is also allowed but must use the WSU-provided kit, which has to be stored in your room when it isn't in use — don't buy a third-party loft kit for the 85" x 38" frame.
- Stephenson has several walls with wall carpeting. WSU says to use tacks and pins on those walls and never 3M Command strips, which is the reverse of the campus-wide guidance.
Living in Stephenson Complex: what to know before you pack
The room
Stephenson Complex rooms use twin XL mattresses (80"L x 36"W) on 85"L x 38"W frames, and WSU explicitly notes extra-long sheets with deep pockets work best. A regular double measures 12'3"W x 14'5½"L; a corner double is larger at approximately 16'W x 16'3"L. Beds can be lofted or bunked with provided supplies, giving a maximum of 56¾" under the bed when lofted versus 27" unlofted, and bed risers are separately allowed. Each room includes two closets (20" x 80½" inside, 15½" x 78" frame opening), a five-drawer dresser (18"W x 35"H x 22"D) with a mirrored medicine cabinet above, a 42"W x 24"D desk with one small drawer plus a mobile pedestal and chair, two adjustable 30"W x 12"D shelves on each side of the window, three movable slip-on shelves per bed, and four sets of outlets. Rooms are carpeted, with 2'10"W x 4'6"H windows.
Day to day
WSU heads the Stephenson page "Building Connections" and describes it as a timeless and varied community that welcomes residents of all majors — it takes first-year students and returners alike rather than being a dedicated first-year hall. At 954 students across three towers it's WSU's largest residence hall community, on South Campus about 11 minutes' walk to the CUB and 4 to the Spark. Each tower has two kitchens, in the basement and on the top floor, with stove, microwave, refrigerator, and sink, and every other floor has a kitchenette with a microwave and sink; personal microwaves are not permitted, though micro- and minifridges are. Each floor has a study lounge, and the center plex adds a game room with a pool table, ping pong table, projector and screen, and TV, plus a tutoring conference room and a piano lounge with a fireplace. Laundry sits in each tower's basement with nine front-loading washers and fourteen dryers. Storage rooms off each tower's perimeter exist but WSU describes them as very limited.
Move-in day
Fall 2026 move-in for all WSU residence halls, including Stephenson, is Saturday–Sunday, August 15–16, with students scheduling their exact arrival window through the housing portal after receiving an assignment. Check-in happens at Beasley Coliseum first, not at the hall, and you'll need your CougarCard and the move-in QR code sent to your WSU email. Mailed packages are accepted starting Tuesday, August 11 at the Stephenson Area Desk. Because Stephenson beds loft or bunk with WSU-supplied kits sized to the 85" x 38" frame, wait to see the room before buying any loft hardware elsewhere — bed risers, however, are fine to bring from the start.
Room ideas
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Everything for your Stephenson Complex room
AC is hit-or-miss in Stephenson Complex — pack a fan just in case. The complete Washington State University packing list, tuned to Stephenson Complex — 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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Bedding
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⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitStephenson Complex beds are Twin XL · 80"×36" mattress — 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.Stephenson Complex 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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Cordless heating pad (cramps, sore muscles, tension)USB-rechargeable, fits a desk drawer — no outlet needed at 2amBefore you buy: some schools restrict or ban heating pads and other heat-producing appliances — check your housing rules, and pick one with auto-shutoff.
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 buyingStephenson Complex beds have Loft/bunk via WSU kits, 27"-57" 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
Stephenson Complex FAQ
- Can I loft my bed in Stephenson?
- Yes — Stephenson beds can be lofted or bunked with supplies WSU provides, unlike Gannon and Rogers where the frame cannot be raised at all. The kit has to be stored in your room when not in use, and WSU policy requires prior approval and approved equipment.
- Which tower will I be in?
- Stephenson Complex covers the North, South, and East towers under one address, each with its own Residential Education Director; your specific tower is set at assignment. Floor plans differ slightly between second floors and floors 3-13.
- Is there air conditioning?
- Stephenson Complex is one of only four WSU halls tagged with air conditioning in the official residence-halls amenity filter (with Global Scholars, Northside, and Olympia). WSU doesn't state which towers, floors, or room types it covers, so confirm with Housing & Residence Life for your assignment — and remember personal air conditioners are prohibited.
- What size sheets do I need?
- Twin XL, extra-long with deep pockets — the mattress is 80"L x 36"W on an 85"L x 38"W frame.
- Is Stephenson Complex a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: Stephenson Complex has Twin XL · 80"×36" mattress beds with Loft/bunk via WSU kits, 27"-57" of under-bed storage, and is only partially air conditioned. Washington State University provides two closets, twin XL bed, chest of drawers (18"W x 35"H x 22"D, five drawers), desk (42"W x 24"D), shelves, desk chair, mobile pedestal, medicine cabinet with mirror in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how Stephenson Complex stacks up against Washington State University's other halls above.
Thinking About Living in Stephenson Complex Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about Stephenson Complex: it has Twin XL · 80"×36" mattress beds with Loft/bunk via WSU kits, 27"-57" 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 two closets, twin XL bed, chest of drawers (18"W x 35"H x 22"D, five drawers), desk (42"W x 24"D), shelves, desk chair, mobile pedestal, medicine cabinet with mirror; you'll need to bring bedding/deep-pocket sheets, pillows, mattress pad, comforter, towels, personal microwave yourself; microwaves (micro- and minifridges permitted), candles/incense/open flame, toasters, air conditioners (all types), air fryers, adhesive-backed strip lights, 3M Command strips on the carpeted walls 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 Washington State University’s other halls below.
More Washington State University halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.