Old Dominion University Freshman Dorms 2026

What to bring to Old Dominion Universitydorms — and what’s already there

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

⚠ Alcohol is not permitted at any age in Rogers Complex, Gresham Complex, Whitehurst Hall, England House, France House, Owens House, or Scotland House. ODU's Housing & Dining Contract allows alcohol in its other residential facilities only for residents 21 and older, and only where every occupant of the suite, apartment, or room is also of legal drinking age.

⚠ ODU does not require any student to live on campus — the housing FAQ states the university has no on-campus residency requirement — and it does not publish an on-campus percentage figure.

⚠ The Housing & Dining Contract prohibits keeping any item, including room decorations, that may pose a fire hazard to a residential facility. It does not itemize candles or incense by name, so treat open-flame items as banned and check the Guide to Living on Campus for the full prohibited-item list.

⚠ Pets are not permitted in residential facilities. Service animals are permitted; an emotional support animal must be approved in advance by the Educational Accessibility Office and Housing & Residence Life.

⚠ A dining plan is required in Whitehurst, Rogers, and Gresham, and all three carry a 9-month fall-and-spring contract. Residence halls stay open during breaks except Winter Break.

⚠ These are wireless residential communities with no hardwired coaxial or ethernet ports, so a TV needs an HDMI port to use the included streaming TV service.

See the full ODU packing checklist →

Common questions about Old Dominion University dorms

What size bed is in ODU residence hall rooms?

ODU lists an Adjustable Extra Long Twin bed (36 in x 80 in) in Whitehurst, Rogers, Gresham, and its other residence halls. Buy Twin XL sheets for the 80-inch length, but note ODU's stated 36-inch width is narrower than the 38-inch Twin XL retail standard, so a fitted sheet may sit a little loose.

Are ODU residence halls air-conditioned?

Yes. Whitehurst Hall, Rogers Complex, Gresham Complex, and the Runte Quad houses each list "Air-conditioned" among their amenities on ODU's housing pages.

Can I have a mini fridge or microwave in my room?

ODU's housing pages don't publish per-room fridge or microwave size or wattage limits. Rogers lists community microwaves on designated floors, while Whitehurst and Gresham list kitchenettes on designated floors — many of which include a microwave, flat cook-top, and sink. Confirm any personal appliance with Housing & Residence Life (housing@odu.edu, 757-683-4283) before move-in.

Is on-campus housing required for freshmen at ODU?

No. ODU's housing FAQ states the university does not have an on-campus residency requirement, so no students are required to live on campus.

When is fall 2026 move-in for new/first-year students?

New and first-year student move-in is August 20, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with check-in at the Big Blue Room in Chartway Arena. Perry Honors College students move in a day earlier, August 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.