Remeber what you read garunteed.

Here are some various strategies to help you start remembering what you’re reading:

Write Summaries in Your Textbook
Summarizing your reading causes your mind to comprehend, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information better. You’re not just reading information passively, you’re causing your mind to join ideas together so you can condense it down yourself. Write down brief summaries as you read various sections in your textbook.

Say it Out Loud
After reading and writing summaries for about 30 minutes – stop and take a break. Try to recite out loud from memory what you’ve just read. Pretend to give a lecture on what you’ve read, and do your best to recall what you’ve just summarized. This might be difficult at first, but you’ll get better at it as you keep practicing.

Argue With Your Textbook
Another great way to remember what you’ve read is to start an argument with your textbook. Think critically about everything you’re reading and question concepts that seem foreign to you. Add question marks and underline areas that cause you to question. And make sure to write down questions in your textbook. These are also great questions to pose in class – or to ask your professor during office hours. It shows you’re an active reader.

Create a Mock Essay Exam
After finishing a chapter, write a mock essay exam question about what you’ve just read. And then take 15 to 30 minutes to write a detailed answer to the question from memory. This is a great way to make the information stick.

Record Your Verbal Summaries and Listen
I know this sounds geeky, but I used to record myself summarizing my textbooks. And I would listen to these recordings at night while falling asleep. This is a very easy way to help you memorize a lot of information without even thinking very hard.

The more actively involved you are with your textbook, the more you’ll comprehend and the more interesting you can make your reading experience.

All credit to www.StudentHacks.org & www.UrbanPhoto.net

Summers almost over but if you need some cash next time around

Studentjobs.gov is a one-stop portal for employment opportunities for students within the Federal Government — and is open to students in high school, college, or grad school.

There is no charge for using Studentjobs.gov, and users are not required to pre-register to look for a job.

Then theres always Mickey Deez?

The site gives the maximum flexibility in performing one-stop employment information searches. It’s convenient, user-friendly, accessible to persons with disabilities, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Check it out when you get a chance.

All credit to www.StudentHacks.org

If theres ever a time you need a distraction from school

look no further than...

xbox 360

PS3

or Nintendo Wii

they will jack up your priorities, guaranteed, but you'll have fun.

How To Throw a Kegger In Your Dorm Room

People this one is golden. All of us remember the crazy keggers we used to roll to back in high school. Everyone remembers those ridiculously long keg stands we used to pull like back in the day.

Too bad you're in college now. Too bad the security at the lobby of your tower is tighter than Fort Knox.

But wait why should that stop you? That's right... It shouldn't and it won't for the people reading this with something to fill their sack.

The 10 Steps To Success

1. So this is what you do. Get the keg... just ask an upperclassmen or one of your friends with a fake ID.
   
2. I suggest Bevmo(select in store pickup to see kegs). You can price their kegs out online and make arrangements for store pickup, it'll probably run you about a hundo(hundred).
3. Get the Tap... you have no clue how many parties ive been to when you have to wait. It blows.
4. Get a trash can with wheels and a lid make sure it has wheels and a lid because, when you fill it up with ice and it gets quite heavy. You'll need the lid to conceal your illcit substance.
5. Also you will need some trash (old papers, and a couple pieces of rotten fruit to ward off the RA's). you'll put that on top of the ice and the keg.
6. Walk Quickly if anyone asks just say you're grabbing it for some house keeping.
7. As soon as you make it into your room hide the trashcan and keg somewhere.
8. Dont tell the whole world. Belive me the word will spread soon enough.
9. charge a couple bucks so you break even and have a blast.
10. And for a quick sneak out just throw it in a duffle bag

You will definitely go down as the freshest.... Party Hard.

Nothing worse than getting robbed while your away at school

While college can be one of the greatest times in your life, it can also be one of the most testing. As we all know theres nothing worse than being in a crunch while not having the tools to get yourself out of it.

For example, getting your computer stolen before you have to type out your 10 page book report for English thats due the next day, or getting your car radio stolen before you have to make the 4 hour trip back home for Christmas. Nobody wants to get caught in that kind of a pickle.

That being said, Fresh Dorm is here for you. We dont want to see you get jacked. We want to see you thrive. So here are the must haves if you want to thrive next fall.

Laptop lock - This one even has an alarm on it. Being with out one of these is suicide.Dorm Room Safe - Drop a hundo(Hundred) on this one for good reason. It'll fit your Ipod Laptop and your Wallet.
Mini Fridge - Get one for yourself. Dont let anyone go in it. Hide it from the people at the lobby and never go hungry.

... To be continued later this week.

So You Still Want that Plasma?

Know what size?

Know what type?

Know what brand?



