Don't bring me to your dorm room. - Luci: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/767327
Thinking about what to bring to your college dorm room freshman year? Here is a list of things you should not bring.
You're loading up the car for the big trip to start your freshman year of college. Hopefully, you've packed everything you need. (Here's a list of dorm room necessities to help you out.) More than likely, you've packed too much stuff, and some of this stuff might not be appropriate for life in a residence hall. Here's a handy guide of things you shouldn't bring to your new dormitory.
Stuff Not To Bring to a Dorm Room
- Illegal drugs or alcohol. Here's something important to keep in mind: your dorm room will be inspected during a "fire drill" once a semester! Needless to say, a student caught with illegal drugs or alcohol (which is illegal in the U.S. unless you are 21 years old) will land in a whole heap of trouble.
- Any electronic items that are against the rules. Find out ahead of time what you're not allowed to bring to the dorm. Many colleges and universities prohibit microwave ovens, coffee makers, and hot pots. Remember, your room will be inspected! Needless to say, a contraband microwave won't land you in as much trouble as contraband drugs, but you'll probably lose your microwave.
- Candles or incense. These are almost definitely against the rules. This may sound silly, but fire safety is an important consideration when you're living in close quarters with dozens of other people.
- Anything valuable that you don't really need. Theft is a serious problem on college campuses. Expensive jewelry, unnecessary electronic equipment, and large sums of money should not be kept in your room. Most students do have some expensive electronic equipment around like laptops and iPods. Take precautions to prevent these items from being stolen.
- Pets. You probably miss your doggy or kitty, but there are very good reasons to not allow pets in a dorm. First of all, some of your fellow students are probably allergic. Second, animals can potentially be dangerous. Finally, a dorm isn't exactly the safest place for an animal, who might get lost or become the victim of late night drunken antics. Some dorms do allow fish, which can be a nice addition to a dorm room if you are committed to taking good care of them.
- Stolen street signs. Yeah, these make cool decorations. However, they're stolen, and can potentially get students in trouble.
- Excessive amounts of stuff. You are going to be living in a small space with at least one other person. Filling up your room with lots of stuff is bad roommate etiquette. Bring clothing that you know you are going to wear and leave your piles of accessories at home.
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How College is More Difficult than High School
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Naomi Rockler-Gladen - Instructional designer and freelance writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes some of Suite101's most read work.
