Top Pick ✓ 1.5 A or less
Midea 1.6 cu ft Compact Refrigerator (WHS-65LB1)
Best for: Fitting under a lofted bed or desk
Capacity1.6 cu ft
NoiseUnder 42 dB
Size19.4" tall
GMU Dorm Rules and Gear
All gear here fits GMU's housing appliance limits.
GMU dorm appliance rules
George Mason University residence halls. Suites with full kitchens get University kitchen appliances; cooking is otherwise limited to microwaving.
- Mini fridge Limits
- Energy Star models up to 4.3 cu ft, or non-Energy Star up to 3.3 cu ft. Must draw no more than 1.5 A (180 W).
- Microwave Limits
- 800 W max.
- Power strips / surge protectors Limits
- Multi-plug adapters must be surge protectors; a multiple-outlet surge protector is on the list.
Kitchen
- Mini fridge Limits
- Energy Star models up to 4.3 cu ft, or non-Energy Star up to 3.3 cu ft. Must draw no more than 1.5 A (180 W).
draw no more than 1.5 amps or 180 watts of power
- Microwave Limits
- 800 W max.
Microwave (800 watts max)
- Coffee maker Limits
- Only sealed-unit coffee makers (e.g., Keurig). Coffee makers with exposed heating elements are prohibited.
- Keurig / single-serve Allowed
- Sealed-unit coffee makers are basic convenience appliances.
- Electric kettle Allowed
- Sealed-unit electric kettles are allowed.
- Air fryer Not published
- Not published.
- Toaster / toaster oven Not allowed
- Exposed heating element.
- Rice cooker Not published
- Not published.
- Instant Pot / pressure cooker Not published
- Not published.
- Hot plate Not allowed
- Exposed heating element.
- Blender Not published
- Not published.
- Indoor grill / griddle Not allowed
- George Foreman-style grills are not allowed.
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 published
- Not published.
- Fan Not published
- Not published.
- Air purifier Not published
- Not published.
- Humidifier Not published
- Not published.
- Window / portable AC Not published
- Not published.
Power & lighting
- Extension cords Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Power strips / surge protectors Limits
- Multi-plug adapters must be surge protectors; a multiple-outlet surge protector is on the list.
- Halogen lamps Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Desk lamp Not published
- Not published.
- String / LED lights Not published
- Not published.
- Candles / incense Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Wax warmers Not published
- Not published.
Room
- Lofts Not allowed
- Self-built lofts are not allowed.
- Bed risers Not published
- Not published.
- Adhesive hooks / strips Not published
- Not published.
- Over-the-door hooks Not published
- Not published.
Official sources (2)
Policies change. Always confirm current rules with George Mason Housing and Residence Life. Rules verified Oct 9, 2026.
Mini fridges
George Mason caps fridges at 4.3 cu ft (Energy Star) or 3.3 cu ft (others), drawing no more than 1.5 A. Every pick here has a published rating of 1.5 A or less.
Best Value ✓ 1.5 A or less
BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cu ft Compact Refrigerator (BCRK17W)
Best for: Low-amp pick for strict power limits
Capacity1.7 cu ft
FreezerBuilt-in
Size19.7" tall
✓ 1.5 A or less
BLACK+DECKER 3.2 cu ft Compact Refrigerator (BCRK32B)
Best for: A bigger freezer section
Capacity3.2 cu ft
Freezer0.9 cu ft
Size32.7" tall
✓ 1.5 A or less
BLACK+DECKER 2.5 cu ft Compact Refrigerator (BCRK25W)
Best for: Small rooms with a per-person size cap
Capacity2.5 cu ft
FreezerBuilt-in
Size26.6" tall
Microwaves
George Mason allows microwaves up to 800 W.
Top Pick ✓ Under 800 W
COMFEE' 0.7 cu ft Countertop Microwave (EM720CPL-PMB)
Best for: Everyday reheating
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.3"
Best Value ✓ Under 800 W
Chefman 0.7 cu ft Compact Microwave
Best for: Tight budgets
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.5"
✓ Under 800 W
Commercial Chef 0.7 cu ft Countertop Microwave (CHM770B)
Best for: Simple one-touch controls
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.6"
✓ Under 800 W
Farberware 0.7 cu ft Countertop Microwave
Best for: Multi-stage cooking
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.3"
✓ Under 800 W
Toshiba 0.7 cu ft Countertop Microwave (MM-EM07PA)
Best for: A trusted brand name
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.1"
✓ Under 800 W
Commercial Chef 0.6 cu ft Countertop Microwave (CHM660B)
Best for: The smallest footprint
Power700 W
Capacity0.6 cu ft
Width17.8"
Coffee makers
George Mason allows sealed-unit coffee makers like Keurigs; coffee makers with exposed heating elements are prohibited.
Top Pick ✓ Sealed pod brewer
Keurig K-Express Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Best for: Fast pod coffee
Brews8–12 oz
TypeK-Cup pods
Power1000 W
Best Value ✓ Sealed pod brewer
Keurig K-Mini Mate Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Best for: Smallest footprint
Brews6–12 oz
TypeK-Cup pods
✓ Sealed pod brewer
Keurig K-Compact Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Best for: Slim pod brewer for small desks
Brews6–10 oz
TypeK-Cup pods
Power1000 W
Power strips
George Mason prohibits extension cords and multi-plug adapters that are not surge protectors.
Top Pick ✓ Fits the limits
Tripp Lite Protect It! 6-Outlet Surge Protector (TLP606B)
Best for: Desk setups and chargers
Outlets6
Breaker15 A
Cord6 ft
Best Value ✓ Fits the limits
GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector, 2 ft cord
Best for: Tight budgets and short reaches
Outlets6
BreakerBuilt-in
Cord2 ft
✓ Fits the limits
Tripp Lite Protect It! 8-Outlet Flat-Plug Surge Protector (TLP808B)
Best for: Outlets behind beds and dressers
Outlets8
Breaker15 A
PlugFlat
✓ Fits the limits
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
✓ Fits the limits
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
Don't forget
Move-in basics that fit GMU 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
As an Amazon Associate, CollegeScoot earns from qualifying purchases. Product images are manufacturer or retailer photos. Availability changes, so check the listing on Amazon before you buy.