So you just got the okay by the parentals to shop around for a TV in your tiny dorm room where open space is seldom wasted. First off your gonna want a flat screen, flat panel HDTV. Old heavy TVs just aren't practical for the college student these days.

Like everything though, you do get what you pay for.

If you're gonna buy that new 42 inch Vizio for $999.99 expecting the best TV ever you've got another thing comming. TV contrast, brightness, and color along with rendering regular non-HDTV are some of the characteristics that put the better TVs a couple price points above the rest.

That being said, the average middle of the road 32 inch TV (perfect for the dorm) is going to cost your atleast 550. Anything more will get you great quality and less will not satisfy your viewing needs. In addition to that, try and get a TV that has 1080p resolution.

When buying remember that connectivity is key. Make sure the TV has a standard Cable In and Out as well as an S-video port so you can connect your computer to it. Bringing that Xbox to college too? If you've got the HD cords make sure that the TV has at least two HDTV IN plugins.

Well now your ready to spend your parents money. Stick to these guidelines and you'll grab yourself a winner.

Try Cnet.com's HDTV World. It'll let you compare prices and specs so you can make sure you get what you want. Check it out.

Fresh Dorm's College Shopping link list

Need those twin XL sheets?

What about that TV for your room?



Don't Panic!

Look No Further than our link list for the best deals.

1. Target College - Your 1 stop shop for everything.
   
2. Ikea - Roomate living central.
3. Bed Bath & Beyond - Equip your space.
4. Sears College - Stretch your college loan.
5. Overstock.com College - Do the online thing.
   

The best dorm checklist... Period

Dorm 411 wants you to know exactly what you need to make it in the fall... no freshman should be without this... print it out, study it, do work son.

Pay special attention to your housing agreement sent by your school. Each university has their own regulations, and what is permissible at one may be restricted by another. If there's any doubt, contact your school.

Make a running checklist of everything you use in a week's time at home. It'll help you catch the little, but no less essential items you may not think to bring.

Contact your roommate prior to school. Duplication, especially of larger items, wastes precious space. No one needs two ironing boards. Ready to start? Great.

Keeping in mind that everyone's needs are different, we've included both necessities and luxury items on the checklist. You probably won't take every single item, but it may include some you hadn't thought of.

Bedding Supplies For College Dorm Checklist

Mom's Best Tips...Know B4 U Go...Twin or Twin Extra Long? Ask your school which bed size they have so your sheets fit!

• Mattress pad
• Sheet set (1 or 2 depending on how often you want to do laundry)
• Pillows
• Pillowcases
• Blankets or Electric blanket
• Body pillow (Great for floor usage too)
• Comforter
• Duvet cover (again, if you want to cut back on laundry time)

Bath/Toiletries Supplies for College Dorm Checklist

Mom's Best Tips...Know B4 U Go...Where, exactly, IS your shower? Some college dorms have private baths (count your blessings now), some share one bathroom between two rooms (not as ideal, but again, count your blessings) and some have one very large bathroom for the entire floor. (It is doable, trust us.) If you're in anything other than a private bath, you're going to need to think portability. If you're sharing with another room, there may not be enough space to store everything you need in the bathroom. And if it's communal? Don't leave anything there. It may just be gone when you return.

• Acne Cream
• Antacids
• Antibiotic Ointment/Cream
• Antihistamines
• Aspirin/Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen
• Bandages
• Blow Dryer
• Brush
• Comb
• Conditioner
• Contact/Eyeglass Cleaner
• Cosmetics
• Cosmetics Bag/Kit (With mirror because, let's face it, mirror and countertop space is prime real estate!)
• Cotton Balls
• Cough Drops
• Cough Medicine
• Curling/Straightening Iron
• Decongestants
• Dental Floss
• Deodorant
• Detangler
• Disinfectant Spray
• Eye Drops
• Face Soap/Wash
• Feminine Care Products
• First Aid Kit
• Gel/Mousse/Serum
• Hair Clips/Ties/Headbands/Barrettes
• Hairspray
• Heating Pad
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Ice Pack
• Jewelry
• Lip Balm
• Liquid Bandage
• Lotion
• Makeup Remover
• Mouthwash
• Nail Clippers
• Nail File
• Nail Polish/Remover
• Perfume/Cologne
• Pick
• Prescription Meds
• Qtips
• Razor
• Robe
• Shampoo
• Shaving Gel/Cream
• Shower Caddy (an absolute must if you're sharing)
• Shower Gel/Soap
• Shower Shoes (flip flops work well)
• Soap Container
• Sunscreen
• Thermometer
• Tissues
• Toilet Paper
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Towels (body, hand and face)
• Tweezers
• Vitamins

Laundry Supplies for College Dorm Checklist

Mom's Best Tips...Know B4 U Go...Find out ahead of time where your laundry facilities are. Some college dorms have several locations in the building, some are located in the basement, and others have no on site capabilities, making a trip to the Laundromat a time consuming necessity, and a good laundry bag a must. And don't worry, if you've never done your laundry before, we can help.

