Living in a dorm is like combining home with school; however, unlike home, school does not provide you with everything you need. Keep in mind that few colleges provide their new students with blankets, pillows, sheets, or lamps for their dorm rooms. So plan on taking these items in the spirit of creating the comfort of a home away from home. You and your roomie can also consider acquiring a microwave, small refrigerator, or a television. However, these are luxury items; your computer and printer take precedence!

Did you remember your favorite soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste? Good. Now we are all ready to start on Dorm Basics 101. You'll be sharing a bathroom and should consider buying shower sandals because there are nasty fungus and germs on the shower floors. Another hot, shower secret is to get a robe, because walking around a coed dorm in a towel could get you into uncomfortable and embarrassing situations. You don't want to be known as the dorm flasher!

Once you are in your dorm room, you should lay in a little supply of your favorite snacks, because dorm food is only served three times a day, and you'll probably get the munchies when you're studying (oops, the dreaded "s" word). Plus, sharing with other dormies is a good way to make friends.

Some other useful items to have with you are:

• A combination lock, which is very handy if the commons has lockers where you can put away your backpack while you eat.
• A fail-safe alarm clock that will make sure you're awake for those dreadful AM classes.

Living with people your own age can seem like a never-ending sleepover party, an environment in which you can leave your door open, walk around in your robe, and hang around in boys' dorm rooms. But always be cautious. Although colleges do not publicize this, it is well known that campuses and dorms are open to anyone who can fit in, sneak in, or just prowl around. The smartest thing to do is to not invite people into your dorm room if you're not familiar with them, and it's smart to keep your dorm room locked. This is not only for your own safety, but it eliminates some opportunity for theft. Also remember, when you invite people you don't know in, you are not only putting yourself and your stuff at risk, but also your roommate.

Here's one last bit of dorm info. Every dorm usually has an RA, for "residential advisor" (as opposed to a TA, who is a "teaching assistant," something completely different). An RA is an older college student who lives in the dorm with you and is there to supervise and help you out. RAs are not there to be cute or hunky; any relationship with them other than a professional one is strictly prohibited. Meaning hands off! There are plenty of other young men and women at college for you to meet.

Wishing you the best of luck in adjusting to living, loving and learning at college.

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