Tips and Tricks Discussion

Okay, so cleaning up after yourself, especially when you're tired and stressed, is not one of your top ten things to do. But some basic housekeeping information will help you get through life a lot easier, keep your mom & dad happy while you're home and keep your dorm/room mate in a much better frame of mind.

There is a difference between clutter and dirt. Clutter can be managed. Dirt can not only be disgusting, it can breed mold and draw bugs. And depending on which climate you are in, the bug thing can become really bad. So even if you only use them a few times a semester, have cleaning supplies and tools available to use. And you don't want to let the dirt and grime get too thick. Because if you don't, at the end of the year when you want to be packing and spending time with your friends, you will be spending those hours/days cleaning so the "dirt damage" is not charged to your dorm room account!

Some basic laundry skills also help -- not only will people be happier to be around you, you'll learn not to unintentionally have pink underwear! Some schools still have coin operated student laundries while others have gone to a type of student debit card account.

Some primitive sewing skills also come in handy. Darn those buttons don't always stay on shirts and pants like they used to. Hems can get snagged. Pack a mini-sewing kit and know how to do these simple repairs.