Berkeley, CA · ★ 2-Year Guarantee
Davidson Hall Dorm Checklist 2026
UC Berkeley
Doubles, triples, limited singles
- Bed SizeXL Twin · 80"×36"
- Under-BedAdjustable frame · clearance varies
- ACNo
- On-Campus96%
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- Berkeley prohibits portable AC units in every freshman hall — there is no AC anywhere on campus housing. Plan for layered bedding and a quiet desk fan instead.
Everything for your Davidson Hall room
Davidson Hall has no AC, so a fan leads the list. The complete UC Berkeley packing list, tuned to Davidson Hall — best picks flagged, anything the room already includes pulled out, and every item shoppable. Affiliate links; live Amazon prices where available, may vary.
114 items across 14 categories
≈ $2,086 for the 85 items with live prices — not the full list · Amazon prices as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Fan — pack first
(2)
⭐ Top pickTower fan or desk fanCompare picks →No AC in your hall — this is your most important item.Davidson Hall has no AC — August move-in gets hot; don't skip this one.Price: $59.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickClip fan for bunk or loft (optional second fan)Compare picks →Davidson Hall has no AC — August move-in gets hot; don't skip this one.Price: $18.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Bedding
(9)
⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitDavidson Hall beds are XL Twin · 80"×36" — get Twin XL, not standard twin.Price: $34.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickTwin XL flat sheet × 2Compare picks →Price: $34.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickComforter or duvet (Twin XL)Compare picks →Price: $25.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickMattress topper (Twin XL)Compare picks →Dorm mattresses are firm and thin — a 2–3" memory foam or gel topper makes a real differenceNo AC in Davidson Hall — a cooling gel topper is worth it.Price: $42.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickWaterproof mattress pad (Twin XL)Protects the mattress from spills and wear — a cheap layer you'll be glad you packedPrice: $28.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Zippered mattress encasement (waterproof, bed-bug proof)Dorm mattresses are used and shared — a zippered encasement fully seals it against spills, dust mites, and bed bugsPrice: $22.49Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Bathroom
(9)
⭐ Top pickShower caddy (hanging mesh or plastic tote)Compare picks →Most freshman halls have communal bathrooms — you carry everything to and from the showerPrice: $7.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Toiletry bag for daily-use itemsPrice: $19.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Toothbrush covers (travel cases)Breathable vented covers keep your toothbrush clean on the trip to and from a communal bathroomPrice: $7.98Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Facial tissuesKeep a box at the desk and nightstand — colds and allergies rip through a dormPrice: $16.97Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Toilet paperSuite / private-bathroom halls only — communal-bath dorms stock it for you (check the “In every room” list above)Price: $26.80Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Personal Care & Grooming
(10)
Hair dryer (compact)Not provided — you'll want your own for the walk back from a communal bathroom
Hair straightener or curling iron
Period-supply organizer pouchA discreet zip pouch for pads or tampons — the essential nobody wants to source last-minute at a new campusPrice: $8.98Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickOver-door / full-length mirrorCompare picks →Dorm rooms rarely have a full-length mirror, and you can't drill the walls — an over-door one hangs with zero damage
Storage & Organization
(8)
⭐ Top pickUnder-bed storage bins or drawersCompare picks →Check your hall's under-bed clearance on the hall checklist page before buyingDavidson Hall beds have Adjustable frame · clearance varies clearance — measure before buying.Price: $49.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Adjustable bed risers (set of 4)Stackable to 3, 5, or 8 inches — lift the bed for far more under-bed storage. Check your frame first; many dorm beds already adjust in heightPrice: $28.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickOver-door organizer (shoe pocket style)Compare picks →Price: $20.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickCommand hooks and strips (damage-free wall mounting)Price: $14.84Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Command picture hanging stripsVelcro-style strips hang posters, photos, and light frames level and hole-free, then peel off cleanly — no move-out damage chargePrice: $7.95Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Tension curtain rods (2-pack)No-drill spring rods (28–43") to add a closet rod, hang a window curtain, or string a divider curtain for privacy in a shared roomPrice: $9.49Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickStackable desk drawer organizerPrice: $6.49Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Closet Space-Savers
(4)
