Washington State University Freshman Dorms 2026

What to bring to Washington State Universitydorms — and what’s already there

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

⚠ Personal microwaves are banned campus-wide except in Community/Duncan Dunn, Global Scholars, Northside, and Olympia halls (one per room). None of the three main first-year halls allow one — use the provided microfridge in Rogers, or floor and basement microwaves in Gannon/Goldsworthy and Stephenson.

⚠ Candles and incense are prohibited; WSU permits unlit candles for decoration only if the wick has never been burned. Violations of the Standards of Conduct are reported to WSU's Center for Community Standards and can lead to early contract termination.

⚠ Air conditioning is not campus-wide. WSU's residence-halls amenity filter tags only Global Scholars, Northside, Olympia, and Stephenson Complex as air conditioned — Gannon/Goldsworthy and Rogers are not tagged, and personal air conditioners are on the prohibited list, so bring a fan.

⚠ Beds may not be bunked or lofted without prior approval and WSU-approved equipment, and lofting is not possible at all in Gannon or Rogers. Bed risers, by contrast, are explicitly permitted in all three halls.

See the full WSU packing checklist →

Common questions about Washington State University dorms

What size are the beds in WSU residence halls?

Mattresses are 80" x 36" twin XL in all three halls — bring extra-long sheets with deep pockets. Frame size is published as 85" x 38" for Stephenson and Rogers; Gannon/Goldsworthy only says its frames are "slightly longer than the mattress," so don't assume the 85" x 38" figure there.

Can I bring my own microwave?

Only in Community/Duncan Dunn, Global Scholars, Northside, and Olympia halls (one per room). The main first-year halls — Gannon/Goldsworthy, Stephenson, and Rogers — do not allow personal microwaves. Rogers rooms include a microfridge; Gannon/Goldsworthy has a microwave on every floor plus a basement kitchen, and Stephenson has two kitchens per tower with kitchenettes every other floor.

Are WSU dorms air conditioned?

Some are. WSU's residence-halls page has an Air Conditioning filter, and the halls it matches are Global Scholars, Northside, Olympia, and Stephenson Complex. Gannon/Goldsworthy and Rogers are not among them. WSU does not break Stephenson's air conditioning down by tower or room, so confirm coverage for your specific assignment — and note that personal air conditioners are prohibited, so a fan is the fallback.

Are first-year students required to live on campus?

Yes. WSU's First Year Live-In Requirement, under WAC 504-24-030, requires single undergraduate first-year students under 20 to live in the residence halls for one academic year. Exemptions exist for prior college enrollment, living with an immediate family member, a documented medical or psychological condition, and financial or extraordinary hardship; fall requests are due June 1 and there are no expedited applications.

When is fall 2026 move-in?

Move-in weekend is Saturday–Sunday, August 15–16, 2026. You sign up for a specific arrival time through the housing portal once you have your assignment, and you check in at Beasley Coliseum — not your hall — bringing your CougarCard and the move-in QR code emailed to your WSU address. Area desks begin accepting mailed packages Tuesday, August 11.