Top Pick ✓ Auto shut-off
Keurig K-Express Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Best for: Fast pod coffee
Brews8–12 oz
TypeK-Cup pods
Power1000 W
CU Boulder Dorm Rules and Gear
All gear here fits CU Boulder's housing appliance limits.
CU Boulder dorm appliance rules
University of Colorado Boulder residence halls. Rooms (except apartments) have a microwave/fridge combo. Air conditioning in Andrews, Arnett, Baker, Buckingham, Darley North and South, Kittredge Central and West, Smith, Stearns East and West, Williams Village East and North.
- Mini fridge Not allowed
- Rooms have a microwave/fridge combo; additional refrigerators are not allowed.
- Microwave Not allowed
- Personal microwaves are not allowed.
- Power strips / surge protectors Allowed
- On the what-to-bring list; one with an on/off switch is recommended.
Kitchen
- Mini fridge Not allowed
- Rooms have a microwave/fridge combo; additional refrigerators are not allowed.
- Microwave Not allowed
- Personal microwaves are not allowed.
- Coffee maker Limits
- UL approved, self-contained coils and automatic shut-off.
Bring only UL-approved appliances with self-contained coils and automatic shut-off thermostatic controls (e.g., coffee makers, hot pots, etc.).
- Keurig / single-serve Not published
- Not published.
- Electric kettle Limits
- Hot pots: UL approved with automatic shut-off.
- Air fryer Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Toaster / toaster oven Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Rice cooker Not published
- Not published.
- Instant Pot / pressure cooker Not published
- Not published.
- Hot plate Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Blender Not published
- Not published.
- Indoor grill / griddle Not allowed
- Grills of any kind, including George Foreman, and electric griddles.
Personal care
- Hair dryer Not published
- Not published.
- Straightener / curling iron Not published
- Not published.
- Clothes iron Not published
- Not published.
- Clothes steamer Not published
- Not published.
Climate
- Space heater Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Fan Allowed
- A small room fan is on the what-to-bring list.
- Air purifier Not published
- Not published.
- Humidifier Not published
- Not published.
- Window / portable AC Not allowed
- Air conditioners and swamp coolers are not allowed.
Power & lighting
- Extension cords Not published
- Not published.
- Power strips / surge protectors Allowed
- On the what-to-bring list; one with an on/off switch is recommended.
- Halogen lamps Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Desk lamp Allowed
- On the what-to-bring list.
- String / LED lights Limits
- Adhesive LED light strips are discouraged (they peel paint).
- Candles / incense Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Wax warmers Not published
- Not published.
Room
- Lofts Not allowed
- Students may not modify or loft their beds.
- Bed risers Limits
- Up to 6 inches.
- Adhesive hooks / strips Allowed
- Only approved adhesive hangers that don't damage walls.
- Over-the-door hooks Not published
- Not published.
Official sources (3)
Policies change. Always confirm current rules with CU Boulder University Housing & Residence Life. Rules verified Oct 9, 2026.
Coffee makers
CU Boulder allows UL-approved coffee makers with self-contained coils and automatic shut-off. Every pick here shuts off automatically.
Best Value ✓ Auto shut-off
Amazon Basics 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker
Best for: Budget brewer with 2-hour auto shut-off
Capacity5 cups
TypeDrip
Shut-offAutomatic
✓ Auto shut-off
Keurig K-Compact Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Best for: Slim pod brewer for small desks
Brews6–10 oz
TypeK-Cup pods
Power1000 W
✓ Auto shut-off
Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Best for: Coffee ready when you wake up
Capacity5 cups
TypeDrip
Shut-offAutomatic
Fans
A small room fan is on the CU Boulder what-to-bring list.
