Boulder, CO · Flagship Campus in the Rockies
CU Boulder Freshman Dorms 2026
CU Boulder requires all admitted first-year students, unless married, 21 or older, or living with a parent/guardian, to live on campus for two full academic semesters across its 24 residence halls. Rooms use standard-height extra-long twin beds (80 x 36 x 7 in.) — CU no longer installs lofted beds, and Facilities will lower a bed on a work order but will not raise or loft one — and most traditional halls have no air conditioning, though renovated buildings like Kittredge Central and Kittredge West do. Fall 2026 first-year move-in runs August 16-18, with a required appointment self-selected in advance.
- Bed size
- XL twin, 80 x 36 x 7 in., waterproof mattress
- Air conditioning
- Varies by hall
- Residence halls
- 4 verified
Pick your residence hall
Every CU Boulder residence hall below has verified bed dimensions, AC status, and a checklist sized to that exact room.
Hallett Hall
- Bed
- XL twin, 80 x 36 x 7 in., waterproof mattress
- Under-bed
- Standard height, ~35" clearance
- AC
- No
Sewall Hall
- Bed
- XL twin, 80 x 36 x 7 in., waterproof mattress
- Under-bed
- Standard height, ~35" clearance
- AC
- No
Libby Hall
- Bed
- XL twin, 80 x 36 x 7 in., waterproof mattress
- Under-bed
- Standard height, ~35" clearance
- AC
- No
Kittredge Central Hall
- Bed
- XL twin, 80 x 36 x 7 in., waterproof mattress
- Under-bed
- Standard height, ~35" clearance
- AC
- Yes
What to bring to CU Boulderdorms — and what’s already there
Every CUfreshman hall includes the same base furnishings. Skip anything already in your room, pack what’s missing, and leave the banned items at home.
⚠ All first-year students must live on campus for two full academic semesters unless married, 21+, or living with a parent/guardian.
⚠ CU Boulder no longer offers lofted beds — Facilities can lower a bed two levels on a work order, but beds cannot be raised or lofted, and students may not adjust them themselves.
⚠ Personal air conditioners, space heaters, and extra cooking appliances are fire-code violations and will be confiscated.
⚠ The entire campus, including every dorm room, is smoke-free, covering vaping, hookah, and marijuana as well as cigarettes.
✓ In every room
- XL twin bed & waterproof mattress (80 x 36 x 7 in.)
- desk & chair
- dresser (min. two drawers; three-drawer 30.5 x 24 x 30 in. is standard)
- closet/wardrobe
- bulletin board
- lockable two-drawer filing cabinet (17 x 22 x 26 in.)
- Microfridge unit plus a separate microwave
- fire-retardant blinds
- sprinkler system & smoke detector
- Wi-Fi & Ethernet
- operable windows
- whiteboard on the door
- trash & recycling bins
✗ Not provided
- XL twin sheets & mattress cover
- pillows
- blankets
- towels
- toiletries
- desk lamp
- power strip with on/off switch
- lock for valuables
- fan for non-A/C halls
- laundry detergent
- renter's insurance
⊘ Prohibited
- Personal A/C units
- swamp coolers & space heaters
- candles & beanbag chairs
- halogen/heat lamps
- hoverboards/e-bikes/battery scooters
- additional cooking appliances (toasters
- toaster ovens
- pressure cookers
- air fryers
- hot plates
- electric griddles
- grills
- extra fridges/microwaves)
- firearms
- explosives & knives with blades over 3 in.
- BB/paintball guns & martial arts weapons
- fireworks
- pets except one 10-gallon fish/turtle aquarium
- personal Wi-Fi routers
- doorbell/security cameras
- tapestries/flags over 3x3 ft
- smoking/vaping/hookah/marijuana
- adhesive LED light strips
- nails/screws in walls
Top things every CU 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.
Which halls have air conditioning?
AC status varies by hall — useful to know before your assignment arrives.
| Hall | AC | Under-bed |
|---|---|---|
| Hallett Hall | No AC | Standard height, ~35" clearance |
| Sewall Hall | No AC | Standard height, ~35" clearance |
| Libby Hall | No AC | Standard height, ~35" clearance |
| Kittredge Central Hall | Yes | Standard height, ~35" clearance |
Common questions about CU Boulder dorms
- What size bed and sheets do I need for CU Boulder dorms?
- Every residence hall bed uses an extra-long twin mattress measuring 80 x 36 x 7 inches, so pack XL twin sheets, a mattress cover, and blankets sized to match.
- Can I bring my own mini fridge or microwave?
- No. Every room already includes a free Microfridge unit and a separate microwave, and additional refrigerators, microwaves, and other cooking appliances are prohibited.
- Are CU Boulder dorms air conditioned?
- Most traditional halls have no air conditioning, though renovated buildings like Kittredge Central and Kittredge West list it as a feature; a small fan is recommended for non-A/C halls.
- Can I loft or bunk my dorm bed?
- CU Boulder no longer offers lofted beds. Beds sit at a standard height with about 35 inches of clearance underneath, and Facilities can lower one two levels on request — but beds cannot be raised or lofted, and students may not adjust them themselves.
- When do first-year students move in for Fall 2026?
- First-year and returning student move-in runs Sunday, Aug. 16 through Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, and every resident must self-select a move-in appointment in advance.
Planning your move-in? See the full CU 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