Student health and wellness is the highest priority to Iowa State University. We are anticipating another heat wave starting tomorrow, Friday, September 1. As the Midwest is facing warmer than typical temperatures, we put together tools, information, and resources to help keep students safe and comfortable.

During this heat wave, dens and other common areas that are air conditioned will be available to students 24/7. There are a limited amount of fans are available for check out at hall desks of residence halls that have rooms without air conditioning.

Quick Tips

Here are some more options for you to stay cool and beat the heat: 

  • Hang out in your house’s den or in your hall’s common space during the highest heat index of the day (3-5 p.m.). 
  • Hit up an ISU Dining café or dining center to stay hydrated or pick up a cool treat— be sure to drink water! 
  • Find a quiet spot at Parks Library to relax. 
  • The Memorial Union / Bowling Alley / Food court have plenty of space to stay cool with friends. 
  • Go for a swim at State Gym
  • Take a cold shower and opt for light-weight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. 

Take care of yourself by drinking plenty of water and listening to your body. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and get help if you need it. 

To get updates on extreme weather events, you can sign up for national weather alerts for our region here. 

Tips for Spaces Without Air Conditioning

Keep the blinds/curtains in your room closed to keep sunlight out. 

If you have fans, point them in the same direction to create air flow. 

When you are in your room and awake, prop your door open to create better air flow. 

Hang out in your house’s den or in your hall’s common space during the highest heat index of the day (3-5 p.m.).

During this heat wave, dens and other common areas that are air conditioned will be available to students 24/7.

Air Conditioned Spaces Per Neighborhood

The following areas in your building are air conditioned and can provide some relief to the heat. 

Union Drive

Friley: Some student rooms, all dens, Windows, Terrace Room, Dungeons

Helser: All dens, Rec Room, study rooms

Martin and Eaton: All building

Union Drive Community Center: All building

Richardson Court

Birch Welch Roberts: All dens, Cornerstone common areas

Barton Lyon Freeman: All dens

Linden: All dens and parlors, evaporative coolers are being placed to help

Oak Elm: All dens, parlors, rec rooms, Conversations GET & GO location

Maple Willow Larch: All buildings

MWL Commons: All building

South Campus

Geoffroy: All building

Buchanan: All building

Wallace: All dens

Wilson: All dens

Wallace Wilson Community Center: All building

Apartments

Frederiksen Court: All buildings

University Village: All buildings

Schilletter Village: All buildings

SUV Community Center: All building

Frederiksen Court Community Center: All building

Air Conditioned Spaces Across Campus

  • Conversations GET & GO Location
  • Friley Windows
  • Hawthorn Market & Café
  • Seasons
  • Union Drive Marketplace

Memorial Union

  • Hours of operation:
    • Monday – Saturday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Closed Labor Day

Parks Library

  • Hours of operation:
    • Monday – Thursday: 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
    • Friday: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Sunday: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Academic Buildings

FAQ

If my room is not air conditioned, can I bring an air conditioner?

Due to electrical capacity, personal air conditioners are prohibited in all residence hall and apartment facilities. However, you are permitted to use a freestanding, evaporation type, room cooler if the unit does not require ventilation to the outdoors and does not draw more than 3.5 amps. Fans are welcome and recommended. A limited number of fans are available for check out at Residence Hall Desks on a first come, first served basis. 

Why aren’t all student rooms air conditioned?

Many of Iowa State residence halls were built prior to the popularity of air conditioning. The ISU Department of Residence is continually working to maintain and upgrade our facilities. Expanding the number of halls that are air conditioned is something we hope to do in years to come.

Can I stay with a friend/can a friend stay with me?

You are welcome to visit friends on or off campus. For on-campus guests, policy states:

  • Residents may have overnights guests in their room. All overnight guests must be given permission by other roommates in advance.
    • The stay of any overnight guest may not exceed three (3) consecutive nights and may not exceed six (6) nights in one month.