Top Pick ✓ Portable fan
Honeywell TurboForce Air Circulator (HT-900)
Best for: Moving air across a whole dorm room
TypeDesk
Power35 W
Speeds3
Best Value ✓ Portable fan
Amazon Basics Air Circulator Desk Fan
Best for: Tight budgets
TypeDesk
Power35 W
Speeds3
✓ Portable fan
Hurricane Classic 6 in. Clip Fan
Best for: Clipping to a bed frame or desk shelf
TypeClip-on
Power14 W
Speeds2
✓ Portable fan
Vornado 133 Personal Air Circulator
Best for: Strong airflow from a small fan
TypeDesk
Power25 W
Speeds2
✓ Portable fan
Honeywell QuietSet Personal Table Fan (HTF210B)
Best for: Light sleepers
TypeOscillating desk
Power5 W
Size13" tall
✓ Portable fan
DREO Oscillating Tower Fan
Best for: Cooling the whole room from the floor
TypeTower
Power65 W
Size36" tall
Power strips
On the what-to-bring list; one with an on/off switch is recommended.
Top Pick ✓ Listed as allowed
Tripp Lite Protect It! 6-Outlet Surge Protector (TLP606B)
Best for: Desk setups and chargers
Outlets6
Breaker15 A
Cord6 ft
Best Value ✓ Listed as allowed
GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector, 2 ft cord
Best for: Tight budgets and short reaches
Outlets6
BreakerBuilt-in
Cord2 ft
✓ Listed as allowed
Tripp Lite Protect It! 8-Outlet Flat-Plug Surge Protector (TLP808B)
Best for: Outlets behind beds and dressers
Outlets8
Breaker15 A
PlugFlat
✓ Listed as allowed
Tripp Lite Protect It! 6-Outlet Surge Protector with USB (TLP606USBB)
Best for: Charging phones without extra bricks
Outlets6 + 2 USB
Breaker15 A
Cord6 ft
✓ Listed as allowed
Tripp Lite 8-Outlet Flat-Plug Surge Protector with USB (TLP88USBB)
Best for: Gaming and desk setups with lots of plugs
Outlets8 + 2 USB
Breaker15 A
Cord8 ft
✓ Listed as allowed
GE 6-Outlet Power Strip with Circuit Breaker (14831)
Best for: Lamps and chargers on the tightest budget
Outlets6
Breaker15 A
Cord2 ft
Don't forget
Move-in basics that fit CU Boulder housing rules.
Bed
-
Twin XL sheets
Amazon Basics Microfiber Twin XL Sheet Set
Check your bed size
Buy on Amazon -
Mattress topper
Bedsure Twin XL Mattress Pad
Twin XL size
Buy on Amazon -
Mattress protector
Utopia Bedding Waterproof Twin XL Mattress Protector
Waterproof, Twin XL
Buy on Amazon -
Bed shelf
BedShelfie Bedside Shelf with Cable Catch
Clips to the bed frame
Buy on Amazon
Bath & laundry
-
Shower caddy
Attmu Mesh Shower Caddy, 9 Pockets
Mesh, quick-drying
Buy on Amazon -
Shower shoes
Xomiboe Quick-Dry Shower Shoes
Buy on Amazon -
Towels
Amazon Basics 6-Piece Cotton Towel Set
Buy on Amazon -
Laundry hamper
Handy Laundry Pop-Up Mesh Hamper
Pops up, folds flat
Buy on Amazon
Room & desk
-
Desk lamp
Lampat Dimmable LED Desk Lamp
LED; no halogen
Buy on Amazon -
Under-bed storage
Amazon Basics Under-Bed Storage Bags
Slides under the bed
Buy on Amazon -
Over-door hooks
FYY Over-the-Door Hooks, 4-Pack
No nails or tacks
Buy on Amazon -
Door mirror
SCWF-GZ Full-Length Over-the-Door Mirror
Hangs over the door
Buy on Amazon
Small stuff
-
Command strips
Command Large Picture Hanging Strips
Removable adhesive strips
Buy on Amazon -
First-aid kit
BAND-AID Travel Ready First Aid Kit, 80 Pieces
Buy on Amazon -
Power strip with USB
Tripp Lite 6-Outlet Surge Protector with 2 USB Ports
UL, built-in breaker
Buy on Amazon -
Laptop lock
Kensington Combination Laptop Cable Lock
Needs a lock slot
Buy on Amazon
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