Student Apartments Checklist - What Off Campus Housing University of Toledo Students Need

Whether this is your first year and you're living in an apartment, or you're moving from a college dorm (which requires a little less than what's needed in your own apartment more often than not), knowing what you need to have prepared for the University of Toledo (UT) college apartment move can make the process much easier. You don't want to start your school year stressed about buying things or realizing you don't have something you need at the last minute.

From kitchen essentials to school supplies, we've broken down everything you'll need by category to make shopping and packing easier. Don't forget to check out our complete printable checklist at the bottom of this blog to take with you while shopping!

Furnished vs. Unfurnished Housing Options

Before you start shopping, it's important to know whether your apartment comes furnished or not, as this will dramatically impact what you need to buy. Some apartments near campus, such as Olde Towne University Square, offer fully furnished units at no extra fee right near the engineering building and football stadium, meaning you won't need to bring a bed, desk, couch, or major furniture pieces. Other popular options for UT students include Campus View Apartments, which offers unfurnished one and two-bedroom apartments adjacent to the Student Medical Center, and University Hills, a pet-friendly community just steps from campus with 1, 2, and 4-bedroom floor plans. Make sure to check with your specific apartment complex about what's included before you start your shopping list.

Kitchen Items

Most student apartments in the area will come with your larger appliances such as fridges, ovens, etc., so you will mainly need to worry about your smaller appliances and essentials including:

• Dishes
• Silverware
• Blender
• Pots & Pans
• Spatula, Tongs, Ladle
• Paper Towels & Rags
• Cutting Board
• Food Containers
• Microwave
• Hand Mixer

Also remember that UT offers a student food pantry through Student Affairs to help with groceries when needed. Check out the food pantry website for hours and available items.

Bedroom

Your bedroom is your personal sanctuary, so make sure you have everything you need for a good night's sleep and productive study sessions:

• Mattress
• Bedframe
• Pillows & Sheets
• Blankets
• Hangers
• Dresser
• Mirror
• Desk & Desk Chair
• Shoe Rack

Living Room

Creating a comfortable common space will make your apartment feel like home and give you a place to relax with friends:

• Coffee Table
• Decor (Rug, Art, Etc.)
• TV (& Streaming Apps)
• Couch
• Side Tables
• Chairs
• Shelves
• Pillows

Bathroom

Don't forget these bathroom essentials that are easy to overlook until you need them:

• Shower Curtain
• Towels (Body & Hand)
• Bath Mat
• Toothbrush & Paste
• Toilet Paper
• Plunger
• Hair & Body Products
• Handsoap

Internet

Internet is often not the first product thought of when considering a move to a student apartment, but having a strong connection is important to ensure smooth sailing for both your school and entertainment needs. Nothing is more frustrating than your progress being deleted because autosave wasn't turned on in your online document, or lagging during games when you finally get a break from tests and coursework.

When you get your first apartment, you'll want to make sure to get enough speed for your needs from a quality company. At Buckeye Broadband, we offer great prices and speeds for students, such as our $20.27 until 2027 offer, or Fiber Internet perfect for an apartment with multiple roomates. Additionally, with same-day install options, you won't have to worry about being disconnected when you arrive.

Lighting

Not every apartment has overhead lighting, so you'll want to make sure to check if you'll need lamps and find where the outlets are so you can plan your layout ahead of time. Consider:

• Lamps (Floor & Desk)
• Light Bulbs
• Extension Cords
• Batteries

Cleaning Supplies

Keeping your place clean is essential for both your health and getting your security deposit back:

• Vacuum
• Broom & Dustpan
• Glass Cleaner
• Trash Can & Bags
• All-Purpose Cleaner
• Laundry Basket
• Detergent & Dryer Sheets
• Rags or Scrubber
• Various Cleaners (Toilet, Tub, Sink)

Extra Essentials

Don't forget these additional items that can save the day:

• Tool Kit
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Cold Medicine
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Small Sewing Kit
• Bandaids
• Iron & Ironing Board

School Supplies

Don't forget about the academic essentials you'll need for your classes. While you can always order supplies online, if your apartment is near campus and you need something last minute, you can stop by Barnes & Noble right on campus for your school supply needs. They carry everything from notebooks and pens to binders and highlighters, plus they have access to textbooks right there on campus, which is incredibly convenient when you need course materials quickly.

• Notebooks and binders
• Pens, pencils, and highlighters
• Laptop or tablet
• Printer and paper
• Study materials and supplies specific to your major

Utilities

Make sure to take note of whether your apartment covers utilities or not. If they don't, you will need to reach out to the companies to register an account in your name. Common utilities include:

• Gas: Columbia Gas of Ohio - (800) 344-4077
• Electric: Toledo Edison - (800) 447-3333
• Water: City of Toledo - (419) 936-2020
• Trash/Recycling: Often included with rent, but check with your landlord

Power Your College Experience with Entertainment and Connection From Buckeye Broadband

Starting college in your first apartment is an exciting milestone, and having reliable internet shouldn't be something you have to worry about. With Buckeye Broadband's student-friendly pricing and lightning-fast speeds, you can focus on what really matters: your studies, staying connected with friends and family, and enjoying your downtime with seamless streaming and gaming.

Moving into your first apartment is a big step toward independence, but with proper planning and this comprehensive checklist, you'll be well-prepared to make your new place feel like home. Remember, you don't need to buy everything at once. Start with the essentials and build up your apartment over time. Welcome to your new adventure at UT!