• Clothespins
• Detergent
• Dryer Sheets
• Drying Rack (for anything air dried)
• Iron
• Ironing Board
• Laundry Bag/Basket (Collapsible is great--it takes up less space)
• Laundry Marking Pen (especially for your towels)
• Quarter Container (Plastic jars work well)
• Quarters
• Sewing Kit (with thread, needles and scissors)
• Small Bottle Bleach
• Stain Remover

Clothes for College Dorm Checklist

Mom's Best Tips...If you're going to school in-state, or will be home for a visit within a few months, DO NOT bring al your clothes now. As you'll soon see, space is at a premium. Bring what you need for now, and switch out as the seasons change. It's ok to keep some off-season clothes in case of odd climate changes (or, if you're going to Colorado where you can have three seasons in one day), but don't keep everything.

• Athletic Shoes
• Baseball Cap
• Belts
• Boots
• Business Attire/Dress Clothes (one outfit, just in case)
• Button Down Shirts
• Comfortable Shoes (A Must!)
• Flats
• Gloves
• Hats
• Jackets (light and heavy)
• Jeans
• Khakis
• Leggings
• Nylons
• Pajamas
• Purse/Wallet
• Scarves
• Shorts
• Slippers
• Socks
• Sweaters
• Sweats
• Sweatshirts
• Swimwear
• T-Shirts
• Underwear
• Watch
• Workout Wear

Office/Study Supplies for College Dorm Checklist

Mom's Best Tips...Some items, of course, you most likely can get on campus after you arrive. Try to shop smart though, and get the most for your money. On campus may, or may not, be your best option.

• 3 Hole Punch
• Backpack (Make certain it's comfortable. You'll be using it A LOT!)
• Binders
• Calculator
• Calendar
• Colored Pencils
• Computer/Laptop (More under Computer Checklist)
• Desk Lamp (Make sure it's in compliance. Some college dorms prohibit anything with a halogen bulb.)
• Dictionary/Thesaurus/Grammar Guide (Though if you'll have online computer access in your room, don't bother bringing these. You can find everything you need online.)
• Dry Erase Board/Markers/Eraser (To hang on your door so friends can leave you messages)
• Erasers
• Folders/File Folders
• Glue
• Highlighters (several colors)
• Index Dividers
• Index/Note Cards
• Markers
• Notebooks
• Paper
• Paper Clips
• Pencil Holder/Pen Cup
• Pencil Sharpener
• Pencils
• Pens
• Phone/Address Book
• Planner/Assignment Book
• Pocket Folders (in several colors)
• Portable File Folder
• Rubber Bands
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Stamps/Envelopes
• Stapler/Staples/Staple Remover
• Sticky Notes

Computer Supplies for College Dorm Checklist

Mom's Best Tips...Know B4 U Go...If you're bringing a CPU, space will be a concern. Also, find out if there is Internet access in your room (wifi/modem/dial-up), and what the compatibility requirements are. Better to know beforehand if any issues need to be resolved while you're still at home and they are easier handled.

• Batteries (If wireless mouse/keyboard)
• Cables (computer/printer)
• CD/CDR/CDRW
• Computer/Laptop
• Ink
• Keyboard
• Memory Stick
• Mouse
• Mouse Pad
• Paper
• Phone Cord
• Printer
• Software
• Speakers
• Surge Protectors

Decor/Furnishings Supplies for College Dorm Checklist

Mom's Best Tips...Know B4 U Go...Most schools do not allow you to put holes in the walls, and some are actually painted concrete or bricks, so you couldn't if you wanted to. Ask the school if you don't already know what your walls are so you'll know how to hang things, then check out our tips for decorating your room here.

• Adhesive Removable Hooks
• Aquarium (if allowed and roommate doesn't protest)
• Beanbag or Inflatable Chair
• Corkboard with Pins
• Curtains and Rods (if allowed)
• Decorations for Holidays (If you're going home, swap them out)
• Fan
• Favorite Comfort Item (i.e. stuffed animal)
• Floor Rug/Area Rug
• Frames
• Hangers
• Lamps (Again, check your schools safety regulations)
• Lockable Storage Trunk
• Night Light
• Pictures/Photos
• Plants
• Plastic Stackable Crates
• Posters
• Sticky Wall Mounts/Tacky Adhesive/Mounting Tape
• Throw/Body Pillows
• Under Bed Storage
• Wastepaper Basket

Electronics Supplies for College Dorm Checklist

Mom's Best Tips...Know B4 U Go...Knowing what you can and cannot take is crucial. The electronics you bring can help you feel much more at home, but with space concerns, here is where you definitely need to talk with your roommate. Two TV's is overkill. Check with the school, and check with each other, and you'll feel right at home in no time.

