Be Ready on Day One
Apartment Move-In Checklist
Most BYU-Idaho approved apartments come furnished with beds, couches, and basic furniture. Call your apartment before buying anything bulky.
5 Mistakes to Avoid
These cost students money every semester.
Buying standard twin sheets
Fix: Always buy Twin XL. BYU-I apartment mattresses are longer than standard twin.
Buying furniture without checking
Fix: Most Rexburg student apartments come furnished with beds, dressers, and basic furniture. Call ahead.
Buying a full dishware set each
Fix: Four roommates do not need four full dinnerware sets. Coordinate who brings what before you arrive.
Forgetting laundry supplies
Fix: Walmart in Rexburg carries everything, but you want detergent on Day 1, not Day 7.
Skipping the move-in inspection
Fix: Document everything with photos the day you move in. Your landlord can charge you for pre-existing damage if you have no proof.
Bedroom & Sleep
The single most important category. Good sleep directly affects grades and mood.
Twin XL fitted sheet set
Twin XL sheet set on Amazon →BYU-I approved apartments almost always use Twin XL mattresses — standard twin sheets will not fit.
Mattress topper
Memory foam mattress topper on Amazon →Dorm-style mattresses are thin. A 2-inch foam topper makes a significant difference for sleep quality.
Pillow (at least 2)
Standard pillow 2-pack on Amazon →Standard-size pillows work with Twin XL beds.
Comforter or duvet + cover
Twin XL comforter on Amazon →Rexburg winters are cold. A heavier comforter is better than a lightweight one — you can always uncover.
Velvet hangers (pack of 50+)
Velvet hangers (50-pack) on Amazon →Closet space is limited. Slim velvet hangers fit twice as many clothes as plastic ones.
Storage bins or drawers
Stackable storage bins on Amazon →Most apartments have minimal shelf storage. Stackable bins or a small dresser solve this fast.
Under-bed storage boxes
Under-bed storage containers on Amazon →Use the space under your bed for off-season clothing, extra linens, or bulk items.
Small desk lamp
LED desk lamp on Amazon →Overhead lighting is usually harsh. A desk lamp makes late-night studying much more comfortable.
Amazon links use affiliate tag kcwd-20. Prices vary. Check reviews before purchasing.
Kitchen Essentials
Coordinate with roommates before buying. In a four-person apartment, one set of pots and pans is enough.
Dinnerware set (4-piece per person)
Dinnerware set on Amazon →Check with roommates first — you only need one set per apartment, not one per person.
Basic pot and pan set
Amazon Basics 8-piece cookware set on Amazon →A small skillet, a medium saucepan, and a large pot cover 90% of student cooking.
Instant Pot or slow cooker
Instant Pot Duo on Amazon →One appliance that replaces several. Great for batch cooking when time is short during finals.
Meal prep containers (set of 10)
Meal prep containers on Amazon →Cooking in bulk and storing portions is the single biggest way students save money on food.
Can opener (manual)
OXO Good Grips manual can opener on Amazon →Easy to forget, immediately needed when you have canned beans and no way to open them.
Kitchen knives (basic set)
IKEA 3-piece knife set on Amazon →A chef knife, a paring knife, and a bread knife handle everything. No need for a full block.
Cutting board
Plastic cutting board set on Amazon →Get two: one for produce, one for raw meat. Plastic is easiest to clean.
Dish drying rack
Fold-flat dish drying rack on Amazon →Apartments sometimes have dishwashers, but hand-washing is common. A compact rack saves counter space.
Reusable water bottle
Insulated water bottle on Amazon →Tap water in Rexburg is fine to drink. A good insulated bottle keeps water cold on long campus walks.
Save Money: Batch Cook
Students who cook in bulk spend $150-200/month on food. Those who eat out daily spend $400+. An Instant Pot makes it easy to prep a week of meals in under two hours. See the food guide for meal ideas on a student budget.
Bathroom Supplies
Shared bathrooms are common in student housing. A shower caddy is non-negotiable.
Shower caddy
Hanging shower caddy on Amazon →Most apartments have shared bathrooms. A portable caddy lets you carry your supplies to the shower.
Bath towels (2 per person minimum)
Cotton towel set on Amazon →Dark colors hide stains better. Quick-dry microfiber is a good option if you have limited closet space.
Hand towels and washcloths
Cotton washcloth set on Amazon →Often overlooked. You will need at least 2 sets to rotate while one is in the laundry.
Over-the-door organizer
Over-the-door organizer on Amazon →Adds storage in cramped bathrooms without requiring any drilling or tools.
Flip flops for shared showers
Non-slip shower shoes on Amazon →If you share a bathroom with multiple roommates, protect your feet.
First aid kit basics
All-purpose first aid kit on Amazon →Band-aids, ibuprofen, cold medicine, antacids, and a thermometer. Stock this before you need it.
Cleaning Supplies
Split these costs with roommates from Day 1. Set up a shared supply system so nobody argues about who buys paper towels.
- All-purpose cleaner (spray bottle)
- Dish soap
- Laundry detergent (buy at Walmart — BYU-I laundry rooms use standard HE machines)
- Paper towels and cleaning rags
- Toilet brush
- Broom or Swiffer (check with roommates)
- Trash bags (multiple sizes: kitchen and small wastebasket)
- Mop or Swiffer WetJet (for hard floors)
What to Split with Roommates
Coordinate before you each buy duplicates. A GroupMe or text thread before move-in day saves everyone money and avoids four blenders in one kitchen.
Kitchen appliances
One Instant Pot, one blender, one toaster between four people is enough.
Cleaning supplies
Split the cost. Rotate who buys laundry soap, paper towels, dish soap.
Pots and pans
Unless you are cooking at different times every day, one shared set works fine.
Furniture
Most BYU-I approved apartments come furnished. Confirm before buying anything.
TV or gaming setup
One setup per living room. Coordinate before everyone arrives.
More Housing Help
Once you have the supplies sorted, get familiar with the full Rexburg student experience.