dorm life

We all once lived in a simpler time. A time where we wouldn't spend our pennies on floss and Charmin.

The holidays are here, classes aren't yet and you're most likely at home now. While you might think this is a time to completely forget about school (which honestly isn't all that bad of an idea), it's also a perfect time to prepare for when you come back.

Not for classes. Think "supplies".

If you just grab stuff and bail from the supermarket, it's called "shoplifting". If you shoplift from home though, that's just "love". You obviously can't go overboard, but there are a few places that can prove to be founts for your college experience.

The Bathroom

Buying toiletries is like buying insurance. Nobody likes paying for toilet paper or toothpaste, but is there anything worse than when you need them and don't have any? The answer is "no". This should be the worst thing on the list. If there's extra, just glean that backup toothpaste and soap and leave just enough to remind your parents that they'll need to restock shortly.

The great thing about stealing toiletries is that they're light and easily concealable. You can secretly load up and Mom and Dad will never be the wiser.

[ Continue reading Home For The Holidays? Time To Stock Up On Some Dorm Essentials → ]

Design Your Dorm presents a series of back to school blogs. Check out our 3-D dorm room designer, to see and design your dorm.

Joining a fraternity or sorority is not right for everyone, and Greek life varies from school to school, house to house. Before you decide to take the plunge, make sure you are willing to make the commitment. Greek organizations can take a up a lot of time, and membership dues can be pricey.

Figuring it out

First off you need to figure out why you are joining a fraternity or sorority. This helps because it gives you an idea of what kind of fraternity you want to join. Some organizations may put a greater emphasis on social life while others may put a greater emphasis on GPA, although most have a balance between the two. Whether you're interested in the co-ed pre law fraternity or the Jewish sorority, make sure you know what you are looking to get out of your Greek experience.

Ask around

Now that you know what kind of Greek organization you want to join, you should get opinions from people you meet about which fraternities or sororities may suit you best. Remember, that people will have pre-conceived notions of what type of person you are based on the organization you join. It seems shallow, but happens often, and is something to consider. Do not make your decisions based entirely off of what you hear, but do take what you've heard into consideration.

[ Continue reading The Greek Life: Should You Join a Fraternity/Sorority? → ]

Design Your Dorm presents a series of back to school blogs. Check out our 3-D dorm room designer, to see and design your dorm before move in day.

Managing your money in college is tough. There are so many books to buy, so many concerts to see, and so many drinks... to drink. But you don't want to graduate buried in debt, right? We didn't think so. Here's ten tips on how to manage your money so Louie the Fish doesn't have to break your kneecaps.

1. Keep an eye on it

Try checking your money for at least four weeks and find out where you are spending it. Sometimes we spend way too much on little things that we don't notice and go overboard. When you know where your money is going, it's easier to figure out where you can cut back and save some of it.

2. Start Planning

The best way to manage your money is to make a simple budget. List all your expenses from dorm payments and loans to a single bus fare. See how much you spend, and decide if you could be spending less in any category. Then plan your expenditures for the future and stick to the plan!

3. Allocate money for fun

Saving money doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself of fun. Buy music, Starbucks, video games, but just make sure you budget it out and don't go overboard.

4. Pace yourself

Some students tends to spend cash right when they get it. Just because you just got paid doesn't mean you should run out and buy a plasma screen. Make sure you have some money at the end of the semester so you don't have to give your parents construction paper dolls for Christmas... again.

[ Continue reading How To Manage Your Money In College → ]

As I previously announced, DormDelicious is participating in the HP Freshman 15 giveaway and giving away a free HP Pavilion dv5t laptop. Read on to find out how you can win...

[ Continue reading HP Freshman 15: Contest Starts Now! Win a Laptop from DormDelicious! → ]

So you've moved into your dorm and discovered it's not quite the open expanse you had hoped for. Even if you were prepared, your room likely feels tiny. Small dorm rooms are a reality of college life, like shower sandals and solo cups, but you don't have to feel like a sardine! In fact, you don't have to feel like any type of fish. You can be any animal you like, just by following these easy tips for making your small space look and feel larger.

Cut The Crap

This is easy, right? Simply having less stuff will give you more actual space to move around in. Remember: you only have one room in college. Pack accordingly. Do you really need your entire collection of National Geographics dating back to 1970 (with the exception of February 1982, which you could never find despite months spent searching on eBay)? Think about what you're actually going to use while you're at school. For tips on what's essential and what you can leave behind, be sure to read all our advice about what to bring to college.

[ Continue reading How to Make A Small Room Appear Larger → ]