What to Keep out of Your Dorm Room

On friday, I posted a list of necessities for dorm rooms. Here is a list of things that should stay out of dorm rooms:

• A pet- most dorms will tell you that you can keep a pet as long as it cannot survive out of water, but even a gold fish might be inadvisable. No matter how responsible you are, it gets difficult to remember to feed it. Sometimes you'll be out of the room so much you won't be able to feed it.
• Strong scents- in small places scents will pervade the air. Some people might even have allergies. So do your floor a favor and stick with basic perfumes or colognes and shower every day with regular soap and shampoo.
• Video game consoles- they will be too distracting and you will never want to get anything else done. I've seen it happen. The same is true with computer games such as The Sims.
• Junk- if you don't need it, don't bring it.
• Cigarettes- this isn't a "smoking is bad for you" lecture, but cigarettes are expensive. Money will be tight as it is, and that three dollars a day could be put towards food, school supplies, or savings for when you have to start paying back loans.
• Large amounts of cash-You may be living with your roommate, but the truth is you can't trust them yet. Or any one else on your floor if you leave your door unlocked.
• A car- most students will be divided on this but I think the best thing to do, especially if you are a freshman, is to leave the car at home. You will save a lot in gas money, and you'll get to know more people since you will be staying on the weekends, using public transportation, and sharing rides. Also, parking is a huge hassle that will be stressful, particularly the first couple of weeks.

What to Keep in Your Dorm Room

On Wednesday I gave some tips on making the most of the space you have, so here are some tips for what you'll need in your dorm. These may vary depending on what your school is like and what it provides.


• Snacks- keep them relatively healthy and nonperishable, but always have some junk food on hand as well. Also have enough stuff for an actual meal in case you want to keep working straight through supper time, even if the meal is Ramen.



• Cleaning supplies- these will vary depending on what kind of dorm you have, but between you and your roommate I would advise having at least a small vacuum cleaner.



• A clock radio-if possible, get all of your electronic needs in one item i.e. a radio with a C.D. player and iPod dock.



• Bedding



• School supplies



• A computer- a laptop is best, since it will take up less space and is portable. Just keep it charged.



• Pictures from home



• A few nick nacks


• Containers- the more organized your space is, the more room you'll have. Just don't forget where you put stuff.