Richmond, KY · Big E Welcome
Eastern Kentucky University Freshman Dorms 2026
EKU enforces a real two-year residency requirement for students under 21 with fewer than 60 credit hours or fewer than four semesters housed. Rooms vary meaningfully by hall -- Mattox and Sullivan allow raising the bed for storage, Telford is fixed at 11 inches. Fall 2026 first-year move-in runs August 19-20.
- Bed size
- Varies by hall
- Air conditioning
- Every hall
- Residence halls
- 4 verified
Pick your residence hall
Every Eastern Kentucky University residence hall below has verified bed dimensions, AC status, and a checklist sized to that exact room.
Mattox Hall
- Bed
- Twin XL, height-adjustable frame
- Under-bed
- Raises for underbed storage/study
- AC
- Yes
Palmer Hall
- Bed
- Twin XL
- Under-bed
- Height not listed on spec sheet
- AC
- Yes
Sullivan Hall
- Bed
- Twin XL, adjustable to 36in
- Under-bed
- Up to 36in below bed
- AC
- Yes
Telford Hall
- Bed
- Twin, fixed-height frame
- Under-bed
- Fixed 11in clearance only
- AC
- Yes
What to bring to Eastern Kentucky Universitydorms — and what’s already there
Every EKUfreshman hall includes the same base furnishings. Skip anything already in your room, pack what’s missing, and leave the banned items at home.
⚠ Bed lofts are no longer allowed in EKU residence halls, and bed risers are prohibited as well.
⚠ EKU's two-year live-on requirement is real and enforced: exemption documentation must be submitted by July 15, or hall and board fees are assessed automatically.
⚠ Sullivan Hall's older archival description called it reserved for nontraditional/honors/graduate students; the current 2026 housing page lists it as a plain, unrestricted Tier 1 hall.
✓ In every room
- Bed with mattress
- desk
- chair
- dresser
- closet or wardrobe
- window blinds
- wired/wireless internet
✗ Not provided
- Bed linens/sheets
- mattress pad
- pillows
- blanket/comforter
- towels
- shower caddy
- laundry bag
- alarm clock
- lamp
- trash can
- cleaning supplies
⊘ Prohibited
- Candles/incense/open-flame items
- floor heaters
- lava lamps
- air fryers
- deep fryers
- toaster/convection ovens
- hot plates
- hoverboards/electric scooters
- bed risers
- bed lofts
- weapons
- pets other than fish in tanks under 10 gallons
Top things every EKU freshman needs
The essentials that aren’t in your room — our verified picks, each with a full comparison. Affiliate links; prices and availability shown on Amazon.
Twin XL sheet setDorm beds are extra-long — a standard twin sheet won't fit.
Mattress topperDorm mattresses are thin and firm — a topper is the biggest comfort upgrade.
Surge protectorRequired at most schools — plain extension cords are banned.
Shower caddyCommunal bathrooms — you carry everything to and from the shower.
Under-bed storage binsThe space under the bed is the only real storage a dorm gives you.
LED desk lampNot provided in most halls — you'll want your own light for late study nights.
Common questions about Eastern Kentucky University dorms
- Do EKU freshmen have to live on campus?
- Yes. All single, full-time undergraduates under 21, with fewer than 60 post-high-school credit hours, or fewer than four academic semesters housed, must live in a residence hall.
- When is Fall 2026 move-in at EKU?
- First-year move-in runs August 19-20, 2026. Non-first-year move-in follows August 21-22, with approved early arrivals August 16.
Planning your move-in? See the full EKU packing guide →
More guides: Dorm move-in checklist · Best dorm fans (no AC) · Best shower caddy
Dorm shopping guides: Mini fridge · Surge protector · Storage bins · Mattress topper · Desk lamp · Bedding sets · Twin XL sheets · Shower caddy · Towels · Shower shoes · Laundry hamper · Area rug · Mirror · Over-door organizer · Closet organizers · Fans (no AC) · Loft bed setup