University of Houston Freshman Dorms 2026

What to bring to University of Houstondorms — and what’s already there

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

⚠ UH's Student Code of Conduct prohibits multi-outlet extension cords in residence halls, and the Cougar Move-In guide specifies bringing a UL-approved surge protector instead.

⚠ Self-manufactured lofts and waterbeds are both named as prohibited items in the Student Code of Conduct — no lofting or bed-height guidance is published for any UH hall, so confirm with SHRL before buying risers or a loft kit.

⚠ A residential meal plan is contractually required for residents of Cougar Village I, Cougar Village II, and Moody Towers under the Residential Services Agreement.

⚠ August move-in in Houston routinely tops 100°F; bring water and plan for heat during your assigned move-in slot.

See the full UH packing checklist →

Common questions about University of Houston dorms

Are freshmen required to live on campus at the University of Houston?

No. UH's housing FAQ states verbatim: "No, first-year students are not required to live on campus." Separately, UH's housing-options page groups Cougar Village I, Cougar Village II, and Moody Towers under "First-Year Living," and the Cougar Village I and II pages each state that only first-year students may live there.

What size are the beds in UH residence halls?

Extra-long twin. UH's Cougar Move-In guide states: "Beds in Cougar Village I, Cougar Village II and Moody Towers are extra-long, Twin-size beds" and "Beds in Bayou Oaks, Cougar Place, The Quad and University Lofts are Full-size beds." The Moody Towers page is the only first-year hall page publishing an inch measurement: Twin Extra-Long, 38"W x 80"L.

Can I bring my own fridge or microwave?

Cougar Village I and II rooms include a mini-refrigerator (no microwave is listed), and Moody Towers rooms list both a mini-refrigerator and a microwave, so check your hall before buying either. Appliances with open heat sources and no thermostat control — toaster ovens, hot plates, space heaters — are prohibited campus-wide.

What can't I bring to a UH residence hall?

Candles and incense, multi-outlet extension cords, toaster ovens, hot plates, space heaters, firearms and illegal knives, explosive devices, pets other than fish or approved service/comfort animals, waterbeds, self-manufactured lofts, charcoal briquettes, and lighter fluid or propane are all prohibited under the Student Code of Conduct's residence hall policy.

When is fall move-in for 2026?

Cougar Move-In runs Aug. 19-22, 2026. Move-In Time Selection opens July 20, 2026 in the myHousing portal. Requests for early arrival must be received by Friday, July 31, 2026, and students checking in before Aug. 19 incur daily charges based on room type.