When you arrive to your college dorm room for the first time, you’re soon going to find out that the room isn’t that big.  Instead, you’re going to find that your room is the size of a closet!  Since you’re literally going to have to bring everything from home, you will need to find some creative ideas when it comes down to dorm room storage.

I wanted to give you some tips on which I will list below on how you can make storage work for your dorm room.  By following these tips, you should be able to maximize your space in your dorm room.

• #1 Consider underbed storage: These types of boxes are great for those that have beds in your dorm room, where you can throw things under it.   This is where you will want to capitalize on space.  Instead of throwing things under there and have them collect cobwebs, why not get nice boxes that will cost you no more than $20?
• #2 Think about your walls: Your room is going to have walls and what you can do is either consider getting a slim custom made closet, or even put up shelves.  You’re going to want to make sure that you refer to college’s rule when it comes to hanging things up, as some schools are fairly strict with this.
• #3  Watch what you bring: It’s tempting to bring your whole house when you first arrive on college.  What you’re going to find out for the first time is that you should have kept some things at home.  I would only bring the things that you truly need.  Also, be sure to talk with your roommate when it comes to bigger items, because you don’t want to have 2 TVs, etc.
• #4 Look behind the door: This is another spot that many people don’t take advantage of, just like the bed.  There are some great over the door, as well as shelves that you can put behind your door.  While it’s not going to give you the most space in the world, it will allow you to store a few extra items.
• #5 Organizers for a closet: Some dorm rooms are going to have closets, while others won’t.  This is why you will always want to take a tour of your school before you set out to purchase things.  If your dorm has a closet, this is great news, as you will want to take full advantage.  Look for closet organizers that will give you even more space.

These 5 tips should give you more than enough storage.  What you’re going to want to do is consider your dorm layout and just be creative.  Sneak a peek at other dorm rooms in your school to see how people do it.  You can also view photos online as well.

Credit: Flickr

When you’re attending college this fall, you’re going to soon find out that you may want to get a job on the side.  Even though college is going to take up a majority of your time, you may need a few extra dollars on the side for gas, food, or something else.

What a lot of students do when they stay on campus is look for jobs at the actual university.  When you do this, you’re going to be able to stay on campus and not have to worry about traveling to and from work.  Another cool thing about it is that you’re going to be able to get paid in cash and sometimes, you can even get a credit for your tuition.

How can I find these jobs?

If you want a job like this, you’re going to have to apply early.  Most of the time, you’re going to want to apply before the school season even starts.

The best way to find these jobs is by heading to your college’s homepage and looking for the jobs section.  If you don’t know where this section is, you may find that some websites don’t even have the option available.  Instead, you’re going to have to see them in person.

What kind of jobs can I get?

The jobs are going to vary.   Listed below are a few that you may see when applying.

• Desk Manager: You will be in charge of answering questions for students and assisting them with any problems they have.  You will also have assistants that you will manage.
• Desk Assistant: You will assist the manager with any tasks that they might have.
• Resident Assistant: A RA will mainly deal with those in the resident halls.  Whether it’s an emergency, or something else, you will report back to the manager as well.
• Community Director:  You will train other parts of the staff, as well as create and administer daily functions.  Also will be in charge of room check in / check outs, transfers and a lot more.

Those are just a select few of the jobs that you may see when you’re applying for a job.  Most websites today will have the openings that you can apply for.

How can I apply?

You can either apply for the job online, or if you wish, some colleges will allow you to print out an application that you can fill out and turn in person.

Treat this like any other job.  Fill the application out properly, follow up, and try your best to get the job!

If you haven’t been to college yet, you’re going to find that once you start up school, there’s a good chance that you’re going to meet up with someone that is a resident adviser.

What is a resident adviser?

This person is going to be in charge of helping both the new, as well as the old students move in, they are going to get to know you better, so that you will feel more comfortable with them.  They will also help with the overall community.  If there is ever an emergency or a problem, they are going to be the one to go to.

If you’re thinking about becoming a resident, you’re going to find that there are going to be a lot of perks, as well as downsides.  Like anything in life, you will find that everything will have it’s ups and downs.

Why you should become one

• Looks fantastic on your resume. Once you graduate, you’re going to be able to put this on your resume.  It’s going to show potential employers that you have a great sense of leadership.
• Great way to network. It’s an awesome way to meet a ton of people on campus.  Not only are you going to meet people, they are going to come to you.
• Save some money. Most colleges are going to give you a credit for your room and board.  Most of the time, you may find that you won’t even need to pay that bill.   Not all colleges do this, as you may find that some are going to give you a credit, or an actual check.
• Have a job on site. You won’t have to travel, nor will you have to stay long hours outside of campus.  Since your job will be right there, it’s a great way to make money and not have to go far.

