Packing for the dorms and not sure where to start? Remember that you don’t need to bring everything from home, but you will need most of it. After all, the dorm will be your “home” for the next four years.

Start out by making a check list of essential items and create sections within that list. Divide your list into: clothing, electronics, bedding, room furnishings, toiletries, cookware and laundry essentials. This way you won’t forget anything, and spend your hard earned money on duplicate housewares. Save that money for partying and food- you’re going to need it.

Read below to find additional tips when packing for the dorms:

Items to leave at home: These items are already furnished in the dorms.

-vacuum
- mirror
-desk and chair
-dresser
-twin bed
-ironing board

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Bleak and dark may be the best words to describe dorm rooms, and if you’re sick of looking at those white walls, your utilitarian living quarters aren’t cutting it. The best way to make your dorm feel more cozy is to make it look like you actually live there, not just sleep there.

Ward off homesickness and make your dorm feel cozy by following these simple tips.

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With fall and winter approaching, you’re probably trying to absorb as much fresh air and sunlight as possible. Instead of having that dorm looking lifeless this winter, consider growing something green in your dorm, and no, I’m not referring to that mold in the refrigerator.

Herb gardens are perfect because they are easy to take care of and they grow perfectly out of any planter. And if you love to cook, then you can really appreciate an herb garden, especially since buying herbs from the grocery store can be rather pricey. Plus, fresh herbs taste better than dried ones.

Whether you just want some nice greenery, or are looking to cut back on your produce bill, follow these steps to create the perfect dorm garden. Read the rest of this entry »

If you are going to be attending college in the state of Texas this school year, you need a meningitis shot before you can move into your on-campus apartment or dorm room.

There is a new state law in Texas that all entering freshmen have to have this shot prior to moving into their dorm rooms. Unfortunately, despite the many efforts of colleges in Texas to get this information to their incoming students, several of them still have not gotten their shots, and are unable to move to campus until they have provided the documentation showing they have received it. Aside from getting the shot, there is also a 10 day incubation period that all students must go through, which means that even if you get the shot four days before you’re supposed to move in, you still will not be allowed into the dorms until day 10.

Schools have made every attempt to stay on top of reminding students about getting their shot. They have enclosed reminders in acceptance letters, made mention of the law during orientation, sent out emails and letters and even made phone calls to students’ homes. Some of the major schools affected by this new law include University of North Texas, Texas A&M University, Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas at Austin. Unfortunately, students have still been falling short on getting their shots. North Texas has the highest number of students without shots at eight percent. Read the rest of this entry »

If you haven’t packed for college yet, you’re probably stressing over what to bring and what not to bring. Truth is, you probably won’t need to bring half of the stuff that you thought you would. Read through this list and exclude these items so you don’t stuff your already cramped dorm with unnecessary stuff:

High school notes: Sure these notes probably helped you pass geometry, but they’re no match for calculus. You’ll have plenty of time to fill out that empty spiral notebook with new math equations.

High school t-shirts: You will get plenty of free ones if you attend your college’s events. Plus, upperclassmen can spot a newbie by spotting your home-town tees. Not to mention, your closet will really need the extra space. Read the rest of this entry »

Trying to avoid the Freshman 15?

With those buffet-style cafeterias and late night study-snack breaks, it’s no wonder why we pack on the pounds in college. But eating right is only half the battle to avoiding weight gain. Exercise is also key to staying healthy. But you don’t need a gym pass to stay fit.

 Here are five exercises you can do in the privacy of your dorm.

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In May 2009, a new trend in student housing was raising concern among parents and some students. Now, this trend has been implemented in about 50 schools across the country.

What is this trend? These 50 schools are now allowing men and women to live in the same dorm room.

This trend is called “genderblind” housing and was created to help students feel more comfortable with their living situation on college campuses. The original focus was for “gay, bisexual and transgender students who wanted to live with a member of the opposite sex,” according to the Washington Post.

However, many heterosexual students are taking advantage of the new rule and living with members of the opposite sex whom they are friends with or are romantically involved with.

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Maybe you keep your dorm room cleaner than your room at home. Or maybe not. But chances are that your dorm room and the entire dormitory that you reside in are cesspools for infections and germs.

In order to stay healthy in college this year, follow these five key hygiene practices:

1) Kitchen Appliances: It is very convenient to have a microwave and mini fridge in your dorm. But these appliances are also vulnerable to bacteria growth which can send you or your roomie to the student medical center. Once a week, clean your microwave, mini fridge and/or hot-pot with kitchen soap and warm water. Also, get in the habit of tossing out leftovers within 24 hours and definitely do not leave opened containers around the dorm room or else you run the risk of opening up your living quarters to pests like rodents, cockroaches and other fun creatures. Read the rest of this entry »

We invited the boys from Snikl.com to stop by and help us build this guide to the ultimate guy’s dorm room.

At Snikl.com, we specialize in finding stuff geared toward guys. So who better to help you outfit the ultimate guy’s dorm room than the guys at Snikl. While mom and dad might have had some input on what your bedroom looked like at home (or even the brother you shared with), your dorm room will be the first place you can freely express yourself without a lot of interference.

When it comes to a dorm room that really tells everyone you’re a guy (if they didn’t already know), you’re going to need a few things to help accomplish that. The only things that are probably off limits are a hot plate, because your RA will say so, and offensive incense, because you need to try to keep the peace with your roommate.

Seating. Sure, you’ve got the twin extra-long bed and the circa 1970s office chair. But if you really want to kick back after a long day on campus, give the Offi & Co. Coosh Lounge and Ottoman a try. Watch a movie, play video games, skim your biology book, or even call mom. Read the rest of this entry »

There are many lists telling you what to bring to college: towels, extra pencils, a soft blanket, pictures of family, etc. So what if you follow those guidelines perfectly, but you also add in a little of your own “creative flair” and show up to the dorms with some items you probably should have left at home? Never fear! Here’s my *Official* Things to NOT Bring to College Guide, compiled from the advice of leading experts in the field (You know, students who have lived in dorms!).

1. Yearbooks/Diaries/Keepsakes

“College, like the mid-90s for Madonna, is a time for reinvention. For most people, it means a completely clean slate: no high school drama, none of the old cliques or problems, and the chance to be the person you always knew you could be,” says DormDelicious.com. Don’t bring high school with you if you want to stand any chance of fully embracing the college experience. Read the rest of this entry »