15 Prohibited Items In University Halls

Item

Reason

Air conditioner:

​Depending on the location of your university, rooms may get hot. Arm yourself with a hand held fan and avoid installing an air conditioner in halls of residence. They can be a fire hazard, take up too much space and require an outlet through a window or wall opening.

To keep cool during the summer months, keep your blinds and windows closed during the day and dress appropriately! Open the windows in the evening or first thing in morning to refresh the air in the room.

Candles or Incense Burners:

​Do not take any type of wax burner, candle or similar items to uni halls. They are strictly forbidden in all cases as they are a fire risk.

If you like a sweet-smelling room, take reed diffusers or an essential oil diffuser instead. Read our Tips on Creating the Perfect University Student Room Decor

Curtains:

​Student rooms in Halls are usually provided with blinds, as curtains are deemed a fire hazard and must be fire retardant. Check with your Accommodation team before buying any, or use temporary blinds.

Ebikes & Scooters

While universities readily allow bikes, e-bikes and scooters are generally not allowed in halls of residence, as the batteries can be a fire hazard and their storage may block fire exits.

Electric Blankets

​These are not allowed in most university halls because they can be considered a fire hazard.

​Fairy lights:

​These regularly appear as a staple item featuring on packing lists for university and you may have them at home in your bedroom. However, plug-in fairy lights are considered a fire risk in university halls because of the risk they will overheat. Some places let you use battery operated lights, so long as they aren’t touching soft textiles in the room, such as the curtains, or fabric bedhead.

Fan heater:

​While it may get a little cold in winter, heaters are not allowed in most university halls as they are considered a fire hazard. Dress warmly, layer on the blankets, and get yourself a hot water bottle!

​Halogen lamp:

​These lamps are not allowed in most university halls because they are a fire hazard.

​Illegal drugs:

​Illegal drugs are against the law and can lead to expulsion from university.

​Kitchen appliances:

​Small electric kitchen appliances such as kettles, toasters, waffle-makers or electric ovens are considered a fire risk in your bedroom. However, most universities will let you bring them into a shared kitchen, or provide them for you.

Mini fridge:

​Most universities ban mini fridges because of the risk they might overheat and cause a fire. If you need one in order to store prescribed medicine or items related to a medical need, write to the Accommodation department of your university to seek authorization before move-in day.

​Pets:

While you may miss Flopsy the bunny at home, pets are not welcome or permitted in university halls of residence, unless a medical condition requires the need for a support dog.

Plug Adaptors:

​Most checklists – including ours - will recommend extension leads or multi-plug units, but it is important to get the right type. Universities are not keen on the cube or block adapters as they may overheat.

The recommended type to pack is a strip extension lead for a maximum of four plugs, and it must also have a fuse.

​Tape:

​Using tape to stick your class schedule, posters, etc on the walls will leave marks when you take them down, so use blu-tack or command strips instead that won’t damage the paintwork. Alternatively, just use pin tacks and the noticeboard that will likely be installed in your room already.

Weapons:

​Weapons or dangerous items of any kind are not allowed in university halls.