How am I allowed to decorate my room?

What to Bring-Recommended Packing List

We encourage you to get creative with your room and figure out ways to make it your own. There are plenty of options and you can always look online for more ideas!

Consider bringing the following items. If you would like a printable checklist, click here. These are approved for use in University Housing and are not provided. Be sure to check with your roommate(s) so duplicate items are not brought.

  • Bathroom cleaning supplies*
  • Trash can
  • Broom & dust pan or small vacuum
  • Toilet paper (for suite- and apartment-style spaces)
  • Laundry basket, detergent & fabric softener (for HE machines)
  • Towels (bath, hand, washcloth)
  • Toiletries
  • Flip-flops for showering
  • Bedding to fit an extra-long twin mattress~: mattress cover/topper, sheets, pillows, blankets
    • ~Important note: Residents residing in the West Neighborhood (Buildings A, B, C and D) of Douthit Hills will need bedding to fit a full size mattress as all of the beds in this community are full size.
  • Clothes hangers
  • Storage bins
  • Futon, chairs or bean bags
  • Personal items to decorate space
  • Push pins or white sticky tack
  • Re-usable water bottle
  • A few dishes (bowl, plate, flatware)
  • Can opener
  • Laptop (CCIT’s List)
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • First aid kit/medicine
  • Lanyard or key/ID holder
  • Umbrella, rain coat & boots
  • HD television
  • Lamps (no halogen bulbs)
  • Coffee maker
  • Hair dryer, flat iron
  • Power strip (no extension cords)

Things to Leave Behind

We ask that residents do not bring the following items. This is done to keep our residents safe and our res halls in good condition. These items are prohibited in all University Housing.

  • Air conditioners and space heaters
  • Parachute canopies on the ceiling
  • Cooking appliances (i.e. rice cooker, toaster oven, hot plate)
  • Fog, Smoke, and Haze Machines
  • Weapons, explosives and fireworks
  • Candles and wax warmers
  • Incense
  • Halogen lamps
  • Hoverboard
  • Extension cords
  • Pets other than fish
  • Screws, nails
  • Change for the washer/dryer we now offer limitless laundry in all our residential communities! (Not prohibited just not needed.)

*(Common bathroom areas will be cleaned by custodial staff all residents who have a sink, bathroom or kitchenette in their space will be responsible for their own cleaning)

Room decorations such as posters, curtains, bulletin boards, etc. may be used along with push pins and white sticky tack. However, no drilling or nailing is allowed. Curtains (tension rod recommended) must be fire resistant.

How Can I Decorate Without Command Strips*?

While we know that Command Strips are a staple for college housing, we have started to see damage in some of our res halls after constant long-term use of the strips on drywall. To make sure our living spaces continue to be well-maintained and attractive for all current and future residents, we do ask that you consider using alternatives if possible. We love when our residents personalize their spaces and show off their personalities, so check out this list of decorating options that have worked well for other students.

  • High and Mighty Hooks* (for drywall only)
  • White sticky tack for posters and pictures
  • Tension rods for curtains and storage needs
  • Over the door hooks for doors, beds, etc.
  • Magnetic hooks for metal surfaces, including lofted bed
  • Freestanding shelving (wire shelving can be versatile, portable, and may have hooks)
  • Freestanding towel or drying rack
  • Suction cup hooks for smooth surfaces
  • Clamp hooks and shelves
  • Push pins for lightweight items
  • Monkey hooks* for heavier items
  • Helpyhooks*
  • Push pin hooks

Note: Some communities have cinder block walls and will not be able to use many of our alternatives. For these communities, damage will be minimal and Command Strips may be your best option. These communities include the Shoeboxes (Benet, Cope, Geer, Sanders, Young), Bryan Mall (Barnett, Byrnes, Lever, Manning, Mauldin, Smith) and Thornhill Village.

*Clemson Home is not endorsing any specific products. Brand names are used only as common identifiers for general product types such as adhesive strips, drywall hooks, etc.

Related questions

If you experience any issues accessing online content, please let us know by contacting clemsonhome@clemson.edu or 864-656-2295.