New university housing ‘Hinarr Hu Moulik’ set to open this fall, here’s what students can expect

This August transfer and continuing Cal Poly Humboldt students have the option to move into the new campus housing, located off the intersection of St. Louis Road and Hwy 101.

The new housing complex, which is set to have a total of 964 beds, has been officially named “Hinarr Hu Moulik” (pronounced hee-NOD huh MOO-leek) meaning “Our Home” in Yurok. The east building will be completed in June and will be able to house about 550 residents. The west building will be open by spring 2026.

Inside each apartment, students will have a living room space, a sink/vanity outside and inside the bathroom, a toilet and a bathtub/shower combo. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, sink, oven and dishwasher. Students have three room styles to choose from, said Project Manager

Fred Saldana in an email:

• Two bedroom doubles (four-person), with two vanities/sinks and one bath.
• Three bedroom doubles (six-person), with three vanities/sinks and two baths.
• Four bedroom singles (four-person), with two vanities/sinks and two baths.

Square footage for each apartment are
as follows:

• Two bedroom doubles are 734 square feet.
• Three bedroom doubles are 1077 square feet.
• Four bedroom singles are 914 square feet.

Bedrooms themselves will range from 83 to 114 square feet for singles, and 153 to 166 square feet for doubles, said Saldana.

This differs slightly from the College Creek Apartments, which were built in 2008. In College Creek, a single bedroom is 110 square feet and a double bedroom is 165 square feet.

A recreational area will be available for students that will include two pickleball courts, two ping pong tables, a volleyball court and a half court for basketball. An exercise room will also be available on the first floor of the east building.

As for parking, 283 spots will be available for students this fall. However, once the complex is completed, there will be a total of 328 spots.

Students should also note that they will not have access to the laundry room until the whole complex is completed. Students can go to the East Side Laundromat on LK Wood which is located about 0.5 miles away.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, rent for all university housing is increasing about 5% to reflect the rising operational and maintenance costs, including utilities and mandated staff salary increases, said Senior Director for Housing & Residence Life Donyet King in an email.

“Without these adjustments, essential services like equipment maintenance, safety systems, and other services could be negatively impacted,” King said. “Additionally, the university is still recovering financially from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted housing revenues. As part of the university’s long-term planning, Cal Poly Humboldt has been investing in expanded housing options, like the new Hinarr Hu Moulik community, to support increased student enrollment. These efforts are partly funded through housing fees.”

Out of the 23 CSU’s, Cal Poly Humboldt still remains one of the more affordable campuses, said King, ranking fifth lowest in room rates and eighth lowest in combined room and meal plan costs.

That said, the university regularly reviews housing rates to ensure they stay competitive with the local housing market, while continuing to prioritize a quality, supportive living experience for students, said King.

“It’s also important to note that the Student Fee Advisory Committee receives information about proposed housing and dining fee increases annually, allowing them to provide feedback before any fees are approved,” King said.

The academic year rent is increasing on average about $400. Starting this fall, students living in university housing are also required to pay for a meal plan.

At Hinarr Hu Moulik there will be a cafe/market where students can use meal exchanges and flex dollars to buy food and other items. The only location that currently allows students to use meal swipes is the J Dining Hall on the main campus.

“Meal plans are now required in all areas of housing, as this plays a key role in recruitment and retention,” King said. “In addition to ensuring equitable, convenient, and consistent access to dining across campus, this also fosters a sense of community, supports student well-being, and contributes to overall student success.”