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A lot of people wonder, “Should I join a Fraternity”? Whether the Fraternity is socially or academically based, it is something that a lot of people do once going to college. Ultimately, it depends on your interests and if the University you are attending has a large “Greek” population.  It is important to ask yourself what your ultimate goal is and then go from there. Check out the following paragraphs to determine if joining a fraternity is right for you!

Figuring it out
First off you need to figure out why you are joining a fraternity. This helps because it gives you an idea of what kind of fraternity you want to join. Some fraternities may put a greater emphasis on social life while others may put a greater emphasis on GPA, although most have a balance between the two. There are also fraternities that oriented towards certain religions or ethnicities. So, think long and hard and try to figure out exactly what you are looking to get out of fraternity life.

Ask around
Now that you know what kind of fraternity you want to join, you should get opinions from people you meet about which fraternities may suit you best. Beware of people that slander certain fraternities, as they may either be incredibly uninformed or a member of a rival fraternity. Do not make your decisions based entirely off of what you hear about a fraternity, but do take what you’ve heard into consideration.

Rush
During rush go to all the houses that you would consider joining, and then go to a few that you don’t think you’d join (because you might end up changing your mind). Make sure that you meet as many of the brothers/sisters in the house, these people want to meet you and you want to meet them (after all, they are your potential future brothers/sister). Also make sure that you ask questions: ask about membership dues, ask how long the chapter has been around, ask about alumni relationships, etc… These factors should come into play into your decision.

Making your decision
At this point you should have all of the pieces of the puzzle, but its time to put them together. Questions to ask yourself: Where did you feel most comfortable? Where do you feel you could see yourself being life long friends with the brothers of the house? Which house do you feel would best meet the needs of your college experience? Most importantly, you need to understand that nobody can make the decision for you. Ultimately it comes down to you and where you think you’ll be happiest.

So…. Good Luck!

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Click here to buy Sale Posters

As you prepare to head off to college, you are undoubtedly going to need some cool posters to cover those blank dorm walls. Luckily for you, AllPosters.com is having a poster sale and are offering tons of posters to choose from!

To help you in your search for the most popular posters at the best possible price, we are providing you with a list of the top 10 sellers for the sale. Although not all the posters are pictured here, simply visit AllPosters.com to see the full list with their corresponding graphic.

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Alright, we wanted to make this contest as simple as possible! For the past few months, you have been playing around with the 3D-designer in order to create your perfect dorm room. You should hopefully have one dorm room design finalized if not more. All you have to do is submit your designed dorm room onto the DesignYourDorm.com Fan Page and we will pick a winner based on the most people that “like” your room design. So…tell all your friends once you have posted your design onto the wall and tell them to like it! If you get the most likes, you will win a $100 gift-card to Organize.com.

The deadline is Friday August 20th. Please have all your submissions posted by Friday at Midnight.

In order to submit your design, please follow these steps:

1) Log-in and go to the “3D Designer”. If this is not the dorm design you would like to submit, please go to “Manage My Rooms” and choose the room from your list.

2) Once you have selected the room that you would like to use for the contest, click on the “Share Room Design” at the bottom of the page.

3) Your room will then appear in a thumbnail and simply drag it into the Facebook “F” Icon.

4) Once dragging it into the Facebook icon, share it on your “wall”.

5) If you click on the picture of your room, you will get a custom URL that corresponds to your room. Simply paste that URL onto theDesignYourDorm.com Fan Page’s wall.

6. Once it is on the wall get all your friends to click “Like”. The most “Likes” wins the contest! It’s that easy!

Please e-mail info@designyourdorm.com if you have any questions!

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As move-in approaches, now is the time to start planning. Most of you should have received a notification with the name of your roommate. If you haven’t contacted them yet, it is important to connect with them to get an understanding of their personality and how you will mesh together. You can plan whose bringing what and discuss a possible “theme” for your room.

Have a good Friday and we hope you enjoy the stuff we like!

1) SLOUCHBACK

Slouchback!

Started by two college graduates, the “Slouchback” is the evolution to dorm furniture. While sitting in their dorm room, the creators saw the need to have somewhere comfortable to relax. Since dorms are small and there is not much space for futons/beanbags (depending on the room), the most ideal place to lounge is on your bed. The slouch inflates in just 30 seconds with a built-in pump. One of the coolest features are the insulated cupholders, so your drinks are always cold and within reach. It’s extremely easy to deflate and reasonably priced. Why sit up straight when you can Slouchback? Check them out here.

