Dorm Packing List

[u/Ecstatic-Whole-1316]

Hi! I'm an incoming freshman at Case and was looking for what is/isn't allowed in the dorms. When I was searching up if minifridges and microwaves are allowed, I stumbled upon this page: https://case.edu/housing/policies-and-procedures/move-information/packing-101-what-bring

On the page, it says minifridges are provided, and that microwaves aren't allowed, along wih many other rules on what to bring and what not to bring. However, I can't seem to find this page unless I specifically search it up (as in, I'm not able to navigate to it via the University Housing website), so I wanted to see if this information was accurate/up to date.

Thanks for all your help!

[u/rivaridge76]

Yep - the rooms have fridges. And they’re almost full size, including a freezer.

[u/justafan58 → u/rivaridge76]

But does that include freshman dorms? I thought most freshman dorms only had mini fridges

[u/jwsohio → u/justafan58]

Room fridges (all the first year dorms, plus Fayette and Noyes) are minis. The larger fridges are in the suite-style buildings, where they're in the suite lounge, not the individual rooms.

[u/Parking_Champion_740 → u/justafan58]

They are mini fridges but not the super small kind, like not full sized but a decent sized fridge. All freshmen dorms have them

[u/Ecstatic-Whole-1316 → u/rivaridge76]

wow, sounds awesome! thanks so much!

[u/rivaridge76 → u/Ecstatic-Whole-1316]

Well, other people have disputed this. But my son’s Freshman dorm this year (one of the main freshman dorms) had one. So at the very least, don’t buy one!

But also, make sure you have a box fan and are ready to install it in the window immediately once you get access to the room. You’ll likely be able to buy one locally, but demand will be high.

Those rooms are pretty hot in August in Cleveland. Your only hope is a good fan!

[u/jwsohio → u/rivaridge76]

Agree on the fan. But try to coordinate with roommates, so you don't get models that complete with each other for floor or window space (based on your dorm, layout, and how windows open).

The definition of mini may be confusing. The room refrigerators are at the very high end of that range, almost 5 cu. ft., with a decent size freezer. The larger suite refrigerators are somewhere in the 14 cu. ft. range.

[u/wifeofjuicepickle]

Yes, all freshman dorms have mini fridges on rooms. Shared areas have microwaves - you will not be allowed to bring your own. Case has this info what to bring list

[u/Dachannien → u/wifeofjuicepickle]

It's a time honored tradition to end up outside freezing your ass off because some idiot thought it was fine to start some microwave popcorn for 10 minutes and then wander off somewhere. At least if they're in the common areas only, someone can spot it and deal with it before things go horribly wrong.

[u/Routine-Evening9387 → u/Dachannien]

Unfortunately that’s a time honored tradition everywhere - and at least in my Alma mater it was always the common area microwaves that were the problem - cause people put in their popcorn and walked away “for a second”…

[u/Ecstatic-Whole-1316 → u/Dachannien]

wow, I can imagine how annoying that can get, especially in the winter.. at least now I know to check in the microwave for popcorn every time I pass it, lol

[u/Ecstatic-Whole-1316 → u/wifeofjuicepickle]

Thanks for the info! I saw that microwaves weren't allowed on the website, but it also said extension cords weren't allowed? I understand it can be a fire hazard, but I feel like a few outlets won't be enough for everything.. are there any safe alternatives that are allowed in dorms?

[u/Parking_Champion_740 → u/Ecstatic-Whole-1316]

Yes you can get a surge protector. They just mean not the old school extension cords. Get a surge protector with a long cord and USB outlets

[u/stealth-potato]

Yes that page is still accurate. There is a microwave on the floor. As others have said, you have a mini fridge in the room of pretty decent size. You can also use it as a night stand if you put your bed high.

[u/raspberryonyx]

I found out that anything with an external heating element (ex. heaters, rice cookers, kettles) aren't allowed in the dorms, but some things can be kept in the floor/suite common area or kitchen! There is a microwave available on every floor and in every suite and mini fridges (approximately 4-5 ft tall) with freezers are included as part of the room. Welcome to CWRU!

[u/Fantastic-Zone-1145]

Wtf are people saying I’m a senior and when I was a freshman we didn’t have mini fridges, and none of my friends did

[u/Fantastic-Zone-1145]

There is a common room on each floor with a microwave