1. Communicate!

Try to talk to your roommate and lay down the law. Don’t assume that he/she knows anything that you haven’t overtly said. It is unlikely that you are living with a psychic! What is obvious to you, may be as foreign to them as some obscure Kurdish dialect. I can’t say how many feuds are started by a simple misunderstanding.

2. Have someone to vent to.

Whether this means calling your mom, texting your best friend or talking to your therapist, it is essential that you do not keep your frustrations with your bad roommate pent up inside you. Nobody wants an exploding college student!

3. Have a sense of humor.

When you are living with a bad college roommate, even the smallest thing can start your blood boiling – the sound of his typing, the smell of her perfume, the smile on his face. Take a deep breath and try to remember that when you look back on this in a few years, you will laugh. At the very least, this will make good material for your future career in stand-up.

4. Treat your roommate the way that you would want to be treated.

The golden rule. Seems cliché, but it’s true. While revenge may seem like the easiest option, it has the potential to set into motion a vicious cycle of the two of you constantly trying to one-up each other, all the while making both of your lives a living hell.

5. Find good friends.

They can not only serve as a listening ear, but also provide a room to escape to. When the tension in your room is too much to stand, it is always good to have a friend’s room nearby that you can relocate to.

6. Get a life.

Spend less time in your room. You don’t really need to be there except when you want to sleep. My terrible freshman-year roommate, and dread of being in the same room as him, was just the kick in the pants that I needed to get out and go to the gym, hit up the library or get off my butt and be social.

7. Invest in a good pair of headphones.

If you’re living with a chatty Kathy who always seems to be on the phone or having friends over when you just want to relax or study, this is the perfect escape. Put on your headphones, find your favorite music, crank it up and bid Kathy adieu.

8. Start wearing earplugs and an eye mask.

If Kathy is entirely inconsiderate and doesn’t even realize that she should shut up and turn off the lights when you are going to sleep, this is your best bet.

9. Invest in air fresheners.

For those of you living with Slobby Bobby or Josie Grossy, this is going to be an essential tool. Why let your bad college roommate’s lack of hygiene interfere with your quality of life? You may not be able to get them to do their laundry, but at least you can spray away the smell.

10. Move.

If all else fails, leave. Compile a list of grievances and ask the appropriate authorities at your college to be relocated.

If you find yourself in a bad living situation in college, and, try as you may, you simply can’t get along with your roommate, my sympathy is with you. But that doesn’t give you an excuse to moan, groan and mourn your life. Take my advice, take action and make the best out of a bad situation. Your time in college is too precious to be ruined by one rotten roommate!

1. Talk to your landlord.

When you’re renting an apartment and spending more on it than you’d like, the first thing to do is talk to your landlord. Surprisingly, landlords are sometimes willing to negotiate on rent, especially if you are a model tenant (which, let’s face it, many students aren’t).

Another trick: ask if there is any manual labor (like shoveling snow or mowing the lawn) that you can do in exchange for a rent cut. You’ll help out your landlord and he can help you pay less rent.

2. Sign a long-term lease.

Before you sign a lease, always ask if there is a possibility of paying less rent on a long-term lease. Finding reliable tenants who pay their rent punctually can be a big pain for landlords. If your landlord knows that you are going to be a good tenant (i.e. you can provide references), she’ll be happy to hang on to you for as long as possible and may agree to a reduced rate in exchange for a long-term commitment.

3. Get (reliable) roommates.

Living with college roommates is one of the easiest – and potentially most fun – ways to cut back on rent. You’ll be dividing rent as well as the cost of utilities, saving everyone money. Of course, this doesn’t apply if your roommate has financial problems or simply can’t seem to pay bills on time! Don’t be shy about asking your potential  roommates how they will be paying for rent (i.e. parents or a job).

4. Cut down on living costs.

If your utilities (gas, water, electricity) aren’t included, this is a good place to start when cutting down on living expenses. I’m not saying you should only shower once a week! Small actions can make a big difference in your bills so you pay less rent: make sure that lights are turned off when nobody is in the room, get leaky faucets and toilets fixed and don’t leave the heat on max when everyone is away for winter break.

5. Move to a different apartment.

If your current apartment is still busting the bank, then it might be time to pick up and move. If you love the building you’re in, you can ask your landlord whether any smaller (and cheaper) apartments are available in the building. If you’re currently living alone, maybe a larger multi-bedroom apartment is available that would let you live with roommates to cut costs.

Moving to a smaller or shared space might seem like a step down, but the money you save will be worth it in the end if it means you pay less rent. Plus, by finding student housing where you pay less rent, you’ll have more money for both the necessities (like textbooks) and the fun extras (spring break trips!) that are a part of student life.