2) Thrillist.com

What is Thrillist.com? It’s a daily (weekday) e-mail that you receive in the morning that lists some of the hottest new goodies. Most of the time, the e-mails showcase new eateries, clothing deals, and evening hotspots. Currently, they have 17 editions (Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Hamptons, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC) and have more on the way. If you’re headed off to school at one of these cities, you should definitely check them out!

3)Kia Car Commercial

The Kia Soul Hamsters…How can you promote your automobile by using hamsters as your actors? As out there as it seems, these commercials are understandably catching a ton of attention. It was named automotive TV ad of the year! If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth checking out.

4) CAMPUSBOOKS.com

It’s a fact…University bookstores will rip you off. In late June, CampusBooks was featured on “Stuff we Like” and it’s time to revisit their website. When you get your class schedule and booklist, you should really explore the site. We also implemented a widget in the left hand corner of our website, so you can easily find the books you need.  Why spend hundreds more on books then you have to?

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It’s time for another awesome installment of (cue audience shouting) STUFF-WE-LIKE!

1.  Not using paper cups and plastic bottles

Throwing away paper cups and plastic bottles not only puts a huge strain on your budget, but on the planet—a plastic bottle takes a thousand years to degrade in a landfill. Kick the throwaway habit with these sweet things from Organize.com. Take your own “Not a Paper Cup”(it’s ceramic)

Fool everyone with how awesome you are. Looks like a paper cup, but ISN'T.

to Starbucks, and switch out bottled water to a super cool Nalgene. Even better?

Refill, not Landfill. Take that, water bottles.

Win it for free! Organize.com and DYD are giving them away! Check out below.

2.  Natural Bug Killer

You’re already having to share a dorm with a roommate. Last thing you want is to share it with some six-to-eight-legged freeloaders. But in the tiny living space of a dorm, where your bed counts as a work space, sleep spot, and kitchen table, wafting around toxic chemicals is not a good idea either. Enter EcoSmart: pest control for the home/dorm that is super-safe and effective. They use natural oils instead of chemicals, to “ attack octopamine neuro-receptors” of bugs. That’s big talk for keeping bugs away without turning your ramen into a toxic soup. And we’re keeping your ramen safe for free! EcoSmart is giving away a Safe Home Value bundle (worth 25 bucks) complete with everything you need to keep creepy-crawlies off you and your crew, including their natural bug killer. Check it out below!

3. Fancy Fast Food

Sonic Cherry Limeade reincarnated as Soniccian Borscht, which is some unpronounceable sweet soup.    This blog is genius. Here’s the gist: he takes fast food, whips it around, and using it and only it, turns it into some unrecognizable super classy cuisine. You gotta see it to believe it. Give the recipes a try, and hey, you might just be able to pass off Mickey D’s as a classy dinner.

4. The Real College Guide

Something’s named the Real College Guide, you know they’ve got some good stuff.  They’ve got advice on everything from throwing the best graduation party to how national healthcare reform is affecting us students. Best part? A huge amount of their content is written by students themselves. So, you’ve got questions? Head over to The Real College Guide, fan them on Facebook, or ask questions on twitter, and get some Real Answers.

5. Winning free stuff!

So this week to spice things up, we’re giving away stuff we like! We’re giving away the super cool ceramic travel mug and Nalgene bottle from Organize.com, and the Safe Home value bundle from EcoSmart pesticides.  All this stuff is eco-friendly, green, and safe, just to prove how easy it is to be a little bit greener.  Wanna enter? Make sure you’re registered for a DYD account, then head over to our Facebook page and let us know what little thing(s) you’re doing to be a bit greener. Wanna win the EcoSafe bug killer? Let us know your fears of bugs, and why you need it. Or, comment right here on our blogs! Winners will be picked next Friday!

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A good night’s sleep is essential for a whole slew of reasons. There’s strong evidence that regular sleep keeps down weight, keeps up brain power, and generally, ensures you won’t doze off during O-Chem and miss the pop quiz.

But suddenly being with a roommate, in a noisy dorm, with way too much going on, sleep is often one of those first things to go.

Don’t let it! If you’re one of those people blessed with being able to sleep through a freight train (or the school marching band playing outside your window—been there, done that) then may the force be with you, but for the rest of us, here are some tips to be like this kitteh and fall asleep anywhere.

