Your First Apartment Checklist: What Baylor Students Actually Need

So you've signed your first lease — congrats! Now comes the part nobody warns you about: figuring out exactly what you need to actually live in your new place. Whether you're moving out of Baylor dorms or leaving home for the first time, this first apartment checklist breaks down everything you need, room by room, with a realistic budget for college students.

Start With the Essentials (Not the Aesthetics)

Before you start pinning loft apartment decor ideas on Pinterest, focus on the basics. Your first apartment checklist should prioritize function over style — you can always add throw pillows later.

Day-one essentials you'll need immediately:

• Bedding (sheets, pillows, comforter)
• Towels (bath and hand)
• Toilet paper, hand soap, dish soap
• Trash bags and a trash can
• A basic set of dishes and utensils
• Phone charger and power strip
• Shower curtain (most apartments don't include one)
• Toiletries bag packed separately for easy access on move-in day

Pack these in a separate bag or box so you're not digging through everything at midnight after a long move-in day.

Kitchen Checklist: Cook More, Spend Less

One of the biggest perks of moving off-campus is having a real kitchen. At 19Eleven, every unit comes with a full kitchen, so you'll want to stock it right. You don't need a 12-piece cookware set — start small and add as you go.

Must-haves:

• One good frying pan and one medium saucepan
• Baking sheet (for everything from frozen pizza to roasted veggies)
• Cutting board and a decent chef's knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula, wooden spoon, can opener
• Dish towels and a drying rack or dish drainer
• Food storage containers (glass lasts longer than plastic)
• Coffee maker or electric kettle

Nice-to-haves:

• Slow cooker or Instant Pot (meal prep game-changer)
• Blender
• Toaster

Budget tip: Hit up H-E-B's kitchen aisle before ordering everything online. You can also find great deals on pots, pans, and utensils at Waco's Habitat for Humanity ReStore or Facebook Marketplace — outgoing students sell their kitchen gear every May.

Bedroom Checklist: Where You'll Actually Spend Most of Your Time

Your bedroom doubles as your study space, Netflix zone, and decompression room. Invest in comfort here.

Must-haves:

• Mattress (if your apartment doesn't come furnished — check your lease)
• Sheets, pillowcases, and a comforter or duvet
• Pillows (at least two)
• Desk lamp or floor lamp
• Hangers and a small closet organizer
• Laundry hamper or bag
• Under-bed storage bins (maximize every inch of space)

Loft-Specific Additions

If you're moving into a loft-style apartment like the ones at 19Eleven, your space will have some features that standard apartments don't — exposed beams, polished concrete floors, high ceilings, and open floor plans. Here's what that means for your checklist:

• Area rugs — Polished concrete looks amazing but gets cold in winter and echoes sound. A large area rug defines your living space and adds warmth. Budget $40-$80 at IKEA or Target.
• Warm-tone lighting — High ceilings with industrial finishes can feel cool-toned. Add string lights, warm LED floor lamps, or Edison-style bulbs to create a cozy vibe.
• Tall shelving — Take advantage of those 9-12 foot ceilings with vertical bookcases or wall-mounted shelves. They add storage without eating floor space.
• Sound-absorbing textiles — Open floor plans and concrete can amplify noise. Tapestries, curtains, and soft furnishings help dampen sound.

Bathroom Checklist

Keep it simple. You don't need a spa — you need a functional bathroom.

• Shower curtain and rings (plus a liner)
• Bath mat
• Towel rack or over-the-door hooks
• Toilet brush and plunger (buy these before you need them)
• Small trash can
• Basic first-aid kit
• Medications you use regularly

Living Room and Common Areas

If you're sharing a 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom apartment with roommates, coordinate on shared items before move-in. The fastest way to waste money is three people each buying a couch.

Shared items to split costs on:

• Couch or futon
• Coffee table
• TV (or just use a laptop and projector)
• Router and modem (internet is included in 19Eleven's $65/mo fee, so you may just need a router)
• Vacuum or Swiffer
• Basic toolkit (hammer, screwdrivers, picture-hanging kit)

Pro tip: Create a shared Google Doc or group chat list where each roommate claims what they're bringing. This avoids duplicates and saves everyone money.