1. Laptop

This is probably the most important of the dorm room accessories. You’ll use your laptop for everything, from writing papers to taking notes in class to keeping up with old and new friends on Facebook (although preferably not during class). That’s why choosing the right laptop for college is so important!

2. Printer

Although most campuses offer printing facilities, it’s way easier to have your own printer among your dorm room accessories. I didn’t have my own printer in college, so I speak from experience!

After finishing a last-minute paper for a strict and deadline-oriented prof, I literally threw on my sneakers and sprinted from my dorm to the campus printer and then to class. It was not fun, especially when everyone else had the same idea!

3. Stereo or iPod Speakers

Essential! Speakers are great both for drowning out the noise from your neighbor’s room and for getting the party vibe going (and annoying your neighbor) when you have people in your room.

4. Reading Lamp

A reading lamp is necessary not only for (duh) reading, but also to make your dorm room way cozier than the fluorescent lights you’ll find in most student housing.

5. Digital Camera

One of those dorm room accessories that you’ll take all over campus, a digital camera can be so fun to have around and is great for recording new memories.

6. Backpack

A backpack is one of the dorm room accessories that you should always pack for college. I was super anti-backpack for my first semester and rocked a trendy shoulder bag. Then I realized that carrying books around was way more pleasant when I was balancing the load on two shoulders. Also, a backpack might seem dorky, but it’s certainly better than scoliosis!

7. Slippers and Flip-Flops

Two types of footwear fall into the essential dorm room accessories category. Flip-flops are a must in dorms in order to avoid catching athlete’s foot and other similar not-so-fun things from shared showers. Slippers are great for lounging around the dorm — and keeping your feet warm!

8. Mini-Fridge and Microwave

Okay, these aren’t really dorm room accessories so much as they are functional items — but they’re great to have, so I’m including them on this list anyway! Double check your dorm’s policies, as some colleges no longer allow students to bring these items (while others will provide them for you).  Also, if you’re looking to save some money in college, it’s a good idea to split these big-ticket items with a roommate if possible.

9. Air Freshener

Dorm rooms can get funky from the food, dirty laundry and other everyday items you and your roommate will stash there. Many dorms don’t allow items like candles or incense, so having something like Febreeze on hand can be a much-appreciated way to freshen up your room.

10. Your Comfort Item

Whether it’s pictures of friends from home, your favorite DVD or your childhood blanket (we won’t tell!), be sure to decorate your dorm room with at least one key comfort item. College is an amazing experience, but everyone has bad days. A reliable old comfort item is one of those indispensable dorm room accessories for when you get stressed.

For most students, it’s their first time living away from home. That, combined with challenging college-level classes, can make for a lot of college student stress and sleepless nights.

Finally, there’s the simple fact that living in a dorm means sharing a close space (most likely with thin walls) with hundreds of other students who likely don’t share your sleeping schedule.

Here’s what you can do to maximize your sleep time:

1. Try earplugs.

Whether your neighbor is hosting the dorm party of the century or your roommate can’t stop talking to her boyfriend back home on the phone into the wee hours of the morning, ear plugs can help block out all types of noises that lead to college insomnia. They’re cheap and easy to use – just make sure you can still hear your alarm clock so you don’t sleep through class the next day!

2. Drown out noise with white noise.

If ear plugs aren’t enough to beat college insomnia, you may have to break out the big guns: try using white noise. You can either buy (or petition the parents to buy) a white noise machine, or just pop in your iPod headphones and listen to something soothing as you drop off to sleep. A recent study on the most popular music to fall asleep to ranks Coldplay as number one in sleepy-time music.

3. Create a sleepy space.

By making your bedroom clean and comfortable, you can make your sleeping space more attractive. Nobody wants to crawl into a bed of crumpled sheets and dirty laundry. Keep your sleeping space clean, invest in a plushy duvet and big pillows, and you’ll be happier to curl up in bed every night.

Putting effort into decorating your dorm room can help make your room more relaxing as well, which is a good step toward warding off college insomnia.

4. Exercise.

Besides the obvious fact that exercise is a good way to stay healthy in college, it can also help you beat college insomnia. It’s a great way to relieve stress and help tire out your body. That way, you’ll be more likely to fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow, rather than tossing and turning while worrying about that paper you have due. Joining a sports team or playing intramural sports is also good for making new friends and socializing — another good way to beat stress.

5. Avoid energy drinks.

Energy drinks are a growing problem for college students who often use them unnecessarily. The occasional energy drink when you’re cramming for exams is okay, but you shouldn’t make a habit of using energy drinks regularly.