⭐ Top pickSlim velvet hangers × 30–40Compare picks →Dorm closets are narrow — thin non-slip hangers fit far more than bulky plastic onesPrice: $22.04Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickCascading hanger connector hooksCompare picks →Chain hangers vertically to turn one closet rod into three or four rowsPrice: $9.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickMulti-slot space-saving hangersCompare picks →One hanger holds five items stacked verticallyPrice: $12.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickCloset-doubler rod (2-tier)Compare picks →Hangs from the existing rod to add a second hanging level — no toolsPrice: $23.60Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Tech & Power
(12)
⭐ Top pickSurge protector power strip (6+ outlets)Compare picks →Most schools require a surge protector — plain extension cords are prohibitedPrice: $12.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Ethernet cable (10 ft)Wired connections are faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for video calls and gamingPrice: $8.49Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickHeadphones or earbuds (noise-cancelling recommended)Price: $99.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickBluetooth speaker (compact)Optional — keep it compact and respect quiet hours, which most halls enforcePrice: $139.95Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Printer (optional — most campuses have free print labs)
Assorted zip ties (variety pack)Assorted sizes and colors for taming the cable mess behind the desk, bundling cords under the bed, and loft/dorm setupPrice: $14.69Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Reusable velcro cable tiesHook-and-loop straps you can undo and re-bundle — the rearrangeable alternative to zip ties for chargers and monitor cordsPrice: $14.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Adhesive cable clips (cord holders)Stick-on clips anchor phone chargers and cords to the desk edge so cables stop sliding behind the deskPrice: $7.96Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Charging cables (10 ft, 3-pack)Extra-long braided USB-C cables reach from a lofted bed to a far wall outlet — the spare everyone forgetsPrice: $6.89Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Multi-port USB wall charger (40W)One 4-port block charges your phone, earbuds, and tablet from a single scarce dorm outletPrice: $13.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Laundry
(7)
Laundry detergent pods (compact for dorm storage)Price: $12.97Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Dryer sheets
Foldable clothes drying rackAir-dry laundry and delicates in a tight room to dodge dryer shrink and per-load costs, then fold it flat against the wallPrice: $34.42Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
- Laundry app or coinsCheck if your school uses an app (Circuit, LaundryView) or quarters before you go
Tide-to-Go or similar
Desk & Study
(6)
⭐ Top pickDesk lamp (LED)Compare picks →Not provided in most halls — check your school's provided list abovePrice: $20.98Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickPencil cup / organizerPrice: $6.49Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickLaptop stand (adjustable)Ergonomic for long study sessions — pairs with any keyboardPrice: $15.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Scissors and tape
Whiteboard or sticky notes for the doorPrice: $15.90Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
- Backpack (bring from home)
Health & Safety
(10)
Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, medical tape)Price: $8.43Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Ibuprofen / acetaminophen
Thermometer
Hand sanitizer
Disinfecting wipesWipe down desks, doorknobs, and shared surfaces — cold and flu rip through a dorm floorPrice: $11.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Vitamin C / immune supportDorms are germ factories — keep a box for the first sign of dorm crudPrice: $12.12Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
24-hour allergy tabletsNon-drowsy antihistamine for new-city pollen and dusty old dorm buildingsPrice: $12.62Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Blister patchesHydrocolloid patches for the blisters a big campus gives you in week onePrice: $13.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Comfort & Room
(18)
Gym bag / duffel (with shoe pocket)Gym, weekend trips home, and laundromat hauls — a tote won't cut it
Sleep mask + earplugsShared room, roommate's lamp, hallway noise — the cheapest sleep upgrade there isPrice: $8.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Portable white-noise machineMasks thin dorm walls and a roommate's off-schedule coming and going so it's easier to fall asleepPrice: $19.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Collapsible storage ottomanA 36L cube that swallows a bin of gear, holds 250 lb for guest seating or a footrest, then folds flat when you don't need itPrice: $24.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Odor absorber (charcoal bags)Skip plug-in fresheners, candles, and wax warmers — most dorms ban them (fire code). Charcoal bags absorb odor with no flame or outlet.Price: $23.98Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Handheld garment steamerFaster and far more compact than an iron + board.Before you buy: check your school's appliance rules — some restrict irons/steamers — and pick one with auto-shutoff.Price: $20.64Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Slippers / house shoesCold, not-always-clean dorm floors — shower shoes are for the bathroom
