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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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1. Ransom Note Generator

Maybe you’re holding your roommate’s socks hostage ‘til he does the dishes.  Maybe YOU stole the cookies from the cookie jar. Either way, with a sweet ransom note generator pulling letters from all over the internet, you’ll find uses. Saves you the hassle of cutting out all those tiny letters from newspapers. Just remember: we don’t officially endorse kidnapping or crime in anyway, even if it is just the crime of partying too hard.

2. Organize.com’s back-to-school

The hipster? The designer? The urbanite? Whatever the heck ‘Tutti Frutti” is? No matter what your student-cum-style identity is, Organize.com’s got you covered with their back-to-school design guides. Everything from closet organizers to pretty folders- these people have everything to keep you, well, organized.

3. CollegeCandy.com

Where else are you gonna find such vital articles as “Ask A Dude: Should I Get Implants” alongside “When I Grow Up, I Want To Be Bethenny Frankel?” But seriously, CollegeCandy.com is a whole lotta fun, from helpful dating and life tips to great columns good for a laugh when LOLZCATS gets too redundant and grammatically frustrating. Check it out.

4. The Old Spice Guy

Unless you’ve been living under a rock (a smelly, odorous rock without towel-wearing, locker-room shirtless man flesh) you’ve heard of the viral sensation that is the Old Spice Guy. We have, and we love him. Not just because he’s manliest man’s man ever, but because we wish we had thought of such a hilarious and awesome idea.

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Ok, boys. This blog post is for the ladies, and featuring those chic college chicks of the web.

Being in college is an amazing opportunity to shape your personal style.  You’re exposed to new people and new places, and all sorts of inspiration. The challenge: you’re on a college student’s budget, and while you may be the next Martha Stewart of interior design, a dorm’s a pretty little space to reign.

Still, that’s what thrift stores and getting crafty are for, along with great blogs written by savvy ladies who will be there to help.  Here’s a three of our favorites, and some of their best hits of college-girl-greatness.

Lovely Undergrad

Feeling low on the living space? Head to the nearest Anthropologie, or just over to LovelyUndergrad.com for your daily dose of insanely pretty living spaces.  Jessica dishes up more design inspiration than Urban Outfitters, and has some serious good advice and links to other great resources, too.  Head over there for the prettiest rooms you will ever see alongside seriously smart college advice.  Our favorite? Her collection of beautiful DIY projects that’ll put pretty in any budget.

Charade Style

Picture running through a rose garden, in perfect pretty-yet-quirky florals and stripes. And that’s exactly the opening photos to Megan’s blog. Travel photos that make you yearn for Parisian cafés and some seriously sound fashion advice about creating a rocking wardrobe on a budget. While there’s a reason her ultimate geek’s guide to fashion is a top hit (seriously. You have to read it to believe it’s awesomeness) her advice on packing for travel is just as sound and helpful, especially for those summer trips.

University Chic

Think of rounding up all your best and awesome girlfriends, with all their different interests and talents. Now imagine doing that across colleges nationally. And you get UniversityChic. Written by real college gals, it covers not only fashion and fun, but serious issues (like how to keep yourself safe while studying abroad).  It’s a must-go-to for all sorts of info.

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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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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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So, we’re starting something new. Every Friday, check in for our top five lists on internet things we’re fans of this week. Cool blogs, random videos, and some really useful sites we find will all go up.  Let us know if you have any suggestions through the week of stuff YOU love. Let us know on our Facebook page or by tweeting us up @DesignYourDorm.

1. CRAZY STARFISH VIDEOS

Watch out, octopi. Starfish are catching up as the new weird sea creatures on YouTube (but seriously. Look up some octopus vids). Thanks to the fine people over at Boing Boing for that one.

2. COLLEGE.GOV’S SWEET (AND HELPFUL) NEW SITE

“Cool website” and “government” aren’t usually in the same sentence, but the people over there for Federal Student Aid (think FAFSA) are about way more than forms right now. Their website has some sweet planning tools, and even a way to connect with Facebook.  If you’re a little bit lost on the whole college thing, from why to go, to how, to how to pay for it, head on over. Now, about parental W-2s…

3. MASHABLE’S GUIDE TO FINDING MUSIC

FratