Florida State University Freshman Dorms 2026

What to bring to Florida State Universitydorms — and what’s already there

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

⚠ Lofting bed frames -- including raising them on cinder or concrete blocks -- is banned FSU-wide; frames instead adjust to leave 30 inches of vertical storage under the spring. Beds can be bunked, though, if your room has bunking pins.

⚠ Nothing may be affixed, attached, or bolted to any residence-hall wall. FSU states that anything found attached will be removed and the wall repaired at the resident's cost.

⚠ On-campus housing is not guaranteed. Contracts submitted during the February 25-26 Welcome Window are entered into a lottery and receive a randomized contract number on February 27; contracts after that are numbered by date and time. The contract is a binding financial obligation for both Fall and Spring regardless of room assignment.

⚠ FSU's individual hall pages do not itemize air conditioning per building, and the FSU facilities page describing residence-hall HVAC and air-filter service now returns a 404 -- confirm in-room cooling with Residence Life before move-in.

⚠ FSU publishes two different fish-tank limits: the Housing FAQ says aquariums up to 10 gallons, the Personalizing Your Room page says 30 gallons. Confirm with Residence Life before buying a tank.

⚠ Triple rooms get two small refrigerators everywhere except Cawthon Hall, where FSU provides one larger refrigerator instead.

See the full FSU packing checklist →

Common questions about Florida State University dorms

What size bed does FSU provide?

Most halls use a 36 x 80 inch mattress (extra-long twin length); Bryan and Jennie Murphree use a shorter 36 x 76 inch mattress. FSU states that extra-long twin sheets fit either size, so you would not need to replace sheets if you change halls.

Can I loft my bed at FSU?

No. Lofts are not permitted in the residence halls or apartments, and that includes using concrete blocks to elevate the bed. Every frame is adjustable, and the top adjustment leaves 30 inches of vertical storage under the spring. Beds can also be bunked -- ask your Facilities Supervisor if your room is missing bunking pins.

Are freshmen required to live on campus at FSU?

No. FSU's registrar bulletin states that no student is required to reside in University housing, though entering freshmen are encouraged to. Space is limited: University Housing notes that with over 40,000 students enrolled it cannot house everyone who requests housing, so apply as soon as you are admitted.

What appliances can I bring to my FSU dorm room?

Each room includes one 4.0 cubic-foot refrigerator; triples get two, except in Cawthon Hall where FSU provides one larger refrigerator instead. Microwaves and dehumidifiers are allowed up to 700 watts each. Toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates, and anything else with an exposed heating coil are restricted to hall common kitchens or banned outright.

When is Fall 2026 move-in at FSU?

General move-in appointments are available August 15 and 16, then daily August 20 through August 23, 2026. There are no general appointments August 17-19, and August 14 is reserved for sorority recruitment move-in only. Every student must sign up for a specific move-in day and time through a link emailed to their fsu.edu address.