Mini tool kit / screwdriver setFor assembling a loft, tightening a wobbly bed frame, and move-in boxesPrice: $22.62Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Water filter pitcher (Brita)Dorm tap water, no kitchen filter — a 6-cup fits in a mini-fridgePrice: $32.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickMini fridge (if not provided)Compare picks →Check the “In every room” list above first — many schools include a MicroFridge and ban personal ones. Bring one only if yours doesn't.Price: $239.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Bed rest reading pillowDorm beds have no headboard — a backrest with arms lets you sit up to study or read in bedPrice: $29.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Weighted blanket (15 lb, twin)Calmer, deeper sleep in a noisy hall — sized to a dorm bedPrice: $37.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Compact HEPA air purifierQuiet desktop unit for dusty old buildings, allergies, and roommate smellsPrice: $49.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Folding saucer / lounge chairThe extra seat a dorm never has — folds flat when you don't need it
Mini projector (movie nights)Turns a blank wall into a movie night — a floor favorite
Essential-oil diffuserWater-based ultrasonic (no flame) — the dorm-safe way to freshen a roomBefore you buy: some schools restrict diffusers, humidifiers, or scented devices — check your housing rules, and pick one with auto shut-off.Price: $12.15Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Kitchen & Dining
(5)
Dorm dinnerware set (microwave-safe)Microwave- and dishwasher-safe plates, bowls, and cups so you're not eating ramen out of the potPrice: $19.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
- Divided microwave meal-prep plates with vented lidsPortioned, vented-lid plates for reheating and storing dining-hall leftovers or meal-prepped food — BPA-free, stackable, microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Price: $18.95Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Dish drying matAbsorbent mat to air-dry dishes on a tiny counter — doubles for drying a shower caddy or shoesPrice: $9.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Bottle & straw brush setCleans the straws and narrow necks of Stanley-style tumblers your other brushes can't reachPrice: $4.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Paper towelsFor spills and quick cleanup when there's no kitchen — select-a-size to waste less
Misc Essentials
(10)
Reusable water bottle (large, 32 oz+)Price: $21.94Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Rain jacket or packable jacket
Reusable tote bags × 2–3 (grocery runs, gym, dining)Price: $28.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Shower timer (optional, for communal bathroom courtesy)Price: $15.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickArea rug (3×5 ft)Compare picks →Adds warmth and cuts the echo on bare dorm floors — measure your space first
⭐ Top pickStep trash can with lidNot provided — a hands-free pedal can with a soft-close lid keeps odors down by the desk (grab a pack of small liners too)Price: $27.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Safety box openerCeramic auto-retract blade opens the mountain of move-in boxes without slicing what's inside — safe and dorm-allowedPrice: $7.98Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Move-In Day Gear
(4)
Wheeled rolling moving bagWheels and a pull handle let you drag a fully loaded 600D bag up the stairs instead of hauling the weight — the move-in day lifesaverPrice: $42.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
XL moving & storage bags (6-pack)Haul a whole carload of bedding and clothes in one trip, then fold them flat to store bulky stuff over breaksPrice: $26.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Folding hand truck / dollyRolls a mini-fridge, boxes, and furniture up to your room in far fewer trips, then folds flat to slide under the bedPrice: $39.99Amazon price as of Jul 31, 2026, may vary
Folding collapsible wagon cartLoad a full haul and roll it across campus in one pass, then collapse it flat when you're done
Related guides: Dorm move-in checklist · Best dorm shower caddy · Dorm mattress topper guide · Best fans for dorms without AC
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
Sources & verification — last checked Apr 26, 2026
Living in Davidson Hall: what to know before you pack
The room
Davidson is one of the four original 1960 Warnecke high-rises in Unit 2, sharing the same basic room configuration as its sister buildings — Cunningham, Ehrman, and Griffiths. Rooms are available as doubles, triples, and a limited number of singles. Standard furnishings include a bed frame and XL twin mattress, desk, chair, dresser, mirror, closet, and a MicroChill micro-fridge and microwave. The XL twin mattress measures 80"×36", which is slightly narrower than the standard XL twin, so standard fitted sheets may not fit snugly.
Day to day
Like all four original Unit 2 high-rises, Davidson has communal bathrooms shared by floor. Café 3 is the closest major dining option for Unit 2 residents. None of the buildings in Unit 2 have air conditioning, and portable AC units are banned — a fan is the approved workaround for warm August nights. The Southside location puts Davidson close to Telegraph Avenue, coffee shops, and the kinds of late-night study spots that a heavy freshman course load tends to require.
Move-in day
Davidson is part of the Unit 2 complex on the Southside of campus, with move-in scheduled for mid-August. The cluster of four high-rises means move-in operations are staggered across buildings, so check your specific check-in instructions carefully to avoid the longest lines.
Davidson Hall FAQ
- Does Davidson Hall have air conditioning?
- No — Davidson Hall has no air conditioning, and neither do any of the other Unit 2 buildings. Portable AC units are explicitly prohibited under Berkeley's Residential Code of Conduct; there are no exceptions for individual buildings or rooms. Berkeley's climate is mild for most of the school year, but August move-in in a 1960-era building can still feel warm — rooms hold heat after sitting unventilated. A box or tower fan is the standard solution and the only permitted cooling option. Pack one before you arrive. Avoid fans with a heating element, as heat-producing appliances are covered by a separate rule in the residential code.
- Are mini-fridges provided in Davidson Hall?
- Yes — Berkeley Housing provides a MicroChill unit in every Davidson Hall room. The MicroChill is a combined appliance that includes both a compact refrigerator and a microwave, already set up and ready to use when your student moves in. There is no rental fee and nothing to arrange separately. This is a campus-wide Berkeley standard and applies equally to all freshman halls including Davidson. You can remove both a mini-fridge and microwave from the shopping list. What you do need to bring: XL twin bedding (sized for an 80"×36" mattress), a desk lamp, a fan, shower caddy, towels, and toiletries.
- What type of rooms does Davidson Hall have?
- Davidson offers doubles, triples, and a limited number of singles. Doubles are the most common configuration. Triples are the tightest fit — three students with the standard furnishing package (bed, desk, chair, dresser, closet per person plus one shared MicroChill unit) leaves limited floor space, so early coordination with roommates on how to arrange the room is practical. Under-bed storage becomes important in triples; adjustable bed frames let you raise the clearance for bins underneath. Singles in Davidson are limited and typically allocated based on documented need. The bed in all Davidson rooms is XL twin at 80"×36".
- What dining hall do Davidson Hall residents use?
- Café 3 is the primary dining hall for Unit 2 residents, including Davidson, and is a short walk within the Southside neighborhood. It's one of Berkeley's larger all-you-care-to-eat dining halls and operates on a standard meal plan schedule. For day-to-day meals, most Davidson residents walk to Café 3 rather than making the trip to another dining hall on campus. When you want something different, the Telegraph Avenue corridor is nearby with a wide range of off-campus options — cafes, restaurants, and quick-service spots that fill in around meal-plan gaps. Foothill Dining Commons and other campus dining halls are available but require a longer walk.
More UC Berkeley halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.