Many colleges ban smoking in their residence halls, including in dorm rooms, bathrooms, hallways, breezeways and courtyards. Some rulebooks specify that smokers must be 25 feet away from the residence hall building before lighting up.
While college students aren't known for being neat and tidy, universities do expect them to maintain some standards of cleanliness. College handbooks require students' housekeeping practices be adequate enough to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria and mildew. Students are instructed to wash dishes and remove trash regularly to avoid attracting pests.
To promote fire safety, residence halls place restrictions on what appliances can be used in dorms. Allowable appliances must typically be approved by Underwriter Laboratories, and may be subject to restrictions on size, voltage or amps required. Allowed appliances may include blenders, can openers, irons, coffeemakers and small refrigerators and microwaves. Banned items include small personal grills, electric stoves, slow cookers, toasters, hot plates and toaster ovens.
Your college career won't include a dog or cat if you're living on campus. Most pets are banned in residence halls, although some may allow fish in small aquariums or bowls. Universities make an exception for service animals that assist people with disabilities. The university may request documentation certifying the student's need for the animal.
Students age 21 or older are often permitted to store and drink alcohol in their dorm rooms, but drinking is not permitted in common areas, such as lounges, hallways or bathrooms. Universities do not allow large containers of alcohol in residence halls.
Universities often have a list of items that are not allowed in residence halls for fire and safety reasons. These include firearms and other weapons, space heaters, candles, electric blankets, halogen lamps and paintball guns.