Catlett Hall is the crown jewel of University of Iowa housing. As the newest residence hall on campus, it offers amenities and room quality that older halls simply can't match. Perched alongside the Iowa River, Catlett boasts stunning views from its upper floors and a location that's hard to beat—you're steps from the Iowa Memorial Union, the Main Library, and the Rec Building.

The hall features pod-style bathrooms (shared by a small cluster of rooms rather than the whole floor), which most students consider a massive upgrade over traditional communal bathrooms. The on-site Catlett Market Place and Fire Up Late Night Grill mean you'll never go hungry, even at midnight.

Burge Hall is the biggest residence hall at the University of Iowa, home to over 900 residents. Its sheer size means you'll meet an enormous number of people right off the bat—great if you're an extrovert who wants to build a social circle fast. With two dining options (Burge Market Place and Clinton Street Market) and a strong sense of community, Burge delivers the classic big-dorm college experience.

The hall sits on the east side of campus, putting you in easy walking distance of major academic buildings and the social hub of downtown Iowa City.

Currier Hall is one of Iowa's most historic residence halls and, according to student ratings, among the most beloved. It offers a diverse mix of room configurations, a renovated fitness center, computer lab, and common spaces that give it a warm, community-focused feel. Its east-side location puts you close to the action without being in the middle of the loudest dorms on campus.

Currier tends to attract students who want to be social but also appreciate a slightly quieter atmosphere. Residents often cite the strong sense of community and the hall's close proximity to restaurants, bars, and academic buildings as major selling points.

Daum Hall is one of the smaller east-side options with around 344 residents, giving it a more intimate feel than the mega-dorms nearby. One of its unique perks is a tunnel connection to Burge Hall, meaning you can access Burge's dining options without ever stepping outside in the bitter Iowa winter—a bigger deal than it sounds come January.

Daum is a solid choice for students who want to be on the east side but prefer a less hectic environment than Burge or Catlett.

Mayflower is the outlier of the east-side halls — technically on the far end of campus near City Park and the Beckwith Boathouse, it's a bit removed from the main social scene. But what it lacks in proximity, it makes up for with the largest room sizes on campus and the only in-suite kitchens and bathrooms available in University of Iowa housing. If personal space and privacy are your top priority, Mayflower is the answer.

Mayflower also tends to have lower price points than the newer halls, making it attractive for students looking to stretch their housing budget. Its flex meal system stays open until 11 p.m., which night owls will appreciate.

If Catlett is the MVP of the east side, Petersen is its west-side equivalent. Students frequently describe Petersen as feeling like a boutique hotel — the design aesthetic is noticeably more upscale, with spacious rooms, large closets, pod-style bathrooms, and a high-end marketplace downstairs. The building is modern, clean, and well-maintained.

At 10 floors, Petersen is one of the taller residence halls on campus, and the upper floors offer sweeping views of the surrounding area. It also has a neighborhood learning commons and plenty of individual study rooms for students who need a focused workspace.

Hillcrest is the anchor of west-campus dining. It hosts the Hillcrest Market Place and the Grand Avenue Market convenience store, and it's the go-to dining destination for all west-side residents. Students who live here often boast that they never have to leave the building for food — a legitimately significant perk during Iowa's brutal winters.

With a fitness center on-site and plenty of lounge and study spaces, Hillcrest offers a full suite of amenities without requiring you to trek across campus.

Rienow is a mid-sized west-campus hall home to about 488 residents. Its biggest selling point is its proximity to the Field House — one of Iowa's main athletic and recreation facilities — making it popular among students who prioritize fitness and athletics in their daily routine. Rienow is a solid, no-frills option for west-side living.

Slater is one of the smallest residence halls on campus with around 489 residents, and that intimacy is exactly why many students love it. It has a distinctly community-driven feel that the larger halls can't replicate. One unique perk: Slater has its own music practice room, making it a popular choice for music students or anyone who wants to keep up with their instrument without disturbing roommates. The hall is also adjacent to the University of Iowa's cultural houses, adding a diverse and inclusive dimension to campus life.