Top Pick ✓ Fits 4.3 cu ft limit
Upstreman 3.2 cu ft Mini Fridge with Freezer (BR321)
Best for: Most students who want a freezer
Capacity3.2 cu ft
Freezer0.3 cu ft
Size33.1" tall
UMN Dorm Rules and Gear
All gear here fits UMN's housing appliance limits.
UMN dorm appliance rules
University of Minnesota residence halls (Twin Cities). Apartments include refrigerators; some rooms cannot have lofted or bunked beds.
- Mini fridge Limits
- One per room, 4.3 cu ft or smaller.
- Microwave Limits
- One per room, 700 W or less.
- Power strips / surge protectors Limits
- Must be fused, UL approved, grounded and at least 14-gauge wire.
Kitchen
- Mini fridge Limits
- One per room, 4.3 cu ft or smaller.
The refrigerators must be 4.3 cubic feet or smaller.
- Microwave Limits
- One per room, 700 W or less.
The microwave must use no more than 700 watts.
- Coffee maker Allowed
- Drip coffee and espresso makers are on the What to Bring list.
- Keurig / single-serve Not published
- Not published.
- Electric kettle Limits
- Allowed with automatic shutoff.
- Air fryer Not allowed
- Not allowed (open heating element).
- Toaster / toaster oven Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Rice cooker Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Instant Pot / pressure cooker Not allowed
- Pressure cookers and slow cookers are not allowed.
- Hot plate Not allowed
- Not allowed.
- Blender Allowed
- A mini blender is on the What to Bring list.
- Indoor grill / griddle Not allowed
- Electric grills, griddles and all-in-one makers are not allowed.
Personal care
- Hair dryer Allowed
- On the What to Bring list.
- Straightener / curling iron Allowed
- Styling tools are on the What to Bring list.
- Clothes iron Allowed
- On the What to Bring list.
- Clothes steamer Not published
- Not published.
Climate
- Space heater Not published
- Not published.
- Fan Allowed
- On the What to Bring list, especially for halls without air conditioning.
- Air purifier Not published
- Not published.
- Humidifier Not published
- Not published.
- Window / portable AC Not allowed
- Rooms are not wired for air conditioners.
Power & lighting
- Extension cords Limits
- Must carry a UL safety mark; no concealed cords.
- Power strips / surge protectors Limits
- Must be fused, UL approved, grounded and at least 14-gauge wire.
Residents may possess multiple strip outlets that are fused with at least 14-gauge wire, are UL approved, and are grounded.
- Halogen lamps Not allowed
- Halogen and torchiere lamps are not allowed. Lights must be UL listed, 75 W max.
- Desk lamp Allowed
- LED or CFL lamps are on the What to Bring list.
- String / LED lights Limits
- String lights are on the list. Never use the adhesive backing on LED light strips.
- Candles / incense Not published
- Not published.
- Wax warmers Not published
- Not published.
Room
- Lofts Limits
- Many residents loft or bunk beds; some rooms are listed as exceptions.
- Bed risers Not published
- Not published.
- Adhesive hooks / strips Limits
- Use "damage-free" or "removable" adhesives and follow the directions. Wall damage can cost $200 or more.
- Over-the-door hooks Not published
- Not published.
Official sources (2)
Policies change. Always confirm current rules with University of Minnesota Housing & Residential Life. Rules verified Oct 9, 2026.
Mini fridges
Minnesota allows one refrigerator per room, 4.3 cu ft or smaller.
Best Value ✓ Fits 4.3 cu ft limit
Upstreman 1.7 cu ft Mini Fridge with Freezer (FR17)
Best for: Tight budgets and small rooms
Capacity1.7 cu ft
FreezerBuilt-in
Size19.3" tall
✓ Fits 4.3 cu ft limit
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
✓ Fits 4.3 cu ft limit
Igloo 3.2 cu ft Mini Fridge with Freezer
Best for: Sharing with a roommate
Capacity3.2 cu ft
Freezer0.2 cu ft
Size32.5" tall
✓ Fits 4.3 cu ft limit
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
✓ Fits 4.3 cu ft limit
EUHOMY 3.2 cu ft Mini Fridge with Freezer
Best for: Light sleepers
Capacity3.2 cu ft
Noise38 dB
Size31.1" tall
Microwaves
Minnesota allows one microwave per room at 700 W or less.
Top Pick ✓ Fits 700 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 700 W limit
Chefman 0.7 cu ft Compact Microwave
Best for: Tight budgets
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.5"
✓ Fits 700 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 700 W limit
Farberware 0.7 cu ft Countertop Microwave
Best for: Multi-stage cooking
Power700 W
Capacity0.7 cu ft
Width17.3"
✓ Fits 700 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 700 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
Minnesota lists drip coffee and espresso makers on its What to Bring list.
Top Pick ✓ Drip coffee maker
Elite Gourmet 4-Cup Drip Coffee Maker (EHC4128)
Best for: Tight budgets
Capacity4 cups
Power650 W
TypeDrip
Best Value ✓ Drip coffee maker
Elite Gourmet 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker (EHC-5055)
Best for: Budget brewer under 700 W
Capacity5 cups
Power600 W
TypeDrip
✓ Drip coffee maker
Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Switch Coffee Maker
Best for: A classic small drip brewer
Capacity4 cups
Power1200 W
TypeDrip
✓ Drip coffee maker
Brentwood 4-Cup Coffee Maker (TS-213)
Best for: A simple one-switch drip brewer
Capacity4 cups
TypeDrip
Size10.5" tall
✓ Drip coffee maker
Amazon Basics 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker
Best for: Budget brewer with 2-hour auto shut-off
Capacity5 cups
TypeDrip
Shut-offAutomatic
✓ Drip coffee maker
Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Best for: Coffee ready when you wake up
Capacity5 cups
TypeDrip
Shut-offAutomatic
Irons
Minnesota lists a clothes iron on its What to Bring 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
Best Value ✓ Listed as allowed
BLACK+DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron (IR06V)
Best for: Small drawers and quick touch-ups
Power1200 W
SteamVertical
PlateNonstick
✓ Listed as allowed
BLACK+DECKER The Classic Iron (F67E-T)
Best for: Steam or dry ironing
Power1100 W
Shut-offAutomatic
PlateAluminum
✓ Listed as allowed
BEAUTURAL Steam Iron, Ceramic Soleplate
Best for: More steam for heavy fabrics
Power1500 W
Shut-offAutomatic
PlateCeramic
✓ 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
✓ Listed as allowed
Hamilton Beach Steam Iron with Vertical Steam (14214)
Best for: Pressing and quick wrinkle touch-ups
Power1200 W
SteamVertical
CordRetractable
Fans
Minnesota recommends a fan, especially in buildings without air conditioning.
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
Minnesota requires fused, grounded, UL-approved strips with at least 14-gauge wire. Every pick here has a 14 AWG cord and a 15 A breaker.
Top Pick ✓ UL, 14-gauge cord
Tripp Lite Protect It! 6-Outlet Surge Protector (TLP606B)
Best for: Desk setups and chargers
Outlets6
Breaker15 A
Cord6 ft
Best Value ✓ UL, 14-gauge cord
Tripp Lite Protect It! 8-Outlet Flat-Plug Surge Protector (TLP808B)
Best for: Outlets behind beds and dressers
Outlets8
Breaker15 A
PlugFlat
✓ UL, 14-gauge cord
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, 14-gauge cord
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 UMN 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; follow directions
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
14-gauge, UL, breaker
Buy on Amazon -
Laptop lock
Kensington Combination Laptop Cable Lock
Needs a lock slot
Buy on Amazon
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