UC Davis Dorm Rules and Gear

All gear here fits UC Davis's housing appliance limits.

UC Davis dorm appliance rules

UC Davis residence halls. Every hall room has a Danby MicroFridge; food is prepared in community kitchens. Apartments (e.g., The Green, Orchard Park) have different rules.

Mini fridge Not allowed: Each room has a MicroFridge; additional refrigerators need authorization.
Microwave Not allowed: Each room has a MicroFridge; additional microwaves need authorization.
Power strips / surge protectors Limits: Must be UL rated, grounded and fused; a smart power strip is on the packing list.

Kitchen

Mini fridge Not allowed: Each room has a MicroFridge; additional refrigerators need authorization.
Microwave Not allowed: Each room has a MicroFridge; additional microwaves need authorization.
Coffee maker Not published: Not published.
Keurig / single-serve Not published: Not published.
Electric kettle Not published: Not published.
Air fryer Not allowed: May be stored but not used in rooms; food is prepared in community kitchens.
Toaster / toaster oven Not allowed: May be stored but not used in rooms.
Rice cooker Not allowed: May be stored but not used in rooms.
Instant Pot / pressure cooker Not allowed: Crock pots may be stored but not used in rooms.
Hot plate Not allowed: Not allowed.
Blender Not published: Not published.
Indoor grill / griddle Not allowed: Barbecues and gas grills are not allowed.

Personal care

Hair dryer Not published: Not published.
Straightener / curling iron Not published: Not published.
Clothes iron Limits: On the packing list. All appliances must be UL listed and under 800 W. UL approved appliances (under 800 watts)
Clothes steamer Not published: Not published.

Climate

Space heater Not allowed: Not allowed.
Fan Not published: Not published.
Air purifier Not published: Not published.
Humidifier Not allowed: Not allowed unless there is a medical need.
Window / portable AC Not allowed: Not allowed.

Power & lighting

Extension cords Not published: Not published.
Power strips / surge protectors Limits: Must be UL rated, grounded and fused; a smart power strip is on the packing list. Grounded UL approved power strips with fuses may be used.
Halogen lamps Not allowed: Torchiere halogen lamps are not allowed.
Desk lamp Not published: Not published.
String / LED lights Limits: Incandescent string lights are not allowed.
Candles / incense Not allowed: Not allowed.
Wax warmers Not published: Not published.

Room

Lofts Not published: Not published.
Bed risers Not published: Not published.
Adhesive hooks / strips Not published: Not published.
Over-the-door hooks Not published: Not published.
Wall hanging Allowed: Poster putty, thumbtacks and push pins are OK; no nails or screws.

Official sources (2)

Policies change. Always confirm current rules with UC Davis Student Housing and Dining Services. Rules verified Oct 9, 2026.

Irons

UC Davis requires UL-listed appliances under 800 W, so only low-watt travel irons fit.

Top Pick ✓ Under 800 W

BEAUTURAL Mini Travel Steam Iron

Best for: Low-watt touch-ups and collars

Power420 W

VoltageDual

PlateNonstick

Buy on Amazon

Power strips

UC Davis allows grounded, UL-rated power strips with fuses. Every pick here is UL listed.

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

Buy on Amazon

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

Buy on Amazon

✓ 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

Buy on Amazon

✓ 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

Buy on Amazon

✓ 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

Buy on Amazon

✓ Fits the limits

GE 6-Outlet Power Strip with Circuit Breaker (14831)

Best for: Lamps and chargers on the tightest budget

Outlets6

Breaker15 A

Cord2 ft

Buy on Amazon

Don't forget

Move-in basics that fit UC Davis 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 torchiere
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

Or poster putty and push pins
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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