I know they’re tempting because they are so effective — but that’s just the problem! The energy rush lasts for quite awhile and can leave you feeling jittery and stressed. Drinking too many energy drinks is a surefire way to throw off your sleep schedule and contribute to college insomnia.

For many college students, the next two weeks are crunch time. No, it’s not finals, but it’s time to pack up and head back to school.  Whether you are thinking about decorating your first dorm room or you’ve escaped the white dorm walls for your own off-campus pad, decorating can break the bank if you’re not careful.

Here are five ways to keep the cost of decorating your new digs right-sized.

• Make What You Have Work. Wherever you are moving to, you are moving from somewhere.  You already have the basics – bedding, towels, bed.  Yes, we’d all like new items for our new places, but using what you have – even if you don’t necessarily like it – is step one on moving and staying within your budget. Another great inexpensive option is to buy slipcovers for furniture – it’s like getting a new couch for a tenth of the price.

• Don’t Get It All Now. It’s tempting to have everything you want on day one.  Two things:  First, if you buy it as you go, you’ll see what you really need and what you can really live without (and what your roommates will spring for).  And, you’ll also have birthdays, holidays and other events to receive what you want/need as gifts.

• Shop the Sales. It’s easy to get caught up when you are at any given store. Sure, there is a price to convenience, but not when you are striving to outfit your apartment on the cheap.  Comparison shop, especially online, to make your money go further.  Keep in mind that many online stores (out of state) aren’t required to charge sales tax, which can save you 10% right there.  Plus, if you have it delivered to your new place, you don’t have to move it.  Bonus.

• Think Outside the Decorating Box. Decorating can be expensive.  Head to a thrift store and check out odd items for decorating potential.  Is there a huge map – that doesn’t need to be framed – that can cover a wall?  What about some cheap throw pillows to cover up your stained couch cushion?

• Think Dual Purpose. One great way to make things go further is to look for items that serve two purposes.  Can you get a bed with drawers underneath and forgo a dresser?  Does your kitchen table double as a desk?

One last move-in tip, don’t forget to sign-up for automatic rent pay at www.williampaid.com. You’ll never have to think about rent again.

Evan Silverman, the CEO of WilliamPaid.com, knows a thing or two about student loans.  Prior to WilliamPaid, Evan S, along with WilliamPaid President Jeff Golding, founded and ran one of the largest student loan lenders in the country.  Understanding the plight of the burden of student loans on many, WilliamPaid is on a crusade to help those with student loans pay them off faster by offering a matching contribution when you apply your WilliamPaid cash-back to your student loans.

The transition of moving from your parents’ house to a college dorm is often a tough one for students. Having your pet with you, a constant reminder of home and security, is the perfect stepping stone to being on your own. And pet friendly campuses make that possible.

Sure, there are rules. Stephens College, for example, maintains that your pet must not exceed six feet and cannot be venomous. Also, pets will only be allowed in designated wings. All rather reasonable parameters for pet friendly campuses, we think.

So here’s the list, folks. Keep in mind — each pet friendly campus has its own policy for what animals they do and don’t allow, so do your research before sending an application in for you and your slightly hairier best friend.

20 Pet Friendly Campuses Across the Nation

1. Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
3. State University of New York at Canton
4. Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida
5. University of California, Los Angeles
6. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York
7. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
8. California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
9. Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
10. University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
11. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
12. Principa College, Elsah, Illinois
13. Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, Pennsylvania
14. Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts
15. Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
16. Sweet Briar College, Amherst, Virginia
17. University of Notre Dame, New York, New York
18. University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
19. Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
20. Principia College, Elsah, Illinois

Before deciding on whether or not you should apply to a pet friendly college, think about what you want out of your college experience. Also, think about what’s best for your pet, and whether or not you can afford an extra mouth to feed! If you decide that a pet friendly campus is the best choice for you, start applying!

In order to find hostels that will enhance your experience abroad, you have to know what to look for (as well as what to avoid):

Price

Everyone in college is trying to save money, so we understand wanting to find hostels that don’t cost an arm and a leg. But remember, cheaper is not always better!

Always read the reviews — many cheap hostels are dirty, with uncomfortable beds, grimy showers, and paper-thin pillows. Sometimes it’s worth it to pay an extra dollar or two for more comfortable digs — your body will be grateful.

Lockers

Though odd, we know, some hostels actually do not have lockers or safes (or charge you extra to use them). Especially when abroad, you will most definitely need a safe place to put your passport, student visa and cash (rather than running the risk of losing it when meandering the city). Find hostels that don’t force you to pay extra for security.

