Preparing to move in to Tang Hall? Welcome! We’re glad you’re joining us!
Here are some resources that we hope will make the transition smooth!
FAQ
Need some quick info? Check out the FAQ!
Connect
Tang Hall is a community, not just a building. You can get on the mailing lists and join the slack before you move in–head over to the Communication Channels page for info. The slack is a great way to get questions answered and find people who share your interests.
Contact the Residents in your Apartment
It’s great to reach out to your future roommates ahead of time. You can find out who they are through the MIT Housing Portal.
Housing portal: https://studentlife.mit.edu/housing
Click on “Housing Portal”, then log in with MIT Credentials “MIT TOUCHSTONE LOGIN” button.
Send them a quick email introducing yourself. Find out what you have in common, and what you’re excited to learn. Once you get to know them, you can start coordinating how to share space, items, and expenses.
Things to Buy or Bring
Tang Hall is apartment-style housing. Basic furniture (bed frame, mattress, desk, dresser, chair) are provided by Housing, but the rest must be supplied by residents. Here are a few ideas of things you may want to be thinking about before you move in:
Bedroom:
- Twin XL Sheet set (including fitted sheet for mattress). Note: “Twin XL” is longer than standard “Twin”, so products must specifically state that they fit Twin XL.
- Pillow
- Blankets and/or comforters
- Trash can (if desired)
- Window AC unit (if desired)
Kitchen:
- Microwave Oven (if desired)
- Toaster / Toaster Oven (if desired)
- Pots, pans, cooking utensils
- Plates, cups, eating utensils
- Dish soap, sponge, towels
- Trash can
- Cleaning products
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Soap, Paper Towels
- Trash can
- Cleaning products
Living Room (in 3BR and 4BR apartments)
- Floor lamp (e.g., 5-headed floor lamp, <$35 in 2023)
- Trash can (if desired)
- Window AC Unit (if desired)
- Television (if desired)
You may be able to get these items for free or at discounted rates by monitoring the #reuse-and-sell channel in the slack, or the tang-reuse mailing lists. See the Go Green page for details.
Coordinate
Coordinate with the others in your apartment to see what each person is willing to provide for shared use. Also coordinate how expenses for consumables, like toilet paper and soap, will be shared.
Additionally, plan a time where you can all meet together for lunch or a smoothie and complete a roommate agreement form. Be sure to address expectations surrounding
- Communication – make a group chat
- Noise – test out how well sound travels between rooms
- Guests – when, how long, how often, how many, level of coordination
- Cleanliness and hygiene, especially in the bathroom and kitchen
- Allergies and dietary restrictions
- Shared space – assign space fairly
- Expenses and supplies
You are not alone! Everyone deserves to feel comfortable at home. If you have conflicts, try to talk them out first. If mediation is needed, see the Conflict Management page for more details.
Attend Events (and Volunteer!)
One of the easiest ways to make new friends is to attend events. Tang Hall hosts multiple events during Orientation, and also events throughout the year. If you want to get even more involved, volunteer to help!