What to Bring & What Not to Bring

Quick Guide for Residential Students | Effective Fall 2026

IMPORTANT - EVERS & JENKINS HALLS: Personal refrigerators and microwaves are not permitted in student rooms. Students with a documented medical need should contact the Center for Disability Resources (CDR) to request a housing accommodation. Residents should use the communal kitchen unless an accommodation is approved.

What to Bring

Bedding: extra-long twin sheets (80-inch mattress), blankets/comforter, mattress pad/topper, pillows and pillowcases. University Courtyard and some University Village bedrooms may have full-size mattresses - confirm your assignment before purchasing sheets.
Personal care & bath: towels, shower caddy, shower shoes, toiletries, grooming supplies, tissues and toilet paper.
Basic medical items: first aid supplies, thermometer, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medication in its original labeled container.
Room items: area rug, box/desk fan, wastebasket, plates/cups/utensils, broom/dustpan, television/cables, corkboard or dry-erase board, and approved photos/posters.
Lighting: UL-listed desk, floor, or clip lamps using LED or standard incandescent bulbs.
Electrical: one UL-listed power strip with a built-in circuit breaker; use a separate UL-listed surge protector for computer/electronics when needed.
Study & electronics: computer/charger, printer if desired, calculator, planner, notebooks, pens/pencils, folders, and basic school supplies.
Where permitted: one ENERGY STAR compact refrigerator no larger than 4.3 cu. ft. and one microwave no more than 1,000 watts per room, except Evers and Jenkins Halls.

KITCHEN / APPLIANCE REMINDER

Cooking appliances may never be used in a bedroom or sleeping area.
Units with a kitchenette or full kitchen may have different appliance permissions. Use appliances only in the designated kitchen/kitchenette area and follow the full guide for your assigned hall.

What Not to Bring

Cooking/high-heat appliances in rooms: hot plates, induction burners, electric skillets, toasters/toaster ovens, air fryers, waffle irons, sandwich/panini makers, rice cookers, slow cookers, pressure cookers, indoor grills, and other exposed-heating-element appliances.
Open flame items: candles, candle warmers, wax melts, incense, oil lamps, lanterns, or other open-flame devices.
Electrical hazards: extension cords, daisy-chained power strips, damaged/frayed/spliced cords, homemade or rewired electrical devices.
Decorative lighting: rope, string, strip, adhesive-backed LED lighting, fairy lights, and holiday lights in resident rooms and hallways.
Unsafe lamps/heating devices: halogen lamps/bulbs, torchiere-style lamps, lamps with outlets/multi-plug bases, portable space heaters, electric blankets, heating pads, sun lamps, or tanning devices.
Portable/window air conditioners or dehumidifiers unless specifically approved through a documented CDR accommodation.
Weapons/explosives: firearms, ammunition, BB/air/pellet guns, paintball markers, fixed-blade knives, swords, tasers/stun guns, expandable batons, fireworks, explosive/incendiary devices, and realistic replica weapons.
Lithium-ion mobility devices: e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, self-balancing boards, electric skateboards, and similar devices inside University housing. Approved disability mobility devices are excepted.
Pets, except fish in a tank no larger than five gallons. Approved service animals and emotional support animals follow separate CDR accommodation procedures.
Alcohol, alcohol containers, illegal drugs/drug paraphernalia, cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and tobacco/vaping products.
Décor or belongings that block doors, hallways, windows, sprinklers, smoke detectors, fire alarm pull stations, or extinguishers. Adhesive-backed décor that damages University finishes may result in a damage charge.

Need the full policy? Review the complete Fall 2026 What to Bring & What Not to Bring Guide for hall-specific appliance rules, exceptions, safety standards, and additional details.