Wichita, Kansas · Shocker Nation First-Year Housing
The Suites Dorm Checklist 2026
Wichita State University
Primarily 2-bedroom suites, some 1- & 4-bedroom plus a hybrid 2-bedroom with one double; private bathroom in every suite, shared among suitemates
- Bed SizeFull, 54.5 in wide x 75.25 in long
- Under-Bed20" clearance, policy not published
- ACPartial
- On-CampusRequired (first two semesters, with published exemptions)
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- First-year residents in The Suites must purchase one of the three Unlimited meal plans, the same requirement as Shocker Hall.
- WSU does not itemize air conditioning for The Suites; campus-wide Policy 11.27 sets cooling-season thermostat ranges for all WSU facilities and bans personal air conditioning units, so confirm cooling directly with Housing and Residence Life.
- Whether the Full beds in The Suites can be lofted at all is not published anywhere on WSU's site -- and campus-wide, the HRL Handbook forbids residents from bunking or lofting beds themselves. Confirm before buying risers or a loft kit.
- The Suites' published furniture list includes no dresser, so plan storage accordingly.
Living in The Suites: what to know before you pack
The room
The Suites trades Shocker Hall's shared-bath setup for a bathroom inside every suite, plus a real kitchenette -- full-size fridge, sink, and microwave in a built-in cubby -- and an in-suite washer and dryer whose cost is folded into the room rate. That laundry is the biggest single upgrade over the standard first-year room. Most suites are 2-bedroom configurations with a private bedroom for each resident, though 1-bedroom "true singles," 4-bedroom layouts, and a hybrid 2-bedroom that pairs an adjusted single with a double all exist. Beds are Full-size -- WSU lists 54.5 inches wide by 75.25 inches long, sitting 20.25 inches off the floor -- so bedding bought for a Twin XL will not fit. WSU has not published whether Suites beds can be reconfigured at all, and campus-wide the HRL Handbook bars residents from bunking or lofting beds themselves; confirm the exact setup with Housing and Residence Life before ordering risers or a loft kit. One thing the published furniture list does not include: a dresser.
Day to day
Opened in Fall 2019, The Suites is WSU's newest residence hall and sits on the east side of campus right next to the Flats apartments on Innovation Campus, a bit removed from the academic core Shocker Hall sits in the middle of. The lobby carries a full kitchen, a gaming room, vending machines, ping pong and pool tables, large TVs with seating for programs, and the information desk that handles mail and package pickup for both Suites and Flats residents. The desk runs 24/7. Because each suite already has its own kitchenette and laundry, the building leans more independent than Shocker Hall's dorm-style floors -- but first-year residents here still must carry one of the three Unlimited meal plans, same as Shocker Hall, so the walk to the dining hall is optional, not free. Quiet hours match the rest of campus: 10pm-8am Sunday through Thursday, midnight-8am Friday and Saturday.
Move-in day
The Suites moves in on the same campus-wide schedule as the rest of WSU: Saturday, August 8, 2026, through the full-service weekend ending Sunday, August 9, with staff available to help. Suites residents can park in The Suites parking lot while unloading, but anyone not actively unloading gets asked to move to a nearby lot -- no parking permit is required during move-in weekend. Check in at the building to get key access and a moving cart. Because each suite includes a kitchenette and washer/dryer, first-time movers often bring more kitchen boxes than a typical Shocker Hall resident, so budget extra trips from the car -- and remember dishes, cookware, and laundry detergent are not provided. Check-in time slots go out over the summer through the Shocker Housing Portal, and you must be compliant with the meningitis vaccine or waiver before selecting one. Residents who miss the official weekend can move in any day after August 8; Fall 2026 classes start Monday, August 17.
Room ideas
See dorm rooms styled
4 looks, every object linked to the exact listing.
Styled render — not a photo of The Suites.
Everything for your The Suites room
AC is hit-or-miss in The Suites — pack a fan just in case. The complete Wichita State University packing list, tuned to The Suites — best picks flagged, anything the room already includes pulled out, and every item shoppable. Affiliate links; live Amazon prices where available, may vary.
120 items across 15 categories
Email me this checklist
We’ll also send the 2–3 things worth knowing before move-in day.
0 of 120 packed
Bedding
(9)
⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitThe Suites beds are Full, 54.5 in wide x 75.25 in long — 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
(1)
⭐ Top pickTower fan or desk fanCompare picks →AC varies by hall. Bring one — it's cheap insurance until you know your assignment.The Suites is only partially AC'd — check your room assignment before skipping it.
Bathroom
(10)
⭐ 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
(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 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
(5)
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
(8)
⭐ Top pickUnder-bed storage bins or drawersCompare picks →Check your hall's under-bed clearance on the hall checklist page before buyingThe Suites beds have 20" clearance, policy not published 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
(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
(13)
⭐ 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
(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- 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
(10)
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
(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 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
(5)
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
(11)
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
(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
The Suites FAQ
- What bed size does The Suites use?
- Full-size -- WSU lists 54.5 inches wide by 75.25 inches long, about 20.25 inches off the floor. That's bigger than the Twin XL beds in Shocker Hall, so bedding does not transfer between the two halls.
- Does The Suites have a private bathroom?
- Every suite has its own bathroom that never opens onto another suite -- but it is shared among your suitemates, typically one or two other residents depending on the floor plan. Shocker Hall's 2 Shared Room suites, by contrast, share a bathroom with an adjoining suite.
- Is there a kitchen in The Suites?
- Each suite has a kitchenette with a full-sized fridge, sink, and microwave, plus an in-suite washer and dryer whose cost is included in the room rate. The lobby also has a full kitchen.
- Can freshmen live in The Suites?
- Yes -- The Suites is open to first-year residents only, one of WSU's two first-year halls alongside Shocker Hall.
- Is The Suites a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: The Suites has Full, 54.5 in wide x 75.25 in long beds with 20" clearance, policy not published of under-bed storage, and is only partially air conditioned. Wichita State University provides Full bed & mattress, desk, desk chair, private bathroom, kitchenette w/ full-size fridge, sink & microwave, in-suite washer & dryer, dining table & 2 chairs, lounge chair, common living room furniture, Wi-Fi in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how The Suites stacks up against Wichita State University's other halls above.
Thinking About Living in The Suites Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about The Suites: it has Full, 54.5 in wide x 75.25 in long beds with 20" clearance, policy not published 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 Full bed & mattress, desk, desk chair, private bathroom, kitchenette w/ full-size fridge, sink & microwave, in-suite washer & dryer, dining table & 2 chairs, lounge chair, common living room furniture, Wi-Fi; you'll need to bring Cable TV, bedding & linens, mattress pad, dishes & cookware, laundry detergent, vacuum, hangers, toiletries, trash can & bags, wired ethernet yourself; Candles & open flames, incense, halogen lamps, sun lamps, space heaters, hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, George Foreman grills, electric skillets, pressure cookers, deep fryers, coffee makers without auto-shutoff, barbecue grills, personal A/C units, personal washers & dryers, personal dishwashers, stand-alone freezers, fridges over 4.9 cu ft, microwaves over 700 watts, command strips & tape, ceiling-hung items, LED light strips, laser pointers, lighter fluid, weights over 25 lbs, dartboards, hookahs, lava lamps, lithium-battery scooters & bikes, pets except fish under 20 gal, firearms & weapons 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 Wichita State University’s other halls below.
More Wichita State University halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.