Brown University Freshman Dorms 2026

What to bring to Brown Universitydorms — and what’s already there

Every Brownfreshman hall includes the same base furnishings. Skip anything already in your room, pack what’s missing, and leave the banned items at home.

⚠ Brown fines $100 per candle found — any kind, including birthday candles. Confirmed in the official Brown Housing Agreement.

See the full Brown packing checklist →

Common questions about Brown University dorms

What size bed does Brown University use?

All Brown freshman halls use XL Twin beds (36"×80") — slightly narrower than the industry-standard 38-inch twin. That two-inch difference matters: standard twin sheets will slip off the mattress corners, and a fitted sheet that works at home may not work in your Brown dorm room. Buy bedding explicitly labeled XL Twin or Extra-Long Twin. The same standard applies across every hall — Keeney, Andrews, Metcalf, Miller, Morriss, Champlin, Emery, and Woolley all use the same 36-inch-wide frame. Check labeling carefully before purchasing.

Which Brown freshman halls have air conditioning?

Andrews reportedly has central AC from its 2013 renovation, though residents consistently describe the cooling as uneven room to room. Metcalf and Miller had their building systems replaced in the same renovation but AC is unconfirmed for both — assume none. Keeney Quad (all five buildings), Morriss, Champlin, Emery, and Woolley have no air conditioning. Move-in is late August and Providence is legitimately humid. Pack a fan regardless of your assignment — even Andrews residents say a small fan is worthwhile given how uneven the cooling is.

Can I bring candles to Brown?

No. Brown fines $100 per candle found — and any kind counts: scented candles, birthday candles, wax melts, tea lights, and anything else with an open flame or a wick. The fine is documented in the official Brown Housing Agreement and is enforced consistently. If you want your room to smell nice, use a battery-powered diffuser or plug-in air freshener instead. The $100 fine per item adds up fast if an RA finds a small collection on a shelf during a room check.

Can I bring a mini-fridge to Brown?

No — and you do not need to bring one. Brown provides a microfridge unit in every freshman room, which combines a mini-fridge and a microwave in a single appliance. Personal fridges and personal microwaves are both prohibited on top of what is provided. The provided microfridge is assigned to your room for the full academic year. Bringing your own fridge or microwave is a policy violation and can result in the item being confiscated during a room inspection. It is a fineable policy violation.

When does Brown send housing assignments?

Brown typically releases freshman housing assignments in late June or early July. You will receive an email with your hall and room number — and knowing your hall before shopping matters because the halls differ on things like elevator access, dining proximity, and suite versus community bathrooms. Do not buy anything hall-specific until you have your assignment in hand. The bed size is the same everywhere: XL Twin, 36 inches wide and 80 inches long. The hall itself does not affect what bedding to buy.