Williamsburg, Virginia · 2-Year Live-On Required
William & Mary Freshman Dorms 2026
William & Mary requires first-year and sophomore students (by high school graduation year) to live on campus for two years — exemptions are granted only for marriage, dependent children, an approved Student Accessibility Services disability release, or living full-time with a parent/guardian within 60 driving miles. Fourteen halls carry W&M's own "first-year" tag; these four span the extremes — Barrett Hall, dedicated in 1927 with full central air, down to Pine and Poplar, brand-new 2025 West Woods construction where every bedroom has its own thermostat-controlled AC unit. Nicholson splits the difference: its lounges are air-conditioned, its bedrooms are not. Move-in is a single day, by individual appointment.
- Bed size
- Adjustable Wooden Frame Bed - 36"x80"
- Air conditioning
- Varies by hall
- Residence halls
- 4 verified
Pick your residence hall
Every William & Mary residence hall below has verified bed dimensions, AC status, and a checklist sized to that exact room.
Barrett Hall
- Bed
- Adjustable Wooden Frame Bed - 36"x80"
- Under-bed
- Up to 30in under-bed
- AC
- Yes
Nicholson Hall
- Bed
- Adjustable Wooden Frame Bed - 36"x80"
- Under-bed
- Up to 30in under-bed
- AC
- Partial
Pine Hall
- Bed
- Adjustable Wooden Frame Bed - 36"x80"
- Under-bed
- Up to 30in under-bed
- AC
- Yes
Poplar Hall
- Bed
- Adjustable Wooden Frame Bed - 36"x80"
- Under-bed
- Up to 30in under-bed
- AC
- Yes
What to bring to William & Marydorms — and what’s already there
Every W&Mfreshman hall includes the same base furnishings. Skip anything already in your room, pack what’s missing, and leave the banned items at home.
⚠ $150 improper check-in fine if you access your room before officially checking in and receiving your key.
⚠ $250 improper check-out fee if you don't check out with staff, complete Express Check-out, or leave by the deadline.
⚠ $60 per key ($80 per apartment) for a key lost or not returned within 48 hours — the first lockout is free, every one after costs $40.
⚠ Abandoned property is stored at your expense — a minimum $150 for up to 120 days, plus a $25 room-cleaning charge if you don't clear your space within 48 hours of withdrawal.
⚠ You get 5 minutes to unload your vehicle at your assigned unloading zone before you must move it — one car per zone, no rental trucks or trailers permitted.
⚠ Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes are banned inside every hall and within 25 feet of any university building, entrance, or operable window.
✓ In every room
- Bed frame & mattress (36"x81")
- chest of drawers
- closet/wardrobe
- desk
- desk chair
- recycling container
✗ Not provided
- Bedding/linens
- pillow
- desk lamp
- fan
- shower caddy
- hangers
- trash can
⊘ Prohibited
- Unapproved or portable air conditioners
- air fryers
- non-service/non-support animals
- bicycles
- e-bikes
- e-scooters
- hoverboards
- candles
- incense
- resident-installed ceiling fans
- non-fire-retardant curtains
- resident-installed deadbolts or door chains
- explosives
- fireworks
- fog or smoke machines
- gasoline and combustible liquids
- gasoline-powered vehicles
- non-UL-approved LED strip lights
- live-cut Christmas trees
- non-surge-protected extension cords and multi-plug adapters
- oil lamps and tiki torches
- outside antennas
- open flames
- scented plug-in devices
- space heaters
- rollerblades
- halogen lamps
- waterbeds
Top things every W&M 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Barrett Hall | Yes | Up to 30in under-bed |
| Nicholson Hall | Partial | Up to 30in under-bed |
| Pine Hall | Yes | Up to 30in under-bed |
| Poplar Hall | Yes | Up to 30in under-bed |
Common questions about William & Mary dorms
- What happens if there are more new student housing applicants than available bed spaces?
- Residence Life will pull students from the new student self-selection process based on the most recent admission deposits paid/waived date and send them an email notification on June 11, 2026, to inform them that they are on hold for a housing assignment.
- What do the non-group leaders do during room selection?
- Nothing! Once you agree to be a part of a roommate group, you are giving the group leader the ability to select housing for everyone in the roommate group.
- What if I would prefer a random roommate assignment?
- If you would prefer to be assigned with a random roommate instead of being a part of a roommate group, at the end of your time slot day, beginning at 3:30pm through 5pm the same day, you will be able to self-assign to a room without a roommate group.
Planning your move-in? See the full W&M 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