• Alarm Clock
• Batteries for Remote
• Cable Cord for TV (Many dorms offer cable TV)
• Camera and Film
• CD's
• Cell Phone
• Cell Phone Charger
• Cordless Phone with Answering Machine
• DVD Player
• DVD's
• Extension Cords
• Flashlight
• Games
• Gaming Consoles/Controllers/Cords
• MP3 Player/Charger/Headphones
• Stereo
• Surge Protectors/Power Strips (Check with school on which type)
• TV
• TV Remote (We know. Even in a room this small you're still not going to get up to change the channel.)

Cleaning Supplies for College Dorm Checklist

Moms Best Tips. . .We know, Mom's not there to pick up after you, so chances are, your room could get a little...well, gross. As always, check with the school to see what's permissible then check out our cleaning section on how to take care of your home away from home. If you have your own bathroom, or are sharing it, you WILL be responsible for cleaning it!

• All Purpose Cleaner
• Bathtub Cleaner
• Broom
• Dish Cloth
• Dish Soap
• Dish Towel
• Feather Duster/Dust Catching Wands
• Furniture Wipes
• Garbage Bags
• Glass Cleaner
• Light Bulbs
• Light Vacuum
• Paper Towels
• Room Freshener
• Scrub Brush
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Cooking Supplies for College Dorm Checklist

Moms Best Tips...Know B4 U Go...Regulations regarding cooking items vary across the board, so check with your school first. What used to be a standard "No hot plate!" rule has changed. Some schools consider a coffee pot a hot plate, thus forbidding them, while at others they're allowed. Some allow microwaves, some don't. And a special note on refrigerators and microwaves. While some universities allow you to bring one, they will be very specific on what type they can be. Many college dorms have rental programs. For a small rental fee per semester, you use one of theirs. And since it's theirs, no need to worry about compliance. Just make sure you wash it before you use it. And don't worry. We'll teach you the cooking basics so you won't starve either.

• Aluminum Foil
• Can/Bottle Opener
• Chip Clips
• Coffee Cups
• Coffee Filters
• Coffee Grinder
• Coffee Pot (If allowed)
• Condiments
• Dishes (cups, glasses, plates, bowls. Unbreakable, and microwave safe)
• Hot Plate (Check with school and see note above)
• Knives
• Large Plastic Measuring Cup
• Measuring Spoons
• Microwave (Check with school and see note above)
• Mixing Spoons
• Mugs
• Nonstick Cooking Spray
• Oven Mitt
• Paper Towels
• Plastic Microwavable Storage Containers
• Plastic Wrap
• Sandwich Bags
• Scrubber
• Seasonings
• Silverware
• Spatula
• Toaster Oven (If allowed)

Food Supplies for College Dorm Checklist

Moms Best Tips...You decide. You're going to be on your own. You decide when, where, what, and even how much you'll eat. Here's a list of some staples that should keep the munchies at bay during those late night study sessions. And once you're settled, we'll help you with some basics for when the Dining Hall just won't do. As always, check for any restrictions, and once you have your fridge, you can expand into the perishables.

• Boxed Juice
• Cereal
• Chips
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Crackers
• Energy Bars
• Jelly
• Mac N Cheese
• Nuts
• Peanut Butter
• Popcorn
• Ramen Noodles
• Snack Mix
• Soda
• Soup
• Water Bottles

Tool Supplies for College Dorm Checklist

Moms Best Tips...Though rarely used, it's awful if you need one and forgot it. You can go either way with this, purchase an inexpensive toolkit or throw one together yourself in a plastic box.

• 2 prong adapters
• Adhesive (Wall)
• Batteries
• Hammer
• Measuring Tape
• Nails
• Pliers
• Safety Pins
• Screwdriver Flat Head Phillips
• Screws
• Swiss Army Knife (if allowed)
• Tape Duct Electrical Masking Scotch

Miscellaneous Supplies for College Dorm Checklist

Moms Best Tips...Know B4 U Go...What paperwork will you need in your dorm? Where can you receive medical or dental attention should you need it? Who needs to be notified of your change in address? Make sure you take all important information with you, and leave anything that's irreplaceable at home.

• ATM Card
• Calling Card/Prepaid Phone Card
• Car Emergency Kit
• Change of Address Cards
• Checkbook
• Class Schedule
• Credit Card
• Dental Card
• Drivers License
• Emergency Phone Numbers
• Medical Card
• School Information
• Social Security Number (Not card)
• Spare Car Key

all credit to... (www.dorm411.com)