Breakfast

Cheap and easy meals are hard to come by! Though not necessarily a deal breaker when searching, it’s certainly a perk to find hostels that offer a decent breakfast at a decent hour. While many hostels offer meager coffee and toast (at an ungodly hour of 7 a.m. or earlier), others provide their guests with a heartier meal at a decent hour — at no cost!

Check-Out Time

When on the road, you’ll rarely be getting a “good amount of sleep.” The last thing you want to worry about on your last night in a city is having to wake up early to turn in your key. It’s a good idea to find hostels that understand this, and make the check-out time appropriately later (11 a.m. or later).

Common Area

Especially if the hostel doesn’t have a bar, it’s important for it to have a large common area. The neutral “living room” space gives travelers a place to hang out and socialize — and maybe even learn some new slang words! Especially if you’re flying solo, make sure you find hostels that allow you to easily meet fellow travelers.

Internet

Find hostels that provide their guests with (preferably free) internet and Wi-Fi. Rather than scouring the city for nearby internet cafes, you’ll be able to get in touch with family and friends at any time.

When traveling abroad, hostels are a great place to stay because they save you money, as well as allow you to meet other travelers. But beware! The best hostels aren’t necessarily the ones you would choose at first glance. Do your research, read the reviews, and make sure your checklist of qualifications is met to find hostels that will make your trip incredible!

If you have chose to live with a family during your study abroad experience as your study abroad housing option, it’s important to not come empty-handed. After all, this family has agreed to take you into their home for the duration of the your stay.

Gift giving is a universal gesture of respect and appreciation, especially upon meeting for the first time.

Studying abroad can be pricey. You don’t have to spend a fortune on your host family gift! The best gifts can be inexpensive, as long as they reflect where you are from. Here are a few ideas for host family gifts:

1. Edibles

Does your state have a representative food? For example, if you’re from Vermont, bring some authentic maple syrup as a host family gift. It is both delicious, easy to carry and inexpensive as well as being a (sweet) taste of where you’ve come from.

2. Sports Paraphernalia

When your host family is chosen, find out who you’ll be living with! Are there teenagers in the house? They’re probably interested in sports. Buy a sports cap or jersey of your favorite US sports team as a host family gift!

3. US-Themed Items

Your host family will likely be interested in basic things about the United States that you might not even consider. US-themed items such as a small collection of US stamps or postcards featuring the New York skyline or other famous US landmarks make a great host family gift!

Living with a host family while studying abroad is often a very rewarding experience and it’s important to have a good relationship with your new hosts during your stay. Since first impressions are key, make sure to get a thoughtful host family gift before your departure abroad!

Staying at a college overnight is a great opportunity to live in the dorms, eat cafeteria food, and see what students do in their free time and when they’re just hanging out. Checking out the social life at a college can greatly affect your impressions and ultimately help you choose your home for the next few years.

Still wondering whether an overnight college visit is right for you? Think about these frequently asked questions:

Why stay at a college overnight rather than visit during the day?

Daytime campus visits offer a lot of possibilities to prospective students, and can give you a good sense of how the college runs and what the facilities are like. But overnight visits let you get closer to the students and find out for yourself how you would fit in with them.

On your overnight college visit, you’ll be able to participate in campus activities, listen to what current students talk about, and check out the nightlife in the surrounding town. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to ask students any questions you have, and they can give you honest answers!

You might also consider an overnight visit if you’re submitting an early decision application to a college. Spending time at the college overnight and seeing how students interact can make you feel more comfortable about making a commitment to one school.

What should I bring on my overnight visit?

Bring a pillow and sleeping bag with you on your college overnight stay – your host might have an air mattress or couch you can sleep on, but it’s best to be prepared for sleeping on the floor.

You’ll also need pajamas, a change of clothes for the next day, and whatever toiletries you need to get ready in the morning. And don’t forget a towel!

Keep a book or some homework in your suitcase as well. You might have some downtime on your overnight visit, and you want to stay caught up in your own classes!

What will happen when I get there?

On an overnight visit, the college will match you with a student who will host you in his or her room for the night. Your host may take you to a campus dining hall to have a meal, and might show you around campus or ask what activities you prefer.

If you’re particularly interested in an activity – like a singing group or debate team – ask your host if there’s a meeting you can attend during your stay at the college overnight. Most college activities, clubs, rehearsals, practices, and parties will be open to you, and your host will probably be able to find out where to go.

What if my host is busy?

You might want to just follow your host to see what a typical night is like at the college, or chat with your host and his or her roommates. But keep in mind that even if you don’t have school the next day, your host might have schoolwork or an activity that takes up the evening.

