Now some freshmen and sophomores can join the ranks of upperclassmen already benefitting from a "legal" microwave in their dorm rooms.

The Office of Housing and Food Service Operations last week began accepting applications from students who want a Microfridge -- a combination microwave, freezer and refrigerator.

Applications will be accepted until supplies are depleted, said Don Arndt, director of housing and laundry services. Applications are available at area post offices and should be returned to the Assignment Office in 101 Shields, Arndt said.

Arndt said Microfridges, first offered to University graduate students and seniors last semester, are being offered again this semester because the units have received great demand and positive reaction.

"We had to examine the budget capability to purchase more, and realized we had a waiting list as well as an unsatisfied group of sophomores and freshmen," Arndt said.

The units cost $32 a semester but can cost less, depending on when the unit is installed during the semester. A minimum of 660 new units are available, he said, adding that the first truckload will arrive this week.

"We're doing everything we can to get them out as quickly as we can, hopefully even before Spring Break," he said.

Almost 400 were originally distributed, he said, with some reserved for display models at area commons buildings.

Students on last semester's waiting list will be the first to receive units, he added. Other applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis, Arndt said.

Arndt said he will monitor the flow of applications to determine whether to buy more units before fall.

Art Wolfe (junior-electrical engineering), who received a Microfridge this semester after being on a waiting list, said he liked the unit.

"The best thing is there is a lot more freezer space -- and of course we have a microwave," Wolfe said.

Even though the units have been a hit with many University students, Arndt said he does not think the units will have an affect on how many students eat at the dining halls. He said most students will use the units for a "late-hour snack."

However, Wolfe said he goes to the dining halls less now. He said he uses his Microfridge to cook items such as microwave pizzas and pot pies for dinner.

Lisa Wandel, assistant director of food services, agreed with Arndt's assessment.

"(The Microfridge) might be good for (University) Creamery ice cream, or popcorn at night, or if you get hungry at 9 when the dining halls aren't open," she said. "Students get tired of doing microwave every night, they'll want to come back for the healthy salad bar, for the cookies and desserts."