Do College Dorms Allow Blenders? Know What You Can and Can't Bring With You

If you’re the type of person who can’t resist a fresh fruit smoothie in the morning or a protein-packed peanut butter shake after an intense workout, you’re probably wondering about whether or not you’ll have to switch up your blender routine as you enter college dorm life.

So, do college dorms allow blenders for you to keep your smoothie game top tier? The answer is most likely yes, but it’s a little more complicated than that.

Here is what you need to know about blenders in your dorm room:

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Are Blenders Allowed in My Dorm Room?

Student codes of conduct vary regarding which types of approved appliances are permitted on university property. Most schools regulate these items for residence hall students due to fire hazards such as appliances with an exposed heating element or combustible material.

Some of the most common devices you’re allowed to bring are coffee pots, hot plates, and mini fridges. But microwaves, rice cookers, toaster ovens, or other kitchen electronics may be banned.

Despite some exceptions to university policy, a personal blender is typically allowed in a student room.

If Blenders Are Banned from My Residence Hall Room, Where Can I Use One?

If you’re a college student who landed at a school that prohibits blenders in your room, that doesn’t necessarily mean you must say goodbye to those morning smoothies.

University housing is likely to offer a public area for students to use certain appliances, so that residence life is a bit more accommodating.

This way, a campus staff member or resident assistant can better monitor the use of hazardous kitchen appliances. Here are some of the things that campus housing will look for:

The type and condition of an extension cord (i.e., if it is in poor condition or grounded)
Fire alarm testing
Smoke detector testing
Overnight guest usage (i.e., if a resident student is telling visitors about fire safety policies)

If My University Allows Blenders, What Is the Etiquette of Using Them?

Trust us. You do not want to be that kid down the hall known for being the loudest and most obnoxious when others are trying to sleep. Here are some tips to make your protein shakes without pissing anyone off:

Blending in the morning is a big no no. The same rule goes for any quiet hours. Consider making your shakes in advance when people are awake to avoid any drama.
If you make a mess, clean up after yourself. This is pretty self-explanatory. Wash your dishes and if you accidentally blast strawberries and bananas all over your roommate, apologize profusely.
Instead of a regular blender, get yourself one that makes less noise, like an immersion blender.

What Are the Best Blenders to Bring to My Student Apartment?

NutriBullet

If you’re going to make a smoothie for yourself, consider bringing this one to school. A NutriBullet is sized for one person, leaving less mess and easy portioning. Plus, it blends super fast and efficiently, so even if you do make noise, it’s not for long.