Buffalo, NY (North Campus in Amherst, South Campus in Buffalo) · SUNY's flagship research university on Lake Erie
University at Buffalo Freshman Dorms 2026
University at Buffalo, the largest SUNY campus, places most incoming freshmen in traditional residence halls across Ellicott Complex, Governors Complex, and South Campus Halls, all furnished with extra-long twin beds (mattresses measure 80" x 35.5") and either communal floor bathrooms or shared suite baths. None of these traditional halls are air conditioned — Campus Living's prohibited-items list bans window and portable AC units in residence halls and notes that only the apartments are air conditioned. New first-year students move in by scheduled appointment on Thursday, August 20, 2026, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Bed size
- XL twin, 80" x 35.5"
- Air conditioning
- No halls — pack a fan
- Residence halls
- 3 verified
Pick your residence hall
Every University at Buffalo residence hall below has verified bed dimensions, AC status, and a checklist sized to that exact room.
What to bring to University at Buffalodorms — and what’s already there
Every UBfreshman hall includes the same base furnishings. Skip anything already in your room, pack what’s missing, and leave the banned items at home.
⚠ Window and portable air conditioners are prohibited in every traditional residence hall under Campus Living policy — none are provided, and only the apartments are air conditioned.
⚠ Only a rented MicroFridge unit may serve as a microwave in-room; standard microwaves and most cooking appliances are banned.
⚠ Beds may only be raised using Campus Living's built-in bed-post notches, and only Campus Living staff may raise or lower them — DIY risers and cinder blocks are prohibited, and no bed may exceed 34" from the floor.
⚠ First-year students living in a residence hall are required to carry a meal plan for their entire first academic year.
✓ In every room
- Desk
- chair
- dresser
- closet or wardrobe
- nightstand
- room lighting
- window blinds
- ethernet port
- extra-long twin bed frame and mattress; electricity
- Wi-Fi/ethernet
- and laundry included in the all-inclusive room rate
✗ Not provided
- XL twin bedsheets
- blankets
- comforter/bedspread
- pillows
- desk lamp
- approved power strip
- ethernet cord
- cleaning supplies
- laundry basket and detergent
- clothes hangers
- shower caddy and sandals
- robe
- school supplies (per UB's official What to Bring list)
⊘ Prohibited
- Window/portable air conditioners
- candles/incense
- extension cords (surge protectors / approved power strips only)
- space heaters
- halogen/torchiere/tree-style/multi-head/octopus-style lamps
- hoverboards
- standard microwaves (MicroFridge rental only)
- air fryers/hot plates/toasters/rice cookers/slow cookers/crock pots/sandwich makers/grilling machines
- tapestries and cloth wall hangings
- permanent adhesives and nails
- weapons/firearms/airsoft guns
- non-kitchen knives
- flammable liquids (lighter fluid/propane/butane)
- pets except fish in 10-gallon-or-smaller tanks
- bed risers/cinder blocks
- self-installed bed lofting
- alcohol in first-year areas
Top things every UB 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 University at Buffalo dorms
- What size bed and sheets do I need at UB?
- Every UB residence hall room has an extra-long twin bed frame with a mattress measuring 80" x 35.5", so pack XL twin sheets rather than standard twin. UB's own What to Bring list specifies "Twin Extra Long for Residence Halls."
- Can I bring a microwave or mini fridge?
- Standard microwaves are prohibited in residence hall rooms — students who want one must rent a combined MicroFridge unit through Campus Living's vendor (MicroFridges are not permitted in Greiner Hall because of the building's LEED certification). Personal compact refrigerators are allowed up to 4.5 cubic feet, limited to one per single or double and two per triple or quad.
- Are UB's dorms air conditioned?
- No. Traditional residence halls — Ellicott, Governors, and South Campus Halls — are not air conditioned, and Campus Living prohibits personal window and portable AC units in residence halls. UB's prohibited-items list notes that the campus apartments are the air-conditioned option.
- When is fall 2026 move-in for new students?
- New first-year students move in Thursday, August 20, 2026, by appointment between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., with a three-hour window to complete each appointment. Early arrival runs August 15-19 for an added nightly fee (apply by 5 p.m. Friday, August 7). Returning students arrive Friday-Sunday, August 21-23. Anyone moving in after 5 p.m. on Monday, August 24 — the first day of classes — must submit a late arrival notification form so their room is held.
- Can I loft or raise my bed myself?
- No. Campus Living Standards state beds may not be lofted unless the lofted bed is provided by Campus Living, and residence hall beds may be raised only using the provided notches in the bed posts, never above 34" from the floor. Only Campus Living staff may raise or lower beds — submit a work order — and cinder blocks and commercial bed risers are prohibited.
Planning your move-in? See the full UB 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