Living, Learning, and Thriving at
Hinarr Hu Moulik

As students carry boxes, bikes, and dreams into the brand-new Hinarr Hu Moulik housing complex, the air feels charged with possibility.

Just half a mile north of campus, this 964-bed community isn't just a place to live—it's designed to become a hub of connection, energy, and independence.

"It's meant for upper-division and transfer students," says Donyet King, executive director of Housing & Residence Life. "We wanted to create a space where they could do all their things here—study, play, relax, and grow into independence—without feeling isolated. We wanted to create environments that nurture both the mind and spirit of our students, providing them with quiet spaces to focus and thrive in their academic journey. "

From the outside, Hinarr Hu Moulik, meaning "our house/home" in the Wiyot language and pronounced hee-NOD huh MOO-leek, already signals a new era for student life at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Step inside, and the amenities feel more like a village than a residence hall: a half-court basketball court, pickleball and volleyball courts, badminton, table tennis, cornhole, and even a bike garage equipped with tools and e-bike charging. The 101 Express market stocks everything from cereal to hot food, plus everyday essentials like laundry detergent. Every floor has two study rooms, with the seventh-floor study rooms offering sweeping views of the redwoods, and on a clear day, Humboldt Bay.

The site will soon connect directly to the Annie & Mary Trail, linking students to the Arcata Marsh, Humboldt Bay Trail, and campus via Sunset Avenue. The University is also working with the city of Arcata and Caltrans to improve pedestrian safety at the Sunset overpass, with construction slated to begin in 2026.

For Wildlife major and resident advisor (RA) Cedrik von Briel, the building's setting is as much a part of the experience as the building itself.

"Back in April, when we were asked to choose our housing, I immediately chose Hinarr Hu Moulik," von Briel says. "I knew being part of the first set of RAs to explore the new building was going to be fantastic."

An avid birder, von Briel has already turned the basketball court and upper-level study spaces into lookout points.

"One evening at dusk, a barn owl flew right over my head. The views are amazing here—hawks, songbirds, sunsets—it's such a nice building. You never know what's going to fly over," he says.

That sense of discovery echoes through the halls. Environmental Science major and resident services assistant Linayah Kuraspediani recalls her first impression.

"I get to help open this building, be part of something new. It just felt pretty cool," she says.

For many, moving into Hinarr Hu Moulik feels like a fresh start. As Political Science student Austin Bradfield put it, "It's exciting. There's a real sense of community and so much to enjoy. The apartments are all pretty close to each other, which is great because we'll be able to meet people and have a sense of community. I'm lucky to live near the study hall; it's just a quick walk over, so I'll definitely be hanging out there a lot."

This remarkable development represents the largest student housing project in the University's history.

Hinarr Hu Moulik consists of two buildings: the East and the West. The East building was the first to open this fall, celebrated by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by California Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, Assemblymember Chris Rogers, and Assemblymember Damon Connolly. The complex can accommodate nearly 1,000 students in modern, apartment-style living spaces.

The $226 million complex is more than just a response to the shortage of high-quality, affordable housing. It's a living, breathing symbol of transformation. The new facility blends community, culture, and cutting-edge sustainability in ways that reflect the values at the heart of Humboldt's polytechnic identity.

"Hinarr Hu Moulik reflects the heart of who we are as a university: welcoming, inclusive, and deeply connected to this land and community. We're grateful for the many hands and hearts who made this possible—from state partners, the California State University, and local leaders to our students, faculty, and staff. This is what transformation/collaboration looks like, and we did it together," says Interim President Michael Spagna.

Funded by the state's historic $458 million investment in Humboldt's polytechnic transformation, it's the first major facility completed as part of that initiative—and the first student housing project since College Creek Apartments opened in 2010. The housing complex will increase University-owned housing capacity by nearly 50%.

"Hinarr Hu Moulik embodies the Humboldt experience—a place where students can build a community, form friendships, and shape their futures here at Cal Poly Humboldt," says Chrissy Holliday, vice president for Enrollment Management & Student Success.

Staying true to the University's commitment to environmental stewardship, the Hinarr Hu Moulik Housing Complex incorporates a variety of sustainable features. With high-efficiency irrigation systems, energy-efficient lighting and appliances, water-saving plumbing, and durable exterior materials, this complex exemplifies modern green living. Similarly, on-site solar energy production and the use of Energy Star appliances will significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the building. It is designed to meet LEED Gold equivalent standards, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.

Safety is a priority in the complex's design, which adheres to all California Fire Code and Building Code requirements. The facility boasts advanced emergency and security systems, non-combustible construction materials, sprinkler systems, and strategically positioned hydrants. An additional emergency access route to Eye Street will enhance response times and bolster emergency preparedness, ensuring peace of mind for all residents.

Hinarr Hu Moulik West is on the horizon and expected to be ready for occupancy by the start of the Spring 2026 semester. This next phase of construction will further increase housing for returning and transfer students, freeing up space in existing residence halls for first-year students eager to begin their Humboldt journey in a vibrant, supportive campus environment.