1. Set a bedtime

It may sound crazy, but mentally deciding when you want to hit the pillow will give you more motivation to get off Facebook and actually get into bed.  Crucial when you have a big day tomorrow. And just a note: it may make sense to work out right before bed, to exhaust yourself, but it’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Working out runs endorphins through your body, and actually, gives you a boost of energy, making you fidgety before bed.

2. Take some tech-free time

Before bed, take some you time to unwind. Do your bed-time ritual and then  read (not for school). Use a mini light if you have to, but turning off the laptop’s blue light and hunkering down with a book  or magazine you actually want to read will ease you into sleep. Especially if you’re reading one of these toughest books.

3. Or make tech your friend

Listening to music on full-blast is not gonna go well with your roommate, but grab an iPod and make a playlist. Make sure it ends after a few songs (so a sweet and unexpected  drum solo doesn’t wake you up at 4am) and lull yourself to bed.  It sounds cheesy, but try layering the sound of rain over a soft song. Just try it, and see how quick you’re zonked out. Got an iPhone? Check out this sweet app that analyzes your sleep cycle, and wakes you up gently.

4. Arm yourself

Having a roommate means you’re gonna get interrupted. Whether someone needs a light on when you’re trying to sleep, or you’re experiencing the lovely intocxicated-roommate-back-at-4am-and-wants-to-enter-a-discourse-about-Cheetos syndrome, you’re gonna be woken up. UNLESS You’re armed. Try a sleep mask and some earplugs. Hearing your own breathing and sleeping with something on your face can be tough, but give them a try for a week or so and see if it works for you.

5. Nap!

Studies have shown that taking a short (read: not three-hour in front of the couch watching Real Housewives) nap actually resets your brain, refreshes you, and prepares you for cramming a lot more in there.  Got early classes?  Slap on the eye mask and sleep for an hour in the afternoon. Just make sure you get up and get going again after.

Got any sleeping tips of your own? Let us know! And get some inspiration from CuteThingsFallingAsleep.com.

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Congratulations Patrick Joseph Kennedy, of Harrisburg, PA, on winning the DesignYourDorm.com Summer Plans Contest!

This summer, Patrick plans to keep up with his home improvement business while juggling TWO summer internships.  One will take him all the way to lovely Los Angeles, CA to work on a filming.  After a last stop in Florida with his girlfriend, he’ll head off to begin college. Patrick is loving every minute of summer, and he’ll definitely love his new Slouchback!

Thank you everyone for participating!  Stay tuned for our next contest coming soon!

DesignYourDorm is back with some more stuff that we love from around the web… you can’t miss this!

1) SMOKING 2-Yr OLD???

In no way do we condone this, but check out this far out kid… We feel bad for his lungs and his parents!

2) FAILBLOG.org

If you’re looking for some quick laughs, you will never fail with the FailBlog! Whether epic or subtle, these failures are downright hilarious…

Here’s one of our favorite fails…be careful, it’s a little painful to watch

3) MENTOS BEATBOXER

Ever thought of yourself as a beat boxer? Ever wanted to try it out? Do you know you suck, but wish you had the talent to drop a beat at will?  Well, even if you don’t know what beat boxing is, check out this awesome site that will turn anyone into an online, champ!

4) X-Factor TALK TALK BRIGHTDANCE

This site, from UK’s X-Factor talent show, lets you try your hand at colorful writing in thin air, a great way to create beautiful art or send a very original message.

5) CAMPUSBOOKS.COM

This site will help all you students out there save some valuable spending money on your education, so your cash can be put to more adventurous endeavors. Not only does the site help you find the cheapest text books available, but they have an awesome iPhone app, and will soon release one on Android.

ENJOY!!!

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Moving into your dorm means you’re finally on your own! But on your own. Sharing a tiny room. With a person you may or may not know. And being in charge of all your own food, schedule, and homework.

It’s not rocket science (unless that’s your major) but it still can turn into a disaster zone if you can’t keep organized.

Luckily, there are easy tips and cheap stuff to keep your life and space on track.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE

Dorm rooms are, for the most part, tiny. And at school, you don’t have a basement to store all your spare stuff. So, to avoid seriously pissing your roommate off, make the most of the space on your side of the room.

