Residence Life

Restricted Items

room with restricted items

Room with restricted items circled

Did you guess the restricted items?

  1. Hoverboard
  2. Bed risers
  3. Drug paraphernalia
  4. Extension cord
  5. Toaster
  6. Alcohol
  7. Candle/tart warmer
  8. Shot glasses
  9. Air fryer
  10. Lava lamp

The following is a list of common prohibited and restricted items that present safety hazards or risk causing fires or property damage in the residence halls. Possession or misuse of these items will result in confiscation by Residence Hall staff. Confiscated items must be removed from campus by the student. Items not picked up by the designated deadline will be discarded. All residents of a room or suite are responsible for any restricted item(s) found in their space and may be subject to disciplinary action. Please note: This list may be updated at any time to maintain the safety and security of our residential community. The Office of Residence Life also reserves the right to evaluate and restrict additional items that pose health or safety concerns. 

Air conditioners 
Air fryers 
Alcohol beverage/containers (empty or filled) 
Alcohol paraphernalia
Ammunition 
Amplifiers
B-B guns/toy guns
Bed risers
Candles (with or without wicks) or oil/wax tart warmers
Cardboard drawer units 
Ceiling fans
Coffee pots or coffee makers used in room/suites 
Dart boards with point tip darts
Drug paraphernalia (e.g., bongs) 
Duct tape
Electric appliances
Extension cords (only surge protectors permitted) 
Fishnets and other ceiling decorations
Firearms (including air rifles) 
Fireworks
Fitness equipment
Flammable liquids
Foldable tables
Gasoline
Gasoline powered equipment 
Halogen bulb fixtures

Heating elements 
Hot plates or hot pots
Hover boards
Hookah
Incense 
Knives (other than kitchen knives) 
Lamps (plastic fixtures, kerosene, oil types, lava lamps) 
Loft units
Multi-outlet adapters 
Micro-mobility devices (e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, hoverboards) 
Noise makers (e.g., bull horns, vuvuzela, or megaphones) 
Non-university mattress
Paint/paint thinner 
Pets (except fish) 
Portable heaters
Sun lamps 
Sub/woofers
Surveillance cameras inside or outside of residence hall room. (i.e., Ring cameras) 
Toasters of any kind 
Vaporizers or humidifiers 
Weapons of any kind 
Wider furniture or wastepaper baskets 
3D printers 

The following items are permitted in the residence halls under these conditions:

  • Aquariums - Flake-eating fish only; tank may not exceed 10 gallons. One per room.
  • Bicycles - Must not block egress (doors or windows).
  • Black Lights - May not replace university-provided fixtures.
  • Cleaning Supplies - Students are encouraged to bring their own supplies and clean their rooms regularly.
  • Electronic Cigarettes - Must be used outside of the residence halls in designated smoking areas.
  • Fitness Weights - Limited to 10 pounds or less.
  • Furniture - See the furniture policy for detailed guidelines.
  • Hair Dryers/Straighteners - Handheld only; Must be UL approved. May be used in bathrooms and bedrooms only.
  • Indoor/Outdoor Decorative Lights - Must be UL approved. May not be hung near sprinkler heads or ceilings.
  • Irons - Must have auto shut-off. To be used only with desktop boards.
  • Ironing Boards - Only desktop boards are permitted.
  • Lamps - Desktop lamps only; no floor lamps permitted.
  • LED Strip Lighting - Permitted if mounted properly using temporary, damage-free methods such as Command strip hooks. Adhesive tapes (including double-sided tape) are not allowed, as they may damage walls, ceilings, or fixtures. Students will be held financially responsible for damage caused by improper mounting.
  • Microwave/Refrigerator Units -
    • Standard room: One refrigerator (maximum 3.2 cubic feet, Energy Star rated) and one microwave (not exceed 700 watts).
    • Suites: One microwave (not to exceed 700 watts) and one refrigerator per suite.
    • Combination units must use one-plug technology.
  • Musical Instruments - Permitted, but subject to quiet hours and 24-hour courtesy hours.
  • Plants - No specific size restrictions. Students are encouraged to choose plants that are manageable, do not obstruct pathways, create clutter or tripping hazards, or interfere with furniture. Recommended low-maintenance include succulents, snake plants, spider plants, and pothos.
  • Plug Strips/Surge Protectors - Must be UL approved with a built-in circuit breaker.
  • Radios/Stereos - One per room only, due to power limitations.
  • Refrigerators - Must be UL approved and draw no more than two amps. One per room.
  • Televisions - One per room only, due to power limitations. TVs should not exceed 40 inches.
  • Vacuums - Handheld only; upright and canister vacuums are not permitted.
  • Posters/Wall Coverings - May not exceed 50% of wall space.
  • Wastebaskets - Must be made of metal or plastic; wicker baskets are not permitted.

Approved Kitchen Equipment

These items may only be used in designated residence hall kitchens. They may be stored in students' rooms when not in use.

  • Blenders
  • Electric kettles
  • George Foreman grills
  • Keurig machines
  • Rice makers
  • Panini presses
  • Waffle makers