Why you shouldn’t become one

• Take up a lot of time. Yes, it’s a job and most jobs do but what you’re going to find out is that people are going to be coming to you at all times.  You  may find that you’re working more than you can even study.
• You’re a leader. When you’re leading something, people are going to expect you to do everything.  If you don’t meet their needs, they are going to harass you until it’s done, or you’ll receive complaints.
• Don’t get to leave. Since your job is on campus, many people want to leave for a few hours each day.  This isn’t the greatest job opportunity for those looking to leave for a few house each day.

If you ever want to get first hand experience as being one, ask a RA at your local college if you can shadow them for the day, or better yet, ask them what it is all about.  The more you know before you apply, the more comfortable you will be with the situation.

As a high school student, or even a potential, future college student, you may be looking into your local college and their summer programs.  If you’re in this boat, let’s take a look at what you can take advantage of and how it can benefit you.

What  University summer program does for you

There are a lot of advantages of taking a program such as this one.  It’s going to get you comfortable in college surroundings.  It’s going to allow you to meet other students around the state, if not the world and you’re going to also find that you can get a head start with college courses.

How do I find a program?

Usually, a student is going to attend a university that he/she is interested in for the future.  This way, you will get familiar with your surroundings, as well as network with other students that will be attending the school in the future as well.

The best way to find a program is to simply look at the colleges that you’re interested in.  Generally, a simple Google search will yield some great results.  Search for something along the lines of, “[university] + summer programs” to what comes up.

What will I do in a summer program?

You will want to picture it simply as a way to get prepared for college.  You’re going to take prep classes, as learn a little bit more about the university.  What you’re also going to find out is that you will be able to download a schedule most of the time on what you’re going to cover.

For example, John Hopkins University has a page on what you can expect when you enroll in the program.

What should I know about the program?

All colleges are going to have a deadline.  You’re going to want to make sure that you meet the deadline on time.  If you fail to do so, you will find that you will miss out on the boat for the summer.  The deadlines are usually around late winter, early spring.  Make sure you know these dates.

A summer program is a great way to take advantage of pre-college classes.  It’s going to allow you to network, experience college first hand, as well as give you a taste on if you’re going to like it or not.

Credit: Flickr

Underage drinking is a huge issue in college and while many of you are going to do it regardless, its important that you always think about safety first.  I know many of you are going to do it to fit in or just have a fun time.  If you’re going to do it in a controlled environment, then okay, it’s going to be hard for someone to talk you out of it.

The thing that you want to avoid is getting behind the wheel of a car, or doing something that you wouldn’t have done sober.  Alcohol can do some crazy things to you and it’s always best to mature a little bit before you pound 18 beers in one night.  You don’t want to end up in the hospital facing $1,000 of in charges.

Let’s take a look at some statistics that you may have not known about when it comes to underage drinking…

• By the end of High School, it is estimated that 3 out of every 4 students have consumed some sort of drink.  This is over 75% of the population.
• While percentages are fairly close, it’s reported that females tend to drink underage compared to males.
• College students that are full time in college are more likely to drink than those that are only part time.
• By 8th grade, 40% of students have tried some sort of alcohol.
• Half of all 12th graders have reported being drunk once in their lifetime.
• Among driving, the number one causes of death is youth driving.
• 28% of 15-20 year old drivers were drinking in motor accidents in 2005.
• 16% of all drinking is done by underage drinkers.
• 7.2 million people ages 12 to 20 have been involved with binge drinking.
• Half of underage drinkers do it at somebody’s house.
• Studies have shown that those that underage drink heavily produce a greater risk of depending on alcohol in a later stage in life.
• Around 40% of teens state that they received alcohol from adults for free.
• 4% of teens get the drinks from their own home.
• Only 60% of stores ask for identification.
• In college, freshman are at the greatest risk when it comes to binge drinking and poisoning.

The list can go on and one.  While these stats can be eye opening, you can avoid things like this.  Like I said, will you drink?  Probably.  Just be safe with your surroundings, look for each other, and NEVER get behind the wheel when thinking about driving.  Always play it safe.

Source for facts:  SAMHSA | NHTSA