Residence Hall living is filled with opportunities to meet new friends, engage in the community, and live within steps of everything on campus. Your residence hall room is your “home away from home.”
Before you move in, you should consider what items to bring, what to expect from roommate relationships, and how you might decorate your room. We invite you to explore the resources offered here and get ready for this exciting next chapter in your life.
Roommate Relationships Tips
Your college roommate isn't someone you simply share space with - they can have a meaningful impact on your college experience.The best way to have a good roommate is to be a good roommate.
Learn how to create a healthy roommate relationship with tips we call the "4 C's" of campus living.
Decorating your room is one of the ways you can begin making a comfortable and home-like space for yourself.
Remember, consult with your roommate and the Residential Facilities advice below when decorating your room.
All University of Maryland rooms in residence halls are furnished with:
- Twin size bed and mattress (twin XL in Pyon-Chen and Johnson-Whittle Halls)
- Five-drawer dresser (except Oakland Hall and Prince Frederick Hall, which have three-drawer dressers)
- Desk with drawer and shelf;desk chair
- Personal data line
Each room also has window blinds, closet space, smoke alarm, fire suppression sprinkler, and an overhead light. Storage space may be limited to the upper shelf and floor inside the closet(s) and under the bed(s).
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When you arrive at your residence hall room, your furniture will be set to optimize space and airflow for the Heating and Air Conditioning Unit (HVAC) systems.If you and your roommates decide to rearrange the furniture, please keep the following points in mind:
- Keep a minimum of 12” clearance or one floor tile from the HVAC units as well as the dehumidifier (if applicable) for moisture control
- Keep at least 6” distance between the beds
Please note that no university furnishings may be removed from rooms or suites and apartments.
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You are free to hang posters, pictures, etc., on the walls using "blue painter's tape," which is readily available at home improvement stores, or removable poster "putty."
Residents will be charged for repairing holes in walls, doors, and ceilings caused by tape, nails, tacks, or screws, as well as other damages to the rooms and university furnishings.
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For fire safety and health reasons,cooking is prohibited in all student rooms with the exception of a university approved microwave attached to the MicroFridge Smoke Sensor combination unit (available as a rental). This is why students in the residence halls are required to participate in an approved dining plan.
Permissible Appliances
Standalone microwaves are not approved. Microwaves are approved in dorm rooms only as part of the MicroFridge Smoke Sensor combination appliance unit (available as a rental).
Air popcorn poppers and hot water pots which have enclosed heating elements and bear the UL seal. These items should not be used in student rooms, only in a designated cooking area inside floor lounges.
Most buildings have hallway kitchenettes or floor lounges that are equipped with a microwave, stove, sink, disposal, instant hot water tap, and refrigerator (varies by building) that are adequate for cooking or cleaning utensils.
Small Refrigerators
Small refrigerators are permitted in student rooms and available as a rental from MyFridgeRental.com. They must meet these safety specifications:
- 3.6 cubic foot maximum
- 1.5 normal operating amps
- 120 volts, 60 cycle AC
- Grounding type, 3-prong electric plug and 3-wire cord
- Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Seal of Approval
- Energy Star rated models preferred
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Data
Each resident has a personal high speed data line. The residence halls also have 100% wireless internet coverage. Learn more aboutconnecting to the campus network.
Xfinity Stream
All residence hall students have free access to XFINITY Stream. Visit theXfinity On Campus websiteand use your University credentials to login and learn more.
Telephone
Each bedroom has telephone capabilities, including voicemail and unlimited campus calling. Residents have to request telephone and voicemail activationvia the Division of IT website.
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We recommend packing light and only bringing the essential items you need. You will have closet space and storage under your bed to keep things organized.
If you are sharing the space with a roommate, talk to them in advance of your arrival about possibly coordinating the purchase or rental of appliances and other shared items.
- Comforter, blanket, pillows, pillowcases
- Twin-size sheets and mattress cover (36" x 75" x 6" mattress)
- Mattress pad
- Under-the-bed storage boxes (10" clearance)
- Bed risers
- Soap, toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste
- Towels, washcloths
- Shower tote bucket / or hanging shower tote
- Shower shoes
- Robe
- Laundry bag
- Detergent / softener
- Drying rack
- Clothes hangers
- Refrigerator (see safety specifications above or rental options)
- Fan
- Alarm clock
- Smart television
- Carpet or area rug (recommended size is 6’x9’)
- Full length mirror
- Desk/floor lamp
- 2 waste bins(one for trash, one for recycling)
- Handheld vacuum
- Masks
- Flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, emergency Kit
- First aid kit
- Touch-tone phone (voicemail is provided)
- Cleaning supplies (preferably “green”)
- Alcohol wipes
- Snacks
- Command strips
- Blue painter's tape
- Lock for laptop
- Non-damaging wall fasteners for hanging items (blue painter's tape and poster putty recommended)
- Tapestries, flags, posters
- Succulent plants
- UL/CSA approved power outlet strip with integrated circuit breaker (consider “smart power strip” to save energy)
- Laptop and category 5 ethernet cable, no longer than 14 feet
- Lock for laptop
- Backpack (consider waterproof options)
- Notebooks / pens / pencils
- Desk organizer
- Desk lamp (consider CFL or LED bulbs; no halogen bulbs, no lamps with gooseneck arms and plastic shades)
- Dry erase board
- Reusable water bottle
- Reusable mug/cup, straw, plate, fork, and spoon
- Reusable shopping bag(s)
- Hammock
- Raincoat /umbrella
- Hand truck
- Packing bags / bins
- Patience, positive energy, great attitudes
- QAM-ready television and 15- to 20-foot cable(HD digital service in residence halls)
- Small appliances (UL/CSA approved, ENERGY STAR certified models preferred)
- Small refrigerator rental or purchase (3.6 cubic foot maximum, ENERGY STAR certified)
- Air cleaner or air ionizer with UL Seal
- Keurig hot drink dispensers (consider purchasing a reusable K-cup filter)
- Window fan and room fans
- Touch-tone phone with standard plug, line cord (voicemail is provided)
- Carpet remnant or rug (the recommended size is 6’x9’)
- Curtain (if desired, windows have installed blinds)
- Cleaning supplies (preferably “green”)
- Dustbuster/vacuum
- Waste bins
- Memo/dry erase board for your room door
Vendor Information
We work with Collegiate Marketing, Inc. andMyFridgeRental.com to provide bed loft and refrigerator rentals to residence hall students.
