Hi All – I’ve a question for past/current students and parents. My incoming first year D got assigned to Norris Hall and I’m just wondering what furniture is in there and if students can fit a small night stand with drawers or the like in there? Also, do the desks have drawers? Any other suggestions? We’re flying in from out of state and will be shopping in Des Moines before moving in so I’d like to get what we need before seeing the room (I know, that’s not likely to happen and I anticipate a trip or 2 to Walmart!!).
Depending on the room, I can’t imagine fitting any other furniture in a Norris room. The beds and dressers are nailed to the floor so there isn’t much you can do with rearranging the space. What my D did was raise the bed with those plastic risers you can get at Walmart and then bought some of those plastic storage containers that are drawers. Those then went under the bed for storage. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-Large-Modular-Drawer/15940601.
I don’t recall if the desk had drawers but there were built in bookcases.
Also, consider a shop to store to Walmart in Grinnell as you can shop in advance, order free delivery to the Grinnell store, and then return what you don’t need. That way you know you can get what you need. During move in the shelves often empty of key things.
I recall my D needing for Norris: a chair cushion for her desk, reading lamp, rug, small fridge, sticky hooks for the closet, under bed storage.
Hope this helps. Message me if you have other questions.
Thank you! This does help.
Haha my D reminded me the beds aren’t nailed to the floor! She also said that not all dressers and desks were either, so I stand corrected. Either way, there isn’t much room and she approved my other recommendations 
Ha, that makes sense or the risers wouldn’t work! Really appreciate your input. I’m sure all will go well, but it’s hard to plan when we haven’t seen the room and live far away.
Just wanted to check back in and thank you @mommaoftwo – the risers and under the bed storage drawers were perfect! Her room is actually pretty big, but with the built-ins there’s not tons of flexibility. For future readers, we also got this and put it in her closet: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Home-Logic-3-Fabric-Drawer-Storage-Cart-Grey-Geo-Triangles/45032609 and it fit well and gave her easily accessible drawers.
Glad it worked out Dawnpaige! I now remember that my daughter had a closet next to the staircase so it was tinier than most - sounds like you’re off to a great start! feel free to message me if you have any questions.
Thank you! I might be taking you up on that offer.