Top Pick ✓ UL listed, under 5 cu ft
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
UC San Diego Dorm Rules and Gear
All gear here fits UC San Diego's housing appliance limits.
UC San Diego dorm appliance rules
UC San Diego undergraduate housing. Heat-producing cooking appliances must stay in kitchen areas. Halls have no air conditioning.
- Mini fridge Limits
- One per room, under 5 cu ft, UL approved.
- Microwave Limits
- 750 W or less, UL listed.
- Power strips / surge protectors Limits
- Grounded, UL listed, with an on/off switch and plugged straight into the wall. Breaker strips only for low-draw appliances (600 W or less).
Kitchen
- Mini fridge Limits
- One per room, under 5 cu ft, UL approved.
refrigerators must be 5.0 cubic feet or less
- Microwave Limits
- 750 W or less, UL listed.
Microwaves must be 750 watts or less
- Coffee maker Limits
- Kitchen areas only, not in rooms.
- Keurig / single-serve Not published
- Not published.
- Electric kettle Limits
- Water boilers are kitchen-only.
- Air fryer Limits
- Kitchen areas only.
- Toaster / toaster oven Limits
- Kitchen areas only.
- Rice cooker Limits
- Kitchen areas only.
- Instant Pot / pressure cooker Not published
- Not published.
- Hot plate Not allowed
- Appliances with exposed heating elements are prohibited.
- Blender Not published
- Not published.
- Indoor grill / griddle Limits
- Electric grills are kitchen-only.
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
- On the what-to-bring list; halls have no air conditioning.
- Air purifier Not published
- Not published.
- Humidifier Not published
- Not published.
- Window / portable AC Not allowed
- Portable or installed AC units are prohibited.
Power & lighting
- Extension cords Limits
- Must be grounded, UL listed and plugged straight into the wall.
- Power strips / surge protectors Limits
- Grounded, UL listed, with an on/off switch and plugged straight into the wall. Breaker strips only for low-draw appliances (600 W or less).
Circuited and have an on/off switch
- Halogen lamps Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Desk lamp Allowed
- A non-halogen desk lamp is on the what-to-bring list.
- String / LED lights Not published
- Not published.
- Candles / incense Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Wax warmers Not published
- Not published.
Room
- Lofts Not allowed
- Building lofts or platforms is prohibited.
- Bed risers Not published
- Not published.
- Adhesive hooks / strips Allowed
- Use removable adhesive strips or painter's tape.
- Over-the-door hooks Not published
- Not published.
Official sources (2)
Policies change. Always confirm current rules with UC San Diego Housing, Dining & Hospitality. Rules verified Oct 9, 2026.
Mini fridges
UC San Diego allows one UL-approved fridge per room, under 5 cu ft. Every pick here is UL listed.
Best Value ✓ UL listed, under 5 cu ft
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
Microwaves
UC San Diego allows microwaves of 750 W or less.
Top Pick ✓ Under 750 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 750 W
Chefman 0.7 cu ft Compact Microwave
Best for: Tight budgets
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.5"
✓ Under 750 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 750 W
Farberware 0.7 cu ft Countertop Microwave
Best for: Multi-stage cooking
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.3"
✓ Under 750 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 750 W
Commercial Chef 0.6 cu ft Countertop Microwave (CHM660B)
Best for: The smallest footprint
Power700 W
Capacity0.6 cu ft
Width17.8"
Air fryers
Kitchen areas only.
Top Pick ✓ Fits the limits
Dash Tasti-Crisp 2.6 qt Air Fryer
Best for: Cooking for one or two
Capacity2.6 qt
Power1000 W
Size11.3" tall
Best Value ✓ Fits the limits
Chefman 2 qt Mini Air Fryer
Best for: Tight budgets and small desks
Capacity2 qt
Power900 W
Size8.3" tall
✓ Fits the limits
COSORI Lite 2.1 qt Air Fryer
Best for: Quick snacks and reheats
Capacity2.1 qt
Power900 W
Size10.5" tall
✓ Fits the limits
Instant Vortex Plus Mini 4 qt Air Fryer
Best for: Six cooking modes in a small body
Capacity4 qt
Power1600 W
Size11" tall
✓ Fits the limits
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 qt (AF141)
Best for: Meal prep for roommates
Capacity5 qt
Modes4-in-1
Size10.4" tall
✓ Fits the limits
COSORI Pro LE 5 qt Air Fryer
Best for: Larger batches
Capacity5 qt
Power1500 W
Size12" tall
Coffee makers
Kitchen areas only, not in rooms.
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
Rice cookers
Kitchen areas only.
Top Pick ✓ Fits the limits
AROMA Digital Rice Cooker, 4-cup uncooked (ARC-914SBD)
Best for: Rice, grains and steamed veggies
Capacity4 cups uncooked
Power350 W
TypeDigital
Best Value ✓ Fits the limits
Dash Mini Rice Cooker, 2-cup
Best for: Single servings on a budget
Capacity2 cups
PotCeramic nonstick
Size6.5" tall
✓ Fits the limits
AROMA Rice Cooker, 3-cup uncooked (ARC-363NG)
Best for: One-switch simplicity
Capacity3 cups uncooked
Power500 W
TypeOne-touch
✓ Fits the limits
Zojirushi 3-cup Rice Cooker/Steamer (NHS-06)
Best for: Consistent results for years
Capacity3 cups uncooked
Power300 W
TypeOne-touch
✓ Fits the limits
Toshiba Mini Rice Cooker, 3-cup uncooked (TRCS02)
Best for: Fuzzy-logic cooking and a delay timer
Capacity3 cups uncooked
Power460 W
TypeFuzzy logic
✓ Fits the limits
AROMA Rice Cooker and Steamer, 3-cup uncooked (ARC-363-1NGB)
Best for: Steaming veggies while the rice cooks
Capacity3 cups uncooked
Power300 W
ExtraSteam tray
Fans
UC San Diego halls have no air conditioning, and a fan is on the 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
UC San Diego requires grounded, UL-listed strips with an on/off switch, plugged straight into the wall.
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
✓ 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
Don't forget
Move-in basics that fit UC San Diego housing rules.
Bed
-
Twin XL sheets
Amazon Basics Microfiber Twin XL Sheet Set
Twin XL (36″ × 80″)
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
Non-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 strips only
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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