In addition to the information on this page, the University Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) offers additional safety policies and residence hall fire safety information, and can assist in answering questions. Contact fire-safety@virginia.edu or call 434.243.1711. EHS will also perform courtesy inspections upon request.
To ensure the safety of the residents, the following are specifically prohibited in student rooms, suites, and apartments:
Pets (except small non-lethal fish, in an aquarium no larger than 20 gallons)
Certain types of lamps
- halogen torchiere lamps
- "octopus" lamps
- lamps with plastic shades
Cinder blocks or lofts for propping beds
Lofts that are not provided by the University, except in designated Range rooms
Extension cords and multi-plug adapters
- power strips must be UL approved and have a built-in circuit breaker and on/off switch
Electrical appliances
- air conditioners (unless pre-approved for medical reasons in permitted buildings - they are not permitted in McCormick Road or Alderman Road buildings).
- exterior aerials or satellite dishes
- cooking and heating appliances (except microwaves, popcorn poppers, rice cookers, hot water kettles, and single-serve Keurig-type coffee makers)
- George Foreman-type grills
- a Fry Baby or other deep fryer
- toasters or toaster ovens
- oversized refrigerators
- ceiling fans
- space heaters
- washing machines
- portable dishwashers
- personal networking equipment such as routers, switches, and wireless access points
- See Fire Prevention for more
Wireless Internet routers or range extenders
Devices that operate on 2.4 GHz and 5.1 GHz frequencies such cordless telephones, microwaves, baby monitors, wireless speakers, and wireless (not Bluetooth) headsets (devices operating on 900 MHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies are permitted)
Open flames
- candles
- incense
- oil lamps
- houkas
Live and artificial decorative trees
Firearms and weapons
- B.B. guns
- bows and arrows
- paintball guns
- ammunition
- firecrackers or explosives
- slingshots
- swords
- knives with blades longer than 4"
- martial arts tools
Self-balancing electric wheeled boards (Hoverboards)
Electric scooters
Any other item which the University determines to be dangerous or illegal