Move-In Guide
Living on campus is an important part of the educational experience at Central. Our residential facilities create an environment for students to study, socialize, build meaningful relationships and develop leadership, decision-making and communication skills.
What to Bring to Campus
What We Provide
No matter where you live on campus, we provide you with:
- Twin XL mattress (36”x 80”) and bedframe
- Three-drawer dresser
- Desk and chair
- Closet
- Windows with integrated shades
- Outlets and cable TV plug ins
- Wireless internet
- Lounge(s) with furniture and a TV
- Recreation area
- Kitchen areas with appliances, air fryer and pizza ovens
- Free laundry
- Carpeted floors in Scholte Hall, Hoffman Hall, McKee Hall and the townhouses
Some residence halls include additional amenities not listed here. Check out our floor plans below for more information about each residence hall.
What You Should Bring
Here are just a sampling of things to consider bringing when you move to Central. Make sure to discuss what you are bringing with your roommate to avoid duplicates of large items.
The Basic Necessities
- Alarm clock
- Bed sheets (twin, extra long 36” x 80”), pillows, blankets, mattress pad
- Clothes hangers
- First-aid supplies (Aspirin/Tylenol/ibuprofen, bandages, disinfectant, cold medicine)
- Grooming products (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, shower caddy, etc.)
- Towels and washcloths
Common Household Items
- Carpet or rug, if living in a non-carpeted residence hall (Graham, Gaass or Pietenpol)
- Can opener, chip clips, re-sealable plastic bags, other small kitchen utensils
- Cleaning supplies, paper towels
- Command strips/hooks (no nails or duct tape allowed)
- Fans, if living in a non-air-conditioned residence hall (Gaass, Hoffman or Pietenpol)
- Laundry supplies (clothes basket, detergent, dryer sheets)
- Microwave (not exceeding 700 watts)
- Plates, bowls, silverware, glasses
- Non-halogen lamps
- Totes or shelving for storage
- Trash can and trash bags
Electronics
- Batteries
- Chargers (cellphone, smart watch, laptop, etc.)
- Computer
- Power strips with surge protectors (extension cords are not allowed if they are not surge-protected)
- Refrigerator (4.8 cubic feet or less); one per room only
- Television and coaxial cable for wall
School Supplies
- Backpack
- Notebooks, folders, note cards
- Pens, pencils, white-out, markers/highlighters, scissors, stapler
- Planner and calendar
- Post-It notes
Recreation and Other Supplies
- Athletic equipment (balls, gym bag, running shoes, etc.) — make sure to bring a golf club and tennis ball for gennis!
- Bicycle and lock
- Board games, books, video games, etc.
- Car kit (including jumper cables)
- Money (cash or debit/credit card)
- Umbrella, sunglasses
What You Should NOT Bring
For the health, safety and well-being of all, some items are restricted from possession or use in student housing. The following items are prohibited:
- Air conditioners (individuals with a medical need should have indicated the need on their housing application so they could be placed in an air-conditioned building)
- Alcoholic beverages — see our alcohol and drug policy
- Candles (with or without a wick) and incense
- Extension cords without a surge-protector function
- Fireworks
- Grills and any grilling supplies (i.e. charcoal, lighter fluid, kerosene, etc.)
- Guns, knives, bows/arrows and other items that can or are considered to be weapons (this includes airsoft and paintball guns)
- Halogen lamps
- Items with exposed/open-element heating coils (i.e. electric skillets, hotplates, toasters, space heaters, George Foreman-style grills, Pizzazz-style pizza ovens, etc.)
- Loft kits (homemade or purchased); Central supplies proper items for lofting purposes in housing areas with loftable furniture
- Microwaves drawing more than 5.8 amps or exceeding 700 watts
- Pets: Only fish that live underwater and do not need to come up for air are allowed in 10-gallon or less tanks. Pets are not allowed inside housing facilities for visits or any period of time. Exceptions are Service Animals for individuals with visual or physical disabilities (upon request) and emotional support animals (approved through the Emotional Support Animal procedure).
- Refrigerators over 4.8 cubic feet in size or drawing more than 1.5 amps
- Thumbtacks, nails or duct tape intended for hanging wall items; 3M strips and hooks are allowed
- Weight equipment: Only vinyl-coated dumbbells under 20 pounds are allowed. No other weight sets or exercise benches are allowed. Check out our fitness facilities in the Maytag Student Center or Ron Schipper Fitness Center!
Residence Hall Floor Plans
When moving into a new place, it’s helpful to know room dimensions. View all floor plans, or find your building and room number below.
Gaass Hall
Gaass Hall is a popular choice because of its central location and spacious rooms. This co-ed residence hall houses men and women on alternate floors, along with a lounge and the best ping-pong table on campus. Plus, Gaass furniture can be configured in 32 different arrangements to maximize your living space!
Graham Hall
This all-female residence hall is located next to the pond and Central Hall. Graham features individually climate-controlled rooms with large windows, loftable furniture, common bathroom areas and a sink with a vanity in each room.
Hoffman Hall
In the center of campus, Hoffman is an all-male residence hall featuring loftable furniture and a variety of single and double rooms. You’ll find a lounge on every floor, each with an accompanying balcony.
Pietenpol Hall
Also in the middle of campus, Pietenpol is a co-ed residence hall complete with large rooms, newly refurbished bathrooms and a large lounge with a TV and game tables.
Scholte Hall
Scholte is a co-ed residence hall that offers two different types of rooms: center and suite-style. Center rooms have common bathroom areas and suites have their own bathrooms. All rooms are carpeted with loftable furniture and adjustable thermostats for comfort.
Additional Housing Options
McKee Hall (“The Pods”)
Primarily for juniors and seniors, McKee allows groups of eight students to live in apartment-style “pods.” Each pod includes four separate rooms, a common area, two bathrooms, a washer and dryer. The building is known for its Gold LEED rating — it has solar energy, water-saving facilities and other sustainable features.
Townhouses
Townhouses are perfect for juniors and seniors looking for an alternative to residence hall life. With suite-style living arrangements, all-male, all-female and co-ed houses are available.
