THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 9, 1996 TAG: 9608090055
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SHARON GREENE, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 41 lines
ONCE THE BOOK-BUYING and roomie-swapping has passed, it will be time to focus on making your home-away-from home just that.
A dorm room is a small house in which to eat, sleep, study and party. If you have a roommate willing to work with you, a truly awesome abode can be yours.
Colleges have tons of rules, but you can get around them.
No. 1 rule: colleges protect their walls. Holes, no matter what they are made with, are not permitted.
David Beyea, a sophomore at Randolph-Macon College, had such a decree placed upon him. After investing in Silly Putty to display his Wolfwoman poster, he realized that he wasn't just being a nice guy.
``We were told we weren't allowed to poke holes in the wall, but they're brick so we won't anyway,'' says David.
Damon Orr, a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University, also faced the ``no holes in wall'' rule, but is allowed to paint the room, BUT it must be painted white again before leaving.
``Instead I just put up my rubber chicken and some license plates,'' said Damon.
A lot of comforts you get accustomed to at home are missed when you venture into dorm territory.
Scout local garage sales for carpet pieces, an old couch or chair. Raid your neighbors' closets in search of futons from past generations or throw rugs.
Since space is usually limited, you might want to confer with your roomies regarding the additions.
Ron Sayco, a University of Virginia sophomore, loves what he was able to do. After one guy moved out of the intended triple room, he and his roommate bunked their beds and added a couch and TV.
Though it may only be one room, it is your room. The living conditions are what you make them, so have fun. After all, you only live once, and your mom won't be there to tell you to clean up. MEMO: Sharon Greene, a 1996 graduate of Princess Anne High, will attend
Virginia Tech in the fall. by CNB