University of Iowa Dorms: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the world of university housing can be daunting, especially for incoming students. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the University of Iowa's residence halls, covering everything from move-in procedures and permitted items to policies and regulations designed to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment.

Residence Hall Policies and Regulations

Living in the University of Iowa's residence halls comes with a set of policies and regulations designed to foster a positive and secure community. These rules cover various aspects of residential life, and it's important for all residents to be aware of and adhere to them. The University Housing and Dining policies and rules pertaining to students can be found here: Standards of Student Behavior Visitation Policy in the Residence Halls.

Guest Policy

Only students who have signed residence hall contracts are permitted to live in residence halls. A guest is defined as a person who does not hold a contract for the individual room or building where the policy violation takes place. Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests and should always escort their guests in residence hall spaces. Guests who violate residence hall policies will be asked to leave the residence hall, and their host will be held responsible for the policy violation. If the guest is a student at the University of Iowa, they will also go through the Student Accountability process. No guest may stay for more than three nights within a 14-day period. Non-resident students have the privilege of entering University residence halls as long as they observe Residence Hall rules at all times. Violation of residence hall regulations constitutes a breach of Regulation 16 of the Code of Student Life. Non-residents are welcome in the dining service, information technology centers (ITC), and main lounge areas. With the permission of a resident of the floor, a student who resides off-campus may enter a residential floor area as a guest of the resident host. A non-resident student directed to leave the building by a staff member is expected to comply with the directive.

Security Measures

Security is a priority in the residence halls. Every night, access may be restricted or controlled in accordance with residence hall policy.

Noise and Quiet Hours

Courtesy hours are always in effect, which means residents must comply with the requests of others to lessen or eliminate noise. When quiet hours are in effect no noise should be heard from another room or area.

Windows and Screens

Screens are not to be unhooked or removed from windows for any reason. Residents of a room or building are responsible for any objects ejected from windows, fire escapes, or roofs. Windows are not to be used for entrances or exits. Windows should remain closed during periods of high winds and/or heavy rains, times of cold temperatures, and any time instructions are sent to students by University Housing and Dining staff.

Keys and Access Cards

Residence Hall keys and building access cards (student ID or temporary prox card issued by front desk) must remain in the possession of the resident of the room/building at all times. Residents should not loan their key, student ID, prox card to anyone else. All residence hall keys and prox cards must be returned when residents vacate their room. Residents will be responsible for the cost of replacing lost keys and prox cards, including if the temporary prox card is not returned by the deadline given at the time when it was issued to the resident. If the misplaced key or card is found after a replacement has been issued the charge will not be refunded.

Pet Policy

Pets are not permitted in the residence halls except for fish in tanks no larger than 5 gallons. Pets are prohibited from entering the buildings even on a “visiting” or “temporary” basis, including during residence hall move-in and move-out. Pets found in the residence halls will be subject to immediate removal and transfer to Iowa City Animal Control authorities if unable to move to an off-campus location within twenty-four hours. A resident who has been granted a medical accommodation for an emotional support animal (ESA) cannot bring the animal to another residence hall room. Residents bringing a service animal, or who may need an emotional support animal due to a medical accommodation, should contact Contracts and Assignments for additional information. This accommodation must be granted prior to bringing the animal into the hall.

Electrical and Cooking Appliances

All appliances must be in good working order. Extension cords must be UL-approved (certified by Underwriters Laboratories). Rooms are not wired to permit the use of any large electrical appliances including air conditioners or space heaters. In rooms where a window air conditioner unit is provided, residents may not use an extension cord to power the air conditioner or plug it into a different outlet than the one that is directly next to it. Appliances that have an exposed heating element, use cooking greases or have an open flame are prohibited. Only residents that have a contract for a residence hall room with a kitchen may use toaster ovens in the kitchen area. Refer to What to Bring for a list of prohibited items.

Refrigerators

Only one refrigerator (personal or department-issued) is allowed per single or double room/suite. Residents living in a room with a kitchen or a kitchenette where a refrigerator is provided, are prohibited from having additional refrigerator(s). Residents living with more than one other roommate (i.e. triple or quad) may have up to two mini refrigerators. Refrigerators brought by residents must be UL-approved and may not exceed five cubic feet. Residents in need of an additional refrigerator due to a medical accommodation should refer to the Accommodations page for more information.

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Elevators

The following actions are prohibited on elevators: damage or vandalism (including purposeful disruption, i.e. jumping), use of emergency alarms/stops in situations other than an emergency, unauthorized use of an elevator key, or giving elevator to someone else who would not otherwise have access.

Room and Door Decorations

Decorations may not obstruct doorways, corridors, stairways, or any other means of exit. Decorations are prohibited from being attached or suspended from lighting fixtures, ceiling tile framework, pipes, or firefighting equipment including sprinkler piping or sprinkler heads. Decorations or furnishings permanently attached (i.e. drilled, screwed, or nailed) to the ceiling, walls, floor, door, or provided furniture are prohibited. Decorative Lights: Lights on metal trees or artificial decorations that are made of combustible materials are prohibited. Rooms must not be left unattended with holiday or decorative lights on. Flammable and combustible materials (i.e. paper, posters, wrapping paper, ribbon, tinsel, post-it notes, etc.) on student room doors must be kept to a minimum (no more that 25% of the door may be covered). Resident may not write, drill or permanently damage room doors.