If your host is busy on your overnight college visit, ask him or her to introduce you to a friend who shares some of your interests. You might learn even more about the areas of the college that interest you.

In addition, you also can walk around the college on your own to make sure you feel safe and get comfortable talking to other students.

It’s easy to judge a whole college by your one host. Remember to keep an open mind and observe what’s going on outside of your host’s room on your overnight college visit. You can still have a great time and learn a lot about a college even if your host is busy.

How can I schedule an overnight college visit?

Because overnight trips require more than a full day, wait to schedule your overnight college visit until you’ve narrowed down your top choices to a few schools. Check out the schools’ admissions websites to see what days the colleges host prospective students overnight.

Colleges usually have limited availability for overnight stays, and their schedules might be full. If so, talk to some students during your daytime visit and spend time getting to know the campus. Although an overnight college stay can tell you a lot about a school, a daytime visit can be much more than a guided tour if you make an effort to explore!

Mom and Dad might say it’s OK to bring your dirty laundry home when you visit for the weekend, but doing your laundry on your own is an easy way to assert a little independence and prove to your parents that you’re doing fine on your own.

But pink socks will prove nothing of the kind! Follow these 7 steps for cleaner clothes:

1. Buy your laundry supplies.

You will need:

• detergent
• dryer sheets
• a laundry basket or laundry bag

Before starting college, I bought a sturdy laundry basket divided into two sections. That’s convenient because you can either put your clothes on one side and supplies in the other, or separate or lights and darks before you even step foot in the laundry room. Speaking of which …

2. Separate your laundry.

You can separate your laundry multiple ways, but you can basically get away with four loads: whites/lights, darks, delicates and towels/jeans/bedding.

There is some overlap. For example, you could wash a gray shirt with either the lights or darks, or you could throw your bedding in with a small load of lights or darks (depending on the size and color of your sheets).

Just never ever toss a new dark red or purple shirt in with the whites. I don’t think I need to tell you the results! In fact, you may want to wash it separately once or twice to make sure it won’t bleed.

3. Pick the right time.

Early bird? Night owl? Doing your laundry when other college students are sleeping is often the quickest way to get it done.

The top floor of my college dorm was filled with washers and dryers, and by doing my laundry when others weren’t I could finish two or three loads at the same time instead of waiting. And waiting. And waiting.

Choosing the right time may be a requirement rather than a suggestion. Dorms with a limited number of washers and dryers may require students to sign up for certain times. Living off-campus? Not all laundromats are open 24-hours!

4. Collect quarters.

Sorry. Doing your laundry isn’t free anymore. Set aside a bag or container to collect your quarters everyday, and stuff it into your laundry basket before you do the wash. If the laundry room has a coin machine, keep a few crisp dollar bills with you just in case you need a little extra.

5. Choose the correct laundry settings.

All of those buttons and knobs! If this is your first time doing your laundry in college, the washer and dryer may seem only slightly less complicated than your calculus homework.

Not to worry.

First, check the tags on your clothing for any special cleaning instruction. Some items may need to be hand-washed or dry cleaned.

Then choose the water temperature:

• hot for whites, linens and towels
• cold for anything you don’t want to shrink or fade (including any whites that fall into this category
• warm for everything else

Next, choose the size of your load, if that is an option. If you are unsure if your load is a small or a large, choose the bigger size to make sure the load will get enough water.

After about a half-hour, it’ll be time for the dryer. Choose the setting that best describes your clothing. Not sure? Choose “normal.”

You’ll likely pay for the dryer by the minute (my laundromat offers 8 minutes of drying time for a quarter). Put too few quarters in, and you’ll wind up with damp, wrinkly clothes. Too many, and you’ll have hot, shrunken clothes. Drying times will be different depending on the type of material and the size of your load, so check on your clothing as the time winds down.

And remember: NEVER put wool or anything you don’t want to shrink in the dryer!

6. Fold your laundry immediately.

Unless you want to look like you rolled out of bed 24-7, put away your clothes as soon as your done doing the laundry. Keeping them in a big heap may be convenient, but it’s also the easiest way to make sure each and every piece of clothing you have is wrinkled beyond repair.

7. Invest in an iron and small ironing board.

Did you skip tip #6?

Get out your iron and ironing board.

I know that space is at a premium, but a small tabletop ironing board can easily slip under your bed. And even if Mom and Dad do end up doing your laundry in college, chances are they won’t be on hand before your big job interview … or your big date.

No one said doing your laundry in college was fun, but if you can juggle a full-time class schedule, a couple of on-campus extracurricular activities and even a part-time job as a student, you certainly can handle a few loads of laundry.