UCLA Freshman Dorms 2026

What to bring to UCLAdorms — and what’s already there

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

⚠ Standalone microwaves are prohibited. You may bring a personal mini-fridge (max 6 cu ft), or rent a MicroFridge combo (fridge + microwave in one unit) through UCLA Housing.

See the full UCLA packing checklist →

Common questions about UCLA dorms

What size bed does UCLA use?

All UCLA residence halls use XL Twin beds (36"×80"). The 36-inch width is slightly narrower than the industry-standard 38-inch XL Twin, so sheets must be explicitly labeled XL Twin — standard twin sheets will not stay on. Buy bedding labeled Twin XL or Extra-Long Twin. If you are 6'5" or taller, UCLA Housing offers a 36"×84" extended mattress on request — contact Housing before arrival to arrange the swap. This applies across Classic, Deluxe, Plaza, and Suite buildings. Always check the label before buying.

Which UCLA dorms have air conditioning?

It depends on your building type. Deluxe halls (De Neve, Sproul Cove, Sproul Landing, Olympic, Centennial) and Plaza residences (De Neve Plaza, Sunset Village, Rieber Terrace, Rieber Vista, Hedrick Summit) all have air conditioning. Classic halls (Dykstra, Rieber, Hedrick, Sproul) and Suites (Hitch, Saxon) do not — and Los Angeles in September is warm. Personal AC units are prohibited campus-wide, so you cannot add your own. If you're in a Classic or Suite assignment, a fan is essential. Check your specific building in your assignment letter.

Can I bring a mini-fridge or microwave to UCLA?

You can bring a personal mini-fridge — UCLA allows them up to 6 cubic feet, UL-certified. That's more generous than most schools. Standalone microwaves are prohibited, however. If you want microwave access, you need to rent a MicroFridge combo unit through UCLA Housing, which combines a mini-fridge and microwave in one appliance. If you bring your own fridge and also rent a MicroFridge, you'll have both the personal fridge and a microwave — check the room dimensions for space first.

Can I bring candles or string lights to UCLA?

No to candles and incense — both prohibited campus-wide in all UCLA residence halls. String lights are also prohibited regardless of bulb type, including LEDs. Halogen lamps are banned. For lighting, bring LED desk lamps (not provided by UCLA) and standard floor lamps with incandescent or LED bulbs. The lamp restriction targets heat and fire risk; the practical replacement for string-light ambiance is a smart bulb in the provided desk lamp socket or a battery-powered LED lantern on a shelf.

When does UCLA move-in start?

On-campus housing move-in runs September 16–19, 2026. You'll receive your specific date and time window in late August — don't show up on a different day, as arrivals are staggered to manage elevator and parking congestion. During the transition period September 16–20, you get three daily gratis meal swipes to cover dining while you get settled. Meal plans officially begin with dinner on September 20. Move-in is later than most universities; UT Austin and Penn State move in weeks earlier.