The Budget Breakdown: What This Actually Costs

Here's a realistic budget for furnishing your first apartment near Baylor:

Category	Budget Range	Where to Buy
Bedding set	$50–$100	Target, Amazon
Kitchen essentials	$75–$150	H-E-B, IKEA, ReStore
Bathroom basics	$30–$60	Target, Dollar Tree
Area rug (loft essential)	$40–$80	IKEA, Walmart, Amazon
Lighting	$20–$50	IKEA, Target
Cleaning supplies	$25–$40	H-E-B, Dollar Tree
Storage/organization	$30–$60	IKEA, Target, Amazon
Total (solo)	$270–$540

If you're splitting shared items like a couch ($150–$300 used) and kitchen extras with roommates in a 4-bedroom apartment, your total move-in cost drops even further. Expect to spend $825–$1,450 total if you're buying everything from scratch, or significantly less if you source secondhand.

Utilities and Services to Set Up Before Move-In

Don't wait until you're standing in your new apartment to realize you have no electricity. Handle these at least a week before your move-in date:

1. Electricity — Waco is in a deregulated market, so you choose your provider. Compare rates on Power to Choose. Budget around $80–$120/mo for a 1-2 bedroom.
2. Water — Set up through the City of Waco. Average is about $40–$60/mo.
3. Internet — At 19Eleven, internet is included in your monthly fees ($65/mo as part of the $135/mo total for trash, pest, internet, and facilities). One less thing to set up.
4. Renter's insurance — Texas renter's insurance runs $15–$22/month. Lemonade and State Farm offer student-friendly plans. Combining with auto insurance saves 10–25%. Some leases require proof of coverage, so check your lease terms.
5. Mail forwarding — Update your address with USPS, your bank, and any subscriptions.

The Move-In Day Survival Kit

Pack a separate bag with everything you'll need for the first 24 hours:

• Phone charger and power bank
• Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, deodorant)
• Change of clothes and pajamas
• Snacks and a water bottle
• Important documents (lease, ID, insurance cards)
• Basic cleaning supplies (all-purpose spray, paper towels)
• Toolkit (screwdriver, box cutter for unpacking)

If you're moving to Waco from out of state, check out our relocation guide for tips on the drive, what to ship vs. buy locally, and getting settled in a new city.

Where to Buy (Without Breaking the Bank)

Waco has solid options for budget-friendly apartment shopping:

• H-E-B — Kitchen essentials, cleaning supplies, affordable cookware
• Target (on Valley Mills Dr) — Bedding, bathroom, storage, decor
• IKEA (online or Dallas trip) — Affordable furniture, shelving, rugs, lighting
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Waco) — Used furniture, kitchen items, and decor at a fraction of retail
• Facebook Marketplace — Baylor students sell furniture every May and August. Set alerts for "apartment furniture Waco."
• Walmart — Basics like trash cans, hangers, cleaning supplies
• Dollar Tree — Cleaning supplies, bathroom basics, kitchen utensils

Don't Forget These (Commonly Overlooked Items)

• Command strips and picture-hanging hooks (most leases prohibit nail holes)
• Extension cords and power strips with surge protection
• Door mat
• Ice cube trays (not every freezer has an ice maker)
• Flashlight or headlamp (for power outages — Texas weather is no joke)
• Fan (ceiling fans help, but a desk fan is clutch during August move-in)

Ready to Check Off the Biggest Item on Your List?

The most important thing on your first apartment checklist isn't a kitchen gadget or a set of towels — it's the apartment itself. If you're looking for a place near Baylor with loft-style character, an indoor pool and sports court, study rooms, a coffee bar, and a gated community, 19Eleven checks a lot of boxes.

Browse our floor plans to find the right fit, or schedule a tour to see the space in person. Ready to go? Start your application today.