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Your room already has the big appliances
Berkeley residence hall rooms include a MicroChill refrigerator-and-microwave combination. Personal refrigerators and microwaves are not allowed, so buying either one wastes money and space.
Official source: UC Berkeley Housing: Move-in checklistBring Twin XL bedding and the right laundry supplies
Berkeley's checklist identifies Twin XL sheets as a must-have. It also recommends high-efficiency laundry detergent and notes that liquid is strongly preferred because pods may not dissolve well in current machines.
The Berkeley first-night folder
For new undergraduate move-in on August 17-19, 2026, Berkeley tells students to bring their unique move-in barcode or QR code, time-slot confirmation, printed parking permit, and valid government-issued photo ID.
Official source: UC Berkeley Housing: Move-in 2026Plan for two helpers
Berkeley asks students to bring no more than two move-in helpers. Pack boxes so three people can unload them quickly, and label each one with the student's name, building, room, and zone.
Berkeley-specific leave-home list
Berkeley's published list is unusually specific.
- Personal microwave, refrigerator, freezer, or ice maker
- Air fryer, toaster, griddle, hot plate, or pressure cooker
- Plug-in decorative string lights
- Wireless routers and many consumer smart-home devices
- Removable wallpaper and personal shower heads
- Extra furniture before seeing the room
One excellent Berkeley addition
The university recommends a 72-hour go bag for general preparedness. Add water, shelf-stable food, a flashlight, power bank, medication, basic first aid, copies of key information, and season-appropriate layers.
Turn the advice into a plan.
The free two-page checklist gives you the core list, the roommate prompts, and a place to flag campus rules.
Get the free PDF