UH Dorm Rules and Gear

All gear here fits UH's housing appliance limits.

UH dorm appliance rules

University of Houston residence halls. Every hall provides a fridge (Moody Towers: microwave-fridge; Bayou Oaks, Cougar Place, The Quad and University Lofts: full-size kitchen appliances). Some halls have full-size beds.

Mini fridge Not allowed: Personal refrigerators are prohibited in rooms and suites; halls provide one.
Microwave Not allowed: Personal microwaves are prohibited; community kitchens and some units provide one.
Power strips / surge protectors Limits: Surge protectors are OK but must be UL-approved.

Kitchen

Mini fridge Not allowed: Personal refrigerators are prohibited in rooms and suites; halls provide one. The use of personal refrigerators & microwaves within suites/rooms is prohibited
Microwave Not allowed: Personal microwaves are prohibited; community kitchens and some units provide one.
Coffee maker Not published: Not published.
Keurig / single-serve Not published: Not published.
Electric kettle Not published: Not published.
Air fryer Not allowed: Open-coil cooking devices are 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 published: Not published.

Personal care

Hair dryer Not published: Not published.
Straightener / curling iron Not published: Not published.
Clothes iron Allowed: Iron and ironing board are on the packing list.
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 published: Not published.
Window / portable AC Not published: Not published.

Power & lighting

Extension cords Not allowed: The UH Fire Marshal prohibits extension cords and multi-plug adapters.
Power strips / surge protectors Limits: Surge protectors are OK but must be UL-approved. Surge protectors are OK but must be UL-approved.
Halogen lamps Not published: Not published.
Desk lamp Allowed: On the packing list.
String / LED lights Not allowed: Plug-in string lights are not allowed.
Candles / incense Not allowed: Not allowed.
Wax warmers Not published: Not published.

Room

Lofts Not allowed: Self-made lofts are not allowed.
Bed risers Not published: Not published.
Adhesive hooks / strips Allowed: Use removable wall hangers; no nails, screws or staples.
Over-the-door hooks Not published: Not published.

Official sources (2)

Policies change. Always confirm current rules with UH Student Housing & Residential Life. Rules verified Oct 9, 2026.

Irons

UH lists an iron and ironing board on its packing list.

Top Pick ✓ Listed as allowed

BLACK+DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron (IR40V)

Best for: Interview shirts on a budget

Power1200 W

Shut-offAutomatic

PlateNonstick

Buy on Amazon

Best Value ✓ Listed as allowed

BLACK+DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron (IR06V)

Best for: Small drawers and quick touch-ups

Power1200 W

SteamVertical

PlateNonstick

Buy on Amazon

✓ Listed as allowed

BLACK+DECKER The Classic Iron (F67E-T)

Best for: Steam or dry ironing

Power1100 W

Shut-offAutomatic

PlateAluminum

Buy on Amazon

✓ Listed as allowed

BEAUTURAL Steam Iron, Ceramic Soleplate

Best for: More steam for heavy fabrics

Power1500 W

Shut-offAutomatic

PlateCeramic

Buy on Amazon

✓ Listed as allowed

BLACK+DECKER Light 'N Easy Compact Steam Iron (IR1020S)

Best for: A lightweight iron for small spaces

Power1200 W

Shut-offAutomatic

PlateStainless

Buy on Amazon

✓ Listed as allowed

Hamilton Beach Steam Iron with Vertical Steam (14214)

Best for: Pressing and quick wrinkle touch-ups

Power1200 W

SteamVertical

CordRetractable

Buy on Amazon

Power strips

UH allows surge protectors that are UL-approved. Extension cords are prohibited.

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

Don't forget

Move-in basics that fit UH housing rules.

UH beds are Twin XL in Cougar Village I, Cougar Village II and Moody Towers, and full size in Bayou Oaks, Cougar Place, The Quad and University Lofts.

Bed

Twin XL sheets

Amazon Basics Microfiber Twin XL Sheet Set

Twin XL or Full by hall
Buy on Amazon
Mattress topper

Bedsure Twin XL Mattress Pad

Twin XL or Full by hall
Buy on Amazon
Mattress protector

Utopia Bedding Waterproof Twin XL Mattress Protector

Twin XL or Full by hall
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; no nails or staples
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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