Texas Tech University

Room Modifications and Appliances

Construction Within The Room

As a safety precaution, student construction within the room must follow these guidelines:

  • Furniture must be free–standing (not fastened to walls or ceiling).
  • It must be structurally able to safely support a person's weight.
  • It must not block a doorway. The room door must open to its original design.
  • It must not restrict exit from any portion of the room or be a safety hazard to persons walking around the room.
  • It must not block the heating or air– conditioning system.
  • It must not include false floors of any kind, or cork or shingles attached to any wall or ceiling surface.
  • It must not include flammable material attached to the ceiling or to any wall surface.
  • It must maintain a clearance of at least three feet from the main construction frame to the ceiling.
  • It must have all construction materials approved in writing by the Associate Managing Director of Facilities regarding fire retardant properties, toxic chemicals, etc.

All student room construction shall be removed, and the room returned to its original condition prior to checking out of the room. University Student Housing will not provide storage for any materials involved in student room construction, nor will the department assume any liability for injury or damage because of such construction.


All University Student Housing furniture must remain in place and may not be dismantled in any manner. Student room modification that could create a possible fire, health or safety hazard to any resident will not be allowed.


Lofts are not permitted in residence hall rooms unless they are university–owned.

It is highly suggested that a FixIt at fixit.housing.ttu.edu be submitted to have beds adjusted. University Student Housing is not liable for injuries caused by adjusting room furniture. More information is available online at housing.ttu.edu.

Electrical Appliances

  • Coffee makers (must be 6 cups or less), popcorn poppers, small microwave ovens, small refrigerators, and portable television sets are permitted in student rooms.
  • Microwave ovens must operate at 1500 watts or less. (Because of limitation of the electrical systems in the residence halls, microwave ovens may occasionally not perform as designed, especially if operated in conjunction with other appliances.) 
  • Refrigerators must operate at 120 volts at 60 hertz and not exceed the size of a standard small refrigerator (3.7 cubic feet).
  • While there are no size restrictions on televisions, a 50–inch TV will not allow much room for other items and it cannot be attached to the wall.
  • All electric appliances must bear a UL or equivalent certification label.
  • Radios, stereo systems, computers, desk lamps and electric blankets are also permitted provided the total electrical requirements do not exceed the capacity of the system as determined by University Student Housing and Housing Facilities. All equipment should be kept in safe operating condition. No outside antennas of any type are permitted.
  • Only UL or equivalent certification type surge protectors can be used. Extension cords are prohibited.

Tripped Breakers:

From time to time the electrical breakers suppling power to the rooms trip because of excessive amps being pulled from the outlet. Breakers trip as a safety feature to protect personal property and limit injury from electrocution and fires. University Student Housing reserves the right to remove personal property causing a service issues with repeated breaker trips.