Dorm Rooms

For added space in your dorm room, you can prop your bed up on decorated cinder blocks. This allows you to have added space under your bed to store things you don´t need all the time. The decorated cinder blocks also give your room added personality.

The Spring Theory

For persons with strict parents, I give you the well-known spring theory. Your parents have squeezed down the spring so hard, and once they let go, the spring starts bouncing all over the place. You, as a newly-released spring, have the option of going buck-wild upon your release, but how safe and smart is this? Have fun, that´s for sure. But be safe about it.

Keep Roommate Communication Lines Open!

Learning to live with a perfect stranger can be a mind-boggling, utterly stressful task. Remember, politeness doesn´t make up for standing up for yourself. There are certain things you should tolerate, and there are certain things you should let your roommate know are bothering you. Know the difference, and act upon it. Stand up for your basic living rights, and question whether you need to hold back on certain liberties or not, for the sake of you and your roommate.

Make Friends In Class

Making a friend in each class you have will make a big difference in those times when you have to miss class. That friend of yours will be more willing to lend you notes and give insight than a person whom you do not know.

Get to Know Your Resident Assistant

Knowing your resident assistant is a must if you´re living in a dorm. They are your student advisors to campus life, and can give you great insight on classes and professors, as well as good help and intervention with troublesome roommates.

On That Hallowed Meal Plan

Try a meal plan, especially if you are not a good cook. Keep track of your expenses and how often you use the meal plan. This will help you decide if it is worth paying for the meal plan for future semesters.

Roommates

Is there something your roommate does that drives you nuts? Accept individuality; you will both get along much better. Don´t sweat the small stuff and learn to pick your battles carefully.

Why Your Best Friends Don´t Always Make the Best Roommates

Some people think that rooming with their best friends will eliminate grievances, but be very careful. Of all the stories I´ve heard, this isn´t a good idea. One particular story involved two girls who´ve been best friends since elementary school. If anyone would look at their room now, they´d see a manila-colored line of masking tape across half of the room. They´ve halved up everything but the kitchen and bathroom area, and all hell breaks loose if one of them or their personal items crosses the other side of the line. Just really consider that living with a person is different than liking a person.

Basic Safety Tips

Know your security options. Make sure you are aware of any past incidents on campus, know where your emergency call buttons or emergency phones are on campus, and know the number to the campus police. Never travel alone past sunset. At parties, never leave your drink out of your sight. You never know what someone could put in it when you´re not looking.

Get Separate Leases

If you decide to live off campus, but still plan on having a roommate somewhere else, make sure you get separate leases. If a roommate backs out, at least you won´t receive a "Notice to Vacate" letter.

Meet Your Rommates Early

Concerned about who your roommate is? Call or write them before moving time to find out what they are bringing (3 TV´s may be a bit much), what their major is, and anything else you can find out.

Living in an Apartment

There are benefits to living in an apartment, rather than a dorm. One of the best things is privacy. Living in an apartment gives you the opportunity to have your own room. Also, having to pay rent at the first of the month, phone bills, water, etc., is a good precursor to life after college. You learn a greater independence as well. If you have roommates, you will be able to split the rent. When at the leasing office, make sure you can somehow get separate leases in case a roomie skips out, and always have a backup plan.

New Experiences

Studying abroad can be a great way to have a new adventure. Studying in a new place can change the way you look at yourself and the people around you. Most people feel that studying abroad gave them a better understanding of what the world is like. So if you're curious what life in England, India or Mexico is like. Look into finding programs through your school to study abroad. It might just be the chance of your lifetime.

If Your School Has TA´s

Get to know your TAs as well as your professors, especially if your professors seem a little aloof. Teaching assistants can sometimes be your lifeline.

You Don´t Have to be in a Fraternity or Sorority.

There are other ways to get involved outside of a Greek community. There are volunteer centers for community involvement, common-interest clubs for friendship, and personal academic connections. I, for one, joined the Honors Program and found a diverse group of friends, not to mention travel and academic opportunities. (And it is not just a nerd haven, so don´t feel bad). :)

Study Abroad

One of the easiest ways to study abroad is to "exchange places" with a student of a similar age in the country that you desire to visit. Many students want to come to the USA but need a host family. Their family hosts you, your family hosts them.

Youth Hostels

Youth hostels are around the world and provide inexpensive and safe housing for students. They are also a great place to meet fellow travlers and get information about the city you are staying in.