A collaborative effort between the Department of Residential Facilities and two RHA subcommittees could allow students to rent combined microwaves and mini fridges in dorms.
The Residence Hall Association Resident Facilities Advisory Board and the Sustainability Committee are exploring the costs and feasibility of using the “microfridges” in dorm rooms — research they plan to continue in the fall.
The combined appliance would cost students about $500 to purchase or about $200 to rent for an academic year, said Logan Grenley, advisory board chairman.
Committee members brought up the concern that students might be inclined to buy their own refrigerator for four years instead of renting a microfridge every year, Grenley said.
Additionally, he said, most dorms have microwaves in lounges, kitchens or hallways.
Resident Life forbids the use of microwaves and other high-wattage electrical appliances in dorm rooms to minimize fire hazards and power overloads or outages, according to the department’s policy. Microfridges still pose a fire hazard, Grenley said.
Committee members also discussed whether the older dorms on the campus could handle increased energy use. Jon Dooley, Residential Facilities director, told the advisory board that dorms might not be equipped for the amount of waste energy that could be produced.
“We believe that it is possible that more energy will be wasted, as more students will have access to a microwave and thus more students will bring in food into the residence halls,” Grenley said.
Nika Nepali, a sophomore biochemistry major, said she thought students would take advantage of microfridges offered “at a reasonable price.”
“A lot of people live in dorms for only two years, and then they move into a place that already has both,” Nepali said. “But it’s a hassle to have to transport [a fridge] if you’re the owner of it, like me.”
Having microfridges in individual rooms could be convenient, Nepali said, especially for students whose rooms are located far from communal microwaves.
RHA members have discussed the topic at several recent meetings, and RHA finance officer Mike Lichtenberg said he supports the idea.
“Students are already able to rent bed lofts and carpets, so it seems logical that they be able to rent fridges,” Lichtenberg said. “It would also save students and their parents the hassle of having to purchase a fridge they may only use for four years and to move it in and out each year.”
Sustainability committee representatives Joshua Beeson and Erin Schlegel spoke about microfridges at the RHA Town Hall on April 1. They said they were looking into student interest but that the committee needed to straighten out details before organizing an official plan.
Members of the sustainability committee encouraged the facilities advisory board to continue researching the process.
Dooley told the facilities advisory board that he would look into the matter and some associated concerns.
“There is still a lot that needs to be worked out,” Grenley said. “This will likely continue into next fall.”
