Elevate My DormSouthern Methodist University Dorm Packing List
Everything worth bringing to your Southern Methodist University dorm — organized by category, checkable, and printable. Before you pack, check your exact room size and lay the room out free so everything you buy actually fits.
Before you buy anything: what is actually true at Southern Methodist University
A generic college checklist will cost you money here. These are Southern Methodist University’s own published room measurements and rules — check them before you order.
Room size and rugs
Rooms run from 50 sq ft (Mary Hay/Peyton/Shuttles Commons) up to 139 sq ft (Cockrell-McIntosh Commons). At the small end a 4×6 rug is the largest that leaves walking room — measure before ordering anything bigger.
Bed and bedding
Buy Twin XL — SMU’s packing list says “bed linens for a Twin XL bed.” ⚠ But all 11 first-year Residential Commons publish “85" length, 38" width, 65" height,” which cannot be a mattress; SMU never clarifies. Full-size 81" x 56" beds appear in the upper-division stock — the housing page names Hilltop
Fridge and microwave
Bring your own — no fridge is provided in Commons rooms. The caps are strict and per room rather than per person: one small refrigerator no larger than 3.1 cubic feet and one microwave under 800 watts. Roommates must coordinate or one unit gets rejected. Unnecessary in Hilltop Heights, Moore, Thomas Anything over 3.1 cu ft will be sent home.
Already in your room
Do not pack duplicates of these: Each resident gets a desk, chair, bed and dresser, with some halls adding a pedestal. The rate includes electricity, water, sewer, recycling and trash service plus wired and wireless internet, and laundry is free at every commons and upper-division hall. The Commons have communit
Leave these at home
Cooking appliances including hot plates, toaster ovens, rice cookers and slow cookers, and any coffee pot with open coils. Air fryers and Instant Pots are not named by SMU, but an Instant Pot is functionally a slow cooker and an air fryer a countertop oven, so both are at high ri
Room size by building
| Building | Room size | Largest rug that fits |
|---|---|---|
| Armstrong Commons | 64 sq ft | 4×6 |
| Boaz Commons | 124 sq ft | 5×7 |
| Cockrell-McIntosh Commons | 139 sq ft | 5×7 |
| Crum Commons | 64 sq ft | 4×6 |
| Kathy Crow Commons | 64 sq ft | 4×6 |
| Loyd Commons | 64 sq ft | 4×6 |
| Mary Hay/Peyton/Shuttles Commons | 50 sq ft | 4×6 |
| McElvaney Commons | 122 sq ft | 5×7 |
| Morrison-McGinnis Commons | 62 sq ft | 4×6 |
| Ware Commons | 64 sq ft | 4×6 |
Room measurements and policies published by Southern Methodist University, compiled August 2026. Always confirm with the housing office before buying.
Bedding
Bath
Desk & Study
Storage & Organization
Laundry
Tech & Power
Snacks & Kitchen
Health & Essentials
Decor & Comfort
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