Threshold

These are the standards most U.S. campuses apply at residence-hall move-in. They mix fire/life-safety codes with energy and cost controls. Details vary by school, but the pattern is consistent.

Fire and electrical safety

• No open flames: candles, incense, fireworks, Sterno, grills.
• No appliances with exposed heating elements: hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, skillets, deep fryers; air fryers are banned on most campuses.
• Cooking only in designated kitchens; in rooms, usually only a UL-listed microwave (often 700–1,000 W) or a university MicroFridge combo.
• No halogen lamps, lava lamps, plastic-shade multi-bulb lamps, or space heaters unless the university issues them.
• Extension cords banned or tightly limited; only UL-listed surge protectors plugged directly into the wall. No daisy-chaining.
• Keep a clear 36-inch path to the door; do not block exits or prevent the door from opening 90 degrees.
• Wall coverings limited (often 10–25% of a wall); hanging fabric/tapestries often banned unless fire-rated.
• Upholstered furniture must meet fire-resistance labels such as CAL TB117-2013.
• No lithium-ion micromobility devices (e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards) stored or charged in rooms on many campuses.
• Do not cover, disable, or hang items from smoke detectors or sprinklers.
• Health-and-safety inspections shortly after move-in.

Building and personal security

• Card/fob access; do not prop exterior or stairwell doors.
• Lock the room whenever you leave, even briefly.
• Guests must be escorted; residents are responsible for them.
• Weapons, ammunition, and realistic replicas prohibited.

Economy / energy standards

• Mini-fridges typically capped at about 3.6–4.5 cubic feet; Energy Star models preferred or required.
• One fridge and one microwave per room; extra units banned to avoid overloaded circuits and higher utility costs.
• Many schools rent or install MicroFridge units because they use less energy than two separate appliances.
• Personal window/portable ACs usually prohibited; cooling is centralized.
• LED bulbs recommended; high-watt lamps discouraged.
• Limit how many devices run at once so circuits do not trip.

Property-economy / damage control

• No nails, duct tape, or adhesives that peel paint; Command strips often allowed.
• No lofting with cinder blocks or unapproved risers (especially risers with built-in outlets).
• No extra mattresses, waterbeds, or large non-university furniture.
• Damage found at check-in/check-out is billed to the student.

Related Standards Michigan coverage:

Housing/Accommodation