<p>I saw this on maryland's website..</p>
<p>Students may not bring or use microwaves, microfridges, electric skillets, crockpots, or appliances with open or exposed heating elements or coils such as hotplates, toasters, and toaster ovens.</p>
<p>does that mean no microwaves or no microwaves with open heating elements?</p>
<p>also, you cant loft your bed? why do they have these rules?</p>
<p>The reason is probably that they are afraid of dorm fires. Here is an excerpt from an article I found when googling the subject.</p>
<p>"Whether you live in a residence hall, Greek housing or an off-campus apartment, your living area is likely overfilled with books, paper, bedding, curtains and clothes that make your room a bon-fire waiting to happen," said John Drengenberg, manager of Consumer Affairs at Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), a not-for-profit organization that tests products for safety. "In this environment, even the smallest spark can be deadly."</p>
<p>It means no microwaves, period. But there is at least one microwave on each floor in the dorms, and people definitely use them. Not having a microwave in your individual room isn't really an issue because there's one a few feet away from you in the lounge or elsewhere on the floor.</p>
<p>Lofts can be unsafe (and fall down) when they aren't built properly-- hence not allowing lofts.</p>
<p>honestly though, these restrictions aren't such a big deal. the university has an approved company that will loft your bed for you. my bed is a loft, and it works just fine for me. and while the microwave we have (one per floor) isn't the best, it works pretty well and i haven't experienced any problems with it. there is also rarely a line to use it. we are also permitted to bring in regular fridges and there is also a larger fridge on every floor. so basically, yes you're right, but it doesn't really hinder day to day activity.</p>
<p>thanks guys. that cleared it up :)</p>