Hall Sports

Athletic events including using rollerblades, roller skates, or skateboards, and throwing or bouncing balls or athletic equipment are prohibited in the residence halls. Hall sports can also include activities such as running/racing, jousting, gymnastics, “rough housing”, etc.

Improper Room Change and Use of Unoccupied Space

Residents with unoccupied space in their room must keep one half of the room ready for a new roommate to move in at any time. Students wishing to change/transfer rooms must be approved by University Housing and Dining staff. Failure to complete all necessary paperwork before moving is prohibited.

Room and Building Furnishings

All furniture issued to a student room must stay in that room (i.e. chair, dresser, bulletin board, mattress, bed, trash can, recycling container, etc.). Equipment and furnishings in lounges, study areas, or any other general-purpose space of the residence halls may not be removed or transferred to individual student rooms. Changing a bed configuration (including de-lofting) must be facilitated by appropriate University Housing and Dining staff by submitting a work order at the front desk for adjustment. Water beds, hot tubs, and pools are prohibited.

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Commercial Activity/Business

Residents are not permitted to utilize their room for any commercial purpose and for licensed and unlicensed businesses. Solicitation and posting of flyers without approval is not allowed in the residence halls.

Trash Disposal

Residents are responsible for disposing of their own trash and recycling in the designated areas within and around the residence halls, this includes not leaving trash in or next to smaller trash bins around the residence halls. Residents must also remove trash from rooms prior to leaving for university breaks. Residents that have opted into the composting program must follow all requirements and bring materials to the designated areas.

Disruptive Events

Individual or group activities within any area of the residence hall that cause a disturbance, obstruct or disrupt disciplinary procedures, University Housing procedures or events, or the residence hall community are prohibited.

Candles and Incense

Candles and incense (lit or unlit) are prohibited in the residence halls.

Parietal Rule

The University’s parietal rule, which required unmarried freshmen and sophomores to reside in University residence halls, has been suspended by the State Board of Regents. No Contract Release.

Move-In Guide

Moving into a dorm is an exciting milestone, but proper planning is key to a smooth transition. University Housing and Dining is excited to welcome you and your family to Iowa! Move-in is a day that is full of excitement and bittersweet emotions for both students and families. Our team is here to help and we've included everything you need to know in order to make your experience a success.

Move-In Dates and Times

New students: you will be randomly assigned by building a date and time from July 16 - 18 to login and pick your arrival date. Students will choose a move-in date and time on either August 16, August 17, or August 18. Returning to live in the residence halls in fall 2025? Sign up to be a move-in volunteer and move into the halls early on Friday, Aug. 15 at no charge! We require you to volunteer for four move-in shifts between Saturday, Aug. 16 to Monday, Aug. 18. Sign up by Aug. Volunteers that are faculty, staff, student organization, or students not living in the residence halls, please sign up for a move-in volunteer shift through the On Iowa! Instructions to campus can vary by residence hall. We've included the most direct route to your hall below, under Getting to Campus.

Move-In Traffic and Parking

We ask that students limit the number of cars used for move-in to only one, if possible. Look for the move-in banners for the parking entrance closest to your residence hall. At the parking entrance, staff will give you your unloading pass to hang up in your vehicle. Follow directions and drive slowly to get your parking pass. Staff will be available for help throughout the parking areas. We ask you to have one person stay with your vehicle at all times so that we know which cars still have items to unload from them. Due to limited space around the halls, we also ask that you do not bring trailers during move-in.

Unloading and Check-In

Family and supporters: We ask you to have one person stay with your vehicle at all times (while you unload), and please make sure to know your student’s residence hall and room number as volunteers may come to your car to help start the unloading process. Students: Have your student ID ready and head inside your residence hall to the check-in tables. You will then be issued your room key and update your emergency contact information.

Long-Term Parking

Long-term parking is not available at the residence halls. The driver should remain in the car and proceed to the next location, Hancher parking lot, as listed on their dashboard slips. There will be move-in CAMBUS shuttles to bring you back to the halls. Students that purchased a parking pass should move their vehicle to the lot where they have a parking pass.

Important Dates

July 16-18: New students will be randomly assigned by building a date and time to login and pick their arrival date.
July 23: Returning students may log in to select their arrival date and time.
August 4: Last day to adjust your move-in date and time.

Move-In Assistance

Our team is committed to helping all students and families during move in. Below are instructions to each of our residence halls. These include the most direct route to your hall. Your unloading parking pass will give you one hour to actively unload belongings from your vehicle. When you arrive to campus, volunteers will direct you where to go for unloading. Parking to move in to Catlett Hall will belong Madison Street. For those moving into Slater Hall, you will continue up Grand Ave through the roundabout in front of the Field House, take the second exit to turn left and then turn left on Melrose Ave.

