So finally moved into my new apt. Got my speakers and sound system hooked up, all the furniture, everything.
I had my vacuum cleaner plugged into a power strip, and after a minute all the lights in the apt went off, including the electronics. Turns out the breaker was tripped. I then found out that all outlets, except for the kitchen, hook up to the same 15 amp breaker. Plugging the vacuum directly into the outlet seemed to work for whatever reason.
I don't know enough about electronics, but it doesn't sound like having all outlets hooked to one single breaker is a good idea.