Lift up your bed, and throw some drawers under there. Organize.com has some sweet storage and (duh) organizational tools to keep things in check.  The college closet must have?

An organizer that creates shelves (read: less hangers, and making the most of that vertical space). They come in sizes for everything from sweaters to shoes.

One of the best and underutilized spaces? The back of the door. Ladies, hang up a full-length mirror, or
add more space for those ever-present shoes.

And keep cables at bay.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE BOXES

You’d be surprised how much random crap you can come up with to clutter your space. It’s OK to not have your pens color coded, or to hold onto every little souvenir from your first week at school.  Just don’t leave it piled on your desk.

Pretty boxes solve the problem. They look neat and pretty, and no one has to know that inside, you just tossed every random thing you couldn’t find space for. It’s like the grownup version of shoving things under the bed.

FOLDERS ARE YOUR FRIENDS

Somewhere (hopefully) in your parents’ house is a file with all your important junk in it, from birth certificate to bank accounts. Now that you’re on your own, a lot of that stuff, like financial aid documents and grade reports, are gonna come to you. Don’t let them get lost in the craziness of your other school papers. Grab brightly colored folders, one for each class, and then one for your miscellaneous important documents. Keep it all within reach in organizers, but out of the way of those late night ramen binges.

PLAN IT OUT

Planning your time, and remembering everything you suddenly need to keep track of, is a big deal, especially when your homework is largely reading and barely due the next day.  Take time each week to sit down and plan out what you need to do, update your calendar and schedule, and write down your homework from the syllabus.  Some tools to do so:

Knock Knock.Biz Amazing products, vital organization tools, and all with a hilarious spin. Folders that say “Useless Crap”? You get the idea. The weekly planner mousepad is quite literally a lifesaver.

Schoolhouse.app Go digital! Keep track of all your homework in an easy, free app.

Screenshot of the Schoolhouse application

Daily Planners Franklin Covey is that grand-daddy of all planners, but the $5 one you picked up at the bookstore will do just as fine.

Did we forget anything? Comment, let us know your thoughts and tips!

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Big City University:

A large university in a big city provides a ton of resources and options.  First of all you’re sure to find a crowd within the student body with which you feel right at home.  Whether that crowd is the Greek system, the engineering club, the modern dance team, or the volunteer club, there will likely be something for everyone.

Big universities often also come with high profile research, professors, and athletics.  Don’t be surprised to have your friends from high school messaging you on Facebook when your top-ten football team loses, or when they read a book in class written by your teacher.

Big cities also come with amazing avenues for fun away from campus.  Again, options galore can afford you with anything from a headline concert tour, to chow mein in China Town, to a museum exhibit or art gallery opening.  Don’t be afraid to turn to websites like yelp.com for advice on things to check out, and things to avoid, for that matter.

Small Town College:

If you feel more comfortable knowing exactly what you’re gonna get, go for the liberal arts college.  In this environment, you won’t have to deal with picking out the bad from the good, because you probably won’t have many choices.

It is likely that everyone on campus will know THE best pizza place and THE best movie theater.  There may only be one of each.  As long as you choose a school with a student body that fits your style, you’ll probably call everyone on campus your friend sooner than you think.

Your professors may or may not have the fame afforded by breakthrough research, but that might mean they dedicate more of their time and effort to giving you a great education.  And though your football team might not draw 100,000 fans per game, you’ll stand a much better chance at making the team.  Division 3 athletes don’t live in the national spotlight, but they get a chance to do what they love at a high level.

Each option has a ton to offer, and it’s hard to know exactly which will fit your ever evolving personality.  The best news is that it’s your choice to make!  Learn as much as you can about the schools on your list, and follow your heart!

Give us your input in the comments section, from experiences in college, or from experiences as you search for your dream school

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In an attempt to make Design Your Dorm more social and user-friendly, we have added the Meebo Bar to our site! This tool enables our users to instantly connect, share and communicate with all of their friends while remaining on our site. Because Meebo integrates all social network and communication channels into a single, simple-to-use interface, users can easily share content and communicate in real time with the people who matter to them.

For example, if you are designing your room on our site and would like to show your friends what you have created, simply share your room design with all your friends on Facebook and many other social networks with the click of a button. Also, users have found it useful to communicate with their new college roommates via our site, so you can get to know each other and decide who is going to bring what for the upcoming school year. Try it out and we would love to hear your feedback!