Most rental companies should have an email or phone number that you can reach out to. It’s a good idea to look at an apartment before signing a lease and to start looking early as many students sign leases in the fall or early winter.
• Keep clothes on hangers in a wardrobe box or into your suitcase with the hangers still attached for fast unpacking.
• Leave your clothing in drawers. Wrap the top with cling wrap to keep everything in place until reach your new home.
• Pack boxes by room: Knowing what box belongs in which room negates the need to go searching for items in other boxes.
• Pack similar items together: Group items like toiletries, kitchen gadgets, and books into separate boxes.
• Label boxes: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it’s going to.
• Pack fragile items carefully: Use packing material between dishes to prevent them from bumping into each other.
• Document furniture disassembly: Take photos or videos of how to disassemble furniture, including which hardware goes where. For bigger objects like tables or beds, keep all the screws and nails in labeled sandwich bags.
• Pack an overnight bag with anything you will want or need immediately.
The Iowa City Pedestrian Mall is the center of nightlife, food, and entertainment for students and residents.
In the center of the Iowa City Downtown District, the Pedestrian Mall provides a space for the community to shop at small businesses, experience local music and entertainment, and eat at unique restaurants and cafes.
Located across the street from the Old Capitol Mall and not far from the Pentacrest, the Ped Mall is a central hub for students. The Ped Mall was constructed in the 1970s, and the outdoor, traffic-free commercial center features a myriad of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, and a playground was recently rebuilt.
Hosting over two dozen dining options, the Ped Mall is home to restaurant and dessert spots including Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt, Burger Hall, Dandy Lion, and Formosa. The mall is also the site of Bread Garden Market, which is a locally owned grocery store and eatery.
The Ped Mall acts as the site of favorite nightlife spots like Roxxy Bar, Donnely’s Pub, ReUnion, Joe’s Place, and Brothers Bar and Grill.
Stores like White Rabbit, Textiles, Ragstock, and Revival all make for great shopping options for students looking for fashionable clothing at a low price.
Live music can be heard both inside and out as street musicians fill the air with their riffs and melodies, making for a vibrant city experience. In 2019, the city renovated the mall adding more trees and benches that provide plenty of seating and space to enjoy the open air of the Ped Mall.
It’s time to move into your new apartment. Below is a check list of items you may need.
• Table and chairs
• Dishes
• Silverware
• Pots and pans
• Baking sheet
• Microwave
• Coffee maker
• Blender
• Toaster/toaster oven
• Food storage containers
• Dish towels
• Oven mitts
• Dish soap/dishwasher detergent
• Couch
• Coffee table or side table
• Television and tv stand
• Lamp
BEDROOM
• Bed, dresser, nightstand
• Sheet set
• Comforter or blanket
• Mattress pad
• Pillows
• Clothes hangers
• Desk
BATHROOM
• Shower curtain
• Bath towels
• Hand towels
• Toilet paper
• Body wash/shampoo/
conditioner
• Shower curtain liner
• Shower curtain hooks
• Toilet scrubber
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Plunger
• Laundry basket/hamper
• Laundry detergent
• Multi-purpose cleaner
• Sponges
• Hand soap
• Kleenex
• Light bulbs
• Vacuum cleaner
• Broom and dustpan
• Trash can(s)
• Trash bags
• Batteries
• Power strips