What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)

Careful packing is essential for a comfortable dorm experience. Here's a list of recommended items and things to avoid:

What to Bring

Appropriate clothing-think in terms of a number of items of lighter clothing, which can be layered as it gets colder and shed as it warms up. Bring hats, gloves, and boots for winter; or, make a plan for your family to bring/send those to you later in fall.
Academic supplies (backpack, pens, notebooks, etc).
Computer, laptop or tablet.
Bathrobe, shower shoes and a small bucket for carrying toiletries.
Bedding: blankets, pillows and sheets (all beds require extra-long sheets, 36” x 80”).
Cleaning supplies.
Clothes hangers.
Desk lamp with LED or CFL light bulbs.
Ethernet cord.
Fan (for good circulation and white noise).
First-aid kit. The team at UI Student Health made a comprehensive list!
Laundry basket/bag, detergent and supplies.
Towels, washcloths and toiletry items.
Power strip.
Reusable water bottle, cutlery and plate.
Trash bags for the trashcan.
TV and a coax cable cord for TV.
Vacuum cleaner or Swiffer/broom depending on which hall you live in.
Room decor.
Refrigerator/microwave (five cubic feet and nine amps or smaller). No personal refrigerators are allowed in Mayflower Residence Hall or any room with a supplied kitchen.
Futon for extra seating.

What NOT to Bring

Alcohol or alcohol containers.
Candles or incense.
Firearms, fireworks or explosives.
Pets (except fish).
Space heaters.
Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Tobacco and electronic cigarettes. These may be stored but not used on campus.
Wireless printers. These are incompatible with UI-DeviceNet.
Google Chromecast.

Additional Options

MicroFridge Rental: The university does not provide insurance for student belongings. Renting a MicroFridge, which is a combination microwave and refrigerator, is a great solution for your room. The MicroFridge will be placed in your room prior to moving in and you will just need to return it cleaned at the end of the year. You can order these online: www.mymicrofridge.com. Rent by August 1, 2025 to have your MicroFridge delivered to your room. Please note: students living in a room with a university-provided kitchen (Mayflower and Parklawn Hall) are not permitted to have an additional refrigerator in their room without an approved accommodation. If you switch rooms, you should talk to your roommate(s) to decide if you will bring your MicroFridge with you or leave it with your roommate(s). If you leave it with a roommate, you will need to complete transfer paperwork.
Futon Purchase: University Housing and Dining partners with Bedloft.com so you can purchase a futon and have it placed in your room prior to move-in, without any worry on your end! Purchase by Aug. 4, 2025 to get your unit delivered to your room by your move-in date.
Linens and Room Furnishings: University Housing and Dining partners with SWAKU to enable you to purchase bed linens, towels, organizers and other room furnishings. A portion of the revenue goes back to Iowa student organizations in the residence halls. Click the link to shop: www.swaku.com/uiowa-room. Order by July 22 to have the items shipped to your home so you have it ready for move-in.

Shipping Items to Campus

If you ship your items to campus, they must arrive after Aug. If you do not have access to a vehicle that can hold all your belongings, or you just want to reduce your stress during move-in, you can ship your stuff to Storage Squad and they'll deliver it right to your room before you arrive.

Additional Information

Once you park your car, head into your residence hall lobby to check-in and get your room key, as well as check-out a moving cart. Look for signage listing when residence hall orientation meetings will be held. We held a webinar on Tuesday, July 15 to go over logistics and questions for our move-in process. New Hawkeye move-in date selection will occur July 16, 17, and 18. Students in each residence hall have been randomized to determine the specific time that a student can login to select their move-in date. Roommates may have different times to login, and that is okay.

Addressing Common Questions

Why are new students pre-assigned a date and time for move-in date selection? Previously, students were able to sign up on a first-come, first-served basis at a designated time by hall.
I am part of X group/leadership/employment and must move in early for training. Can new students move in before August 16? We are unable to accommodate move-in requests prior to August 16 to allow time for staff to prepare rooms and staff trainings to take place. Arriving anytime between August 16 - 23 is an option for all our new students. There are no mandatory commitments that new students need to be a part of before classes start. The events that take place during On Iowa! are numerous and focused on building social connections. Students that move in August 19 - 22 can join the events when they are on campus. Only pre-approved student leaders and move-in volunteers can move in before August 19.
When is returning student move-in? Returning student move-in day is scheduled as Saturday, August 23. The earliest returning students can move in is August 19, due to new student move-in taking place August 16- 18. There is a $35/day early arrival fee up until when returning student move in is scheduled for on August 23.
How can a returning student sign up to be a move-in volunteer? Complete the form online by August 5, 2025. There will be a required training on Friday evening to get your volunteer t-shirt. Volunteers must complete 4 shifts of 2.5 hours each.
Can I pre-ship packages or belongings to the residence hall?

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