Norfolk, VA · HBCU · Norfolk State Spartans
Norfolk State Freshman Dorms 2026
Norfolk State University is a public HBCU in Norfolk, Virginia, where first-year students are required to live on campus unless they qualify for an exemption (21+, living with parents within 35 miles, married, a dependent living with the student, part-time enrollment under 12 credits, active-duty military, or financial hardship). First-time freshmen are assigned to Babbette Smith North Hall (women) or Babbette Smith South Hall (men), while Honors College and DNIMAS students go to Midrise Residential Honors College instead. All three halls confirm central heat and air conditioning and a twin extra-long bed, though NSU does not publish the bed frame's mechanism. Fall 2026 check-in for first-time students is a single day, August 8, from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
- Bed size
- Twin XL bed, frame mechanism not published
- Air conditioning
- Every hall
- Residence halls
- 3 verified
Pick your residence hall
Every Norfolk State residence hall below has verified bed dimensions, AC status, and a checklist sized to that exact room.
Babbette Smith North Hall
- Bed
- Twin XL bed, frame mechanism not published
- Under-bed
- Under-bed clearance not published by NSU
- AC
- Yes
Babbette Smith South Hall
- Bed
- Twin XL bed, frame mechanism not published
- Under-bed
- Under-bed clearance not published by NSU
- AC
- Yes
Midrise Honors College
- Bed
- Twin XL bed, frame mechanism not published
- Under-bed
- Under-bed clearance not published by NSU
- AC
- Yes
What to bring to Norfolk Statedorms — and what’s already there
Every NSUfreshman hall includes the same base furnishings. Skip anything already in your room, pack what’s missing, and leave the banned items at home.
⚠ Lost key or lock replacement: $75 each; failure to return your room key at checkout: $75.
⚠ Unauthorized microwave, extension cords, or candles/incense: $50 each; other unauthorized cooking appliances (hot plates, toasters, air fryers, kettles): $50 each.
⚠ Unsanitary/dirty room: $25 first offense, $50 second offense, $100 third offense (or immediately $100 if severe).
⚠ Improper checkout: $125.
⚠ Bed-frame mechanism (fixed vs. height-changeable) is not published by NSU for any of the three first-year halls — only the twin extra-long mattress size is confirmed.
✓ In every room
- Twin XL bed
- desk
- chair
- wardrobe/closet
- dresser/drawers
- Wi-Fi & cable
- central heat and air conditioning
- laundry facilities
- 24-hour front desk
✗ Not provided
- Bedding & pillows for a twin XL
- mattress cover
- towels & shower supplies
- mini fridge (4.0 cu ft or smaller)
- TV
- desk/floor lamp
- UL-listed surge protector
- laundry & cleaning supplies
- trash can
⊘ Prohibited
- Hot plates/toasters/air fryers/electric kettles
- unauthorized microwaves
- extension cords & multi-plug adaptors
- personal A/C units & portable heaters
- candles/incense
- pets
- bicycles in room
- weight-lifting equipment
Top things every NSU 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 Norfolk State dorms
- How will freshmen be assigned to a residence hall?
- First-time freshmen are typically assigned to Babbette Smith North Hall (women) or Babbette Smith South Hall (men); students in the Honors College or DNIMAS are assigned to Midrise Residential Honors College instead.
- What are the deadlines for housing applications?
- The Fall 2026 application for new first-time freshmen is open, with a $200 non-refundable deposit due at the time of application; the application must be submitted no later than June 1 at 11:59pm.
- Are housing deposits refundable?
- No — deposits are non-refundable, except in cases where a deposit was paid but no vacancy exists either on-campus or in temporary housing.
- Will I find out who my roommate is before I come to campus?
- Only if both students give permission on their housing application to release their information to each other.
- Can students sublease their apartment in the Spartan Suites?
- No — the option to sublease is not available in Spartan Suites.
Planning your move-in? See the full NSU 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