UC Riverside Freshman Dorms 2026

What to bring to UC Riversidedorms — and what’s already there

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

⚠ Open-element appliances -- hot plates, indoor grills, toasters, toaster ovens, immersion heating coils, soldering irons, heat guns -- are prohibited in all residence hall spaces except kitchens, per UCR's Resident Conduct Policy 2.15.1. Space heaters are prohibited everywhere unless they are UL-approved with an automatic shut-off when tipped over.

⚠ Nothing may be hung from your walls or ceilings -- UCR's Policy 2.11.3 bars puncturing, stickering, or hanging anything from unit walls or ceilings, including hooks and other hanging devices, so adhesive hanging strips are not a workaround. Doors may be decorated, and decorations may cover no more than 25% of any surface.

⚠ Candles are prohibited unless the wick has been clipped or removed, even for decorative use.

⚠ Pets are not allowed except fish in an aquarium of 20 gallons or less; UCR states a breach means a non-negotiable fumigation fee and is grounds for immediate eviction.

⚠ Beds cannot be lofted or altered. Height adjustments are made only by designated staff, only after Housing Services approval, and only through an online service request for a documented medical need.

⚠ First-year residents are not allowed to bring a vehicle to campus. UCR cites limited parking availability and sustainability; there is a first-year resident parking appeal process through UCR Transportation, but no on-site parking is available at any of the four residence halls.

See the full Riverside packing checklist →

Common questions about UC Riverside dorms

What size are the beds in UCR residence halls?

Every room includes an extra-long twin bed (Twin XL). UCR Housing does not publish the exact mattress dimensions in inches on any of its official pages, so confirm sheet sizing with Residence Life or your hall's Resident Services Office before buying bedding.

Do I need to bring a microwave or mini-fridge?

No -- every residence hall room already includes a microwave and mini-refrigerator; UCR's own housing brochure describes the furnishing as a MicroFridge combination microwave and refrigerator. Open-element appliances like hot plates, toasters, and non-UL space heaters are banned, so don't bring substitutes.

Is on-campus housing guaranteed for first-year students?

Yes, if your Residence Hall Contract and first payment are both received by May 10. UCR's FAQ states that all single, first-year freshmen who meet all Housing deadlines are guaranteed a space; after the deadline, contracts are still accepted but remaining space is assigned first-come, first-served with a possible waiting list.

What are the residence hall move-in dates for Fall 2026?

UCR's official Residence Halls Move-In for the 2026-27 academic year is September 19 & 20, 2026. Your specific date and check-in time are assigned by Housing Services, and UCR distributes room assignment and move-in information on September 1.

Can I bring a car to UCR as a first-year resident?

No. UCR's Housing FAQ states that first-year residents are not allowed to bring a vehicle to campus, citing limited parking and sustainability. There is a first-year resident parking appeal process through the UCR Transportation website for students with a genuine need.

Are pets allowed in UCR housing?

Only fish in an aquarium of 20 gallons or less. All other pets, including cats, dogs, and reptiles, are prohibited; UCR states a breach results in a non-negotiable fumigation fee and is grounds for immediate eviction.