Top Pick ✓ 3.8 cu ft, 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
UCA Dorm Rules and Gear
All gear here fits UCA's housing appliance limits.
UCA dorm appliance rules
University of Central Arkansas residence halls and apartments (Conway). Microwaves are allowed only in Baridon, Bear, Donaghey, Farris, New Hall and the apartments.
- Mini fridge Limits
- Mini fridges allowed; the Baridon Hall FAQ sets 3.8 cu ft and 1.5 A per fridge. Micro-fridge rental available.
- Microwave Limits
- Only in Baridon, Bear, Donaghey, Farris, New Hall and apartments (Baridon: 1,000 W max).
- Power strips / surge protectors Limits
- UL-approved surge protectors with a reset switch, no more than two per room.
Kitchen
- Mini fridge Limits
- Mini fridges allowed; the Baridon Hall FAQ sets 3.8 cu ft and 1.5 A per fridge. Micro-fridge rental available.
It should be a maximum of 3.8 cubic feet and no more than 1.5 amps of electricity per mini fridge.
- Microwave Limits
- Only in Baridon, Bear, Donaghey, Farris, New Hall and apartments (Baridon: 1,000 W max).
- Coffee maker Limits
- UL listed; plug in only while in use and never leave unattended.
coffee makers should only be plugged in during use and should never be left unattended while plugged in.
- Keurig / single-serve Not published
- Not published.
- Electric kettle Not published
- Not published.
- Air fryer Not allowed
- Shared kitchen spaces only, not resident rooms.
Air fryers are only permitted in shared kitchen spaces and not in resident rooms.
- Toaster / toaster oven Not allowed
- Open-coil appliances and toaster ovens are prohibited in hall rooms.
- 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
- Electric fry pans and skillets in halls; George Foreman-type grills only in apartments.
Personal care
- Hair dryer Not published
- Not published.
- Straightener / curling iron Limits
- Plug in only while in use; never unattended.
- Clothes iron Limits
- UL listed; plug in only while in use.
- Clothes steamer Allowed
- Portable steamer is on the recommended list.
Climate
- Space heater Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Fan Allowed
- UL/ETL approved.
- Air purifier Allowed
- UL/ETL approved.
- Humidifier Allowed
- UL/ETL approved.
- Window / portable AC Not allowed
- Personally owned units.
Power & lighting
- Extension cords Not allowed
- Also outlet extenders.
- Power strips / surge protectors Limits
- UL-approved surge protectors with a reset switch, no more than two per room.
Surge protectors with a reset switch are permitted
- Halogen lamps Not allowed
- Also sun lamps.
- Desk lamp Allowed
- Not halogen.
- String / LED lights Not published
- Not published.
- Candles / incense Not allowed
- Wickless decorative candles are allowed; no incense or potpourri.
- Wax warmers Allowed
- Wax warmers are permitted.
Wax warmers are permitted.
Room
- Lofts Not allowed
- Unless offered by university housing.
- Bed risers Limits
- One set of retail risers (about 6 in); none in Baridon Hall. No stacking, homemade risers or cinder blocks.
- Adhesive hooks / strips Allowed
- Command strips and sticky tack; no nails, hooks or screws.
- Over-the-door hooks Not published
- Not published.
- Scooter storage Not allowed
- Electric coasting devices may not be stored in university housing.
Official sources (3)
Policies change. Always confirm current rules with UCA Housing and Residence Life. Rules verified Oct 9, 2026.
Mini fridges
UCA lists 3.8 cu ft and 1.5 A per mini fridge (Baridon Hall FAQ).
Best Value ✓ 3.8 cu ft, 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
✓ 3.8 cu ft, 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
✓ 3.8 cu ft, 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
Microwaves are allowed only in Baridon, Bear, Donaghey, Farris, New Hall and apartments; Baridon caps them at 1,000 W.
Top Pick ✓ Fits 1000 W limit
COMFEE' 0.7 cu ft Countertop Microwave (EM720CPL-PMB)
Best for: Everyday reheating
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.3"
Best Value ✓ Fits 1000 W limit
Chefman 0.7 cu ft Compact Microwave
Best for: Tight budgets
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.5"
✓ Fits 1000 W limit
Commercial Chef 0.7 cu ft Countertop Microwave (CHM770B)
Best for: Simple one-touch controls
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.6"
✓ Fits 1000 W limit
Farberware 0.7 cu ft Countertop Microwave
Best for: Multi-stage cooking
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.3"
✓ Fits 1000 W limit
Toshiba 0.7 cu ft Countertop Microwave (MM-EM07PA)
Best for: A trusted brand name
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.1"
✓ Fits 1000 W limit
Commercial Chef 0.6 cu ft Countertop Microwave (CHM660B)
Best for: The smallest footprint
Power700 W
Capacity0.6 cu ft
Width17.8"
Coffee makers
UCA coffee makers must be UL listed and unplugged when not in use.
Top Pick ✓ Fits the limits
Farberware 4-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator
Best for: Hot coffee that stays warm
Capacity4 cups
Power1000 W
TypePercolator
Best Value ✓ Fits the limits
Elite Gourmet 4-Cup Drip Coffee Maker (EHC4128)
Best for: Tight budgets
Capacity4 cups
Power650 W
TypeDrip
✓ Fits the limits
Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Switch Coffee Maker
Best for: A classic small drip brewer
Capacity4 cups
Power1200 W
TypeDrip
✓ Fits the limits
Brentwood 4-Cup Coffee Maker (TS-213)
Best for: A simple one-switch drip brewer
Capacity4 cups
TypeDrip
Size10.5" tall
✓ Fits the limits
Keurig K-Express Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Best for: Fast pod coffee
Brews8–12 oz
TypeK-Cup pods
Power1000 W
✓ Fits the limits
Keurig K-Compact Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Best for: Slim pod brewer for small desks
Brews6–10 oz
TypeK-Cup pods
Power1000 W
Irons
UL listed; plug in only while in use.
Top Pick ✓ Fits the limits
BLACK+DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron (IR40V)
Best for: Interview shirts on a budget
Power1200 W
Shut-offAutomatic
PlateNonstick
Best Value ✓ Fits the limits
BLACK+DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron (IR06V)
Best for: Small drawers and quick touch-ups
Power1200 W
SteamVertical
PlateNonstick
✓ Fits the limits
BLACK+DECKER The Classic Iron (F67E-T)
Best for: Steam or dry ironing
Power1100 W
Shut-offAutomatic
PlateAluminum
✓ Fits the limits
BEAUTURAL Steam Iron, Ceramic Soleplate
Best for: More steam for heavy fabrics
Power1500 W
Shut-offAutomatic
PlateCeramic
✓ Fits the limits
BLACK+DECKER Light 'N Easy Compact Steam Iron (IR1020S)
Best for: A lightweight iron for small spaces
Power1200 W
Shut-offAutomatic
PlateStainless
✓ Fits the limits
Hamilton Beach Steam Iron with Vertical Steam (14214)
Best for: Pressing and quick wrinkle touch-ups
Power1200 W
SteamVertical
CordRetractable
Fans
UL/ETL approved.
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
UCA allows up to two UL surge protectors with a reset switch per room.
Top Pick ✓ UL + circuit breaker
Tripp Lite Protect It! 6-Outlet Surge Protector (TLP606B)
Best for: Desk setups and chargers
Outlets6
Breaker15 A
Cord6 ft
Best Value ✓ UL + circuit breaker
GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector, 2 ft cord
Best for: Tight budgets and short reaches
Outlets6
BreakerBuilt-in
Cord2 ft
✓ UL + circuit breaker
Tripp Lite Protect It! 8-Outlet Flat-Plug Surge Protector (TLP808B)
Best for: Outlets behind beds and dressers
Outlets8
Breaker15 A
PlugFlat
✓ UL + circuit breaker
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
✓ UL + circuit breaker
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
✓ UL + circuit breaker
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 UCA 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
Not 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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