Boston, MA · Urban · Charles River
Boston University Dorm Checklist 2026
BU requires all freshmen to live on campus along the Charles River. Warren Towers is one of the largest dorms in the US; West Campus halls are a shuttle ride away. Most halls have no AC — pack a fan. Pick your hall for verified room data.
Pick your residence hall
Each hall has its own checklist sized to that exact room.
What’s in every room — and what isn’t
Every Bostonfreshman hall includes the same base furnishings. Here’s what you can skip buying, what you’ll need to bring, and what’s banned.
⚠ Personal microwaves are prohibited in all BU residence halls — rent a MicroFridge combo unit through BU Vending Services if you need one.
✓ In every room
- Bed frame & mattress
- desk
- chair
- dresser
- curtains/blinds
✗ Not provided
- Desk lamp
- fan
- bedding
- towels
- shower caddy
- hangers
- power strip with surge protection
⊘ Prohibited
- Personal AC units
- personal microwaves
- coffee makers
- hot plates
- space heaters
- electric blankets
- halogen lamps
- candles
- incense
- extension cords (use power strips instead)
Which halls have air conditioning?
AC status varies by hall — useful to know before your assignment arrives.
| Hall | AC | Under-bed |
|---|---|---|
| Warren Towers — Tower A | Yes | |
| Warren Towers — Tower C | No AC | |
| Claflin Hall | No AC | |
| Sleeper Hall | No AC | |
| Rich Hall | No AC | |
| The Towers | No AC | |
| Kilachand Hall | No AC |
Common questions about Boston University dorms
- What size bed does Boston University use?
- All BU freshman dorms use XL Twin beds (80" long). Standard twin sheets won't fit — buy bedding labeled "Twin XL" or "Extra-Long Twin" specifically.
- Do BU dorms have air conditioning?
- Almost none. Warren Towers Tower A reopened Fall 2026 with central AC after its renovation. All other freshman halls — Warren Tower C, West Campus (Claflin, Sleeper, Rich), The Towers, and Kilachand — have no AC. Personal AC units are prohibited campus-wide. Bring a fan (max 12" diameter per BU policy).
- Can I bring a microwave to BU?
- No. Personal microwaves are prohibited in all BU residence halls. If you want microwave access, rent a MicroFridge combo unit (microwave + mini-fridge combined) through BU Vending Services.
- Can I bring a mini-fridge to BU?
- Yes — BU allows one mini-fridge per room, max 4 cubic feet. Personal microwaves are still prohibited separately, so if you want both, the MicroFridge rental is the official all-in-one solution.
- When does BU send housing assignments?
- BU typically releases freshman housing assignments in June or July. You'll know your specific hall and tower before summer ends — hold off on buying hall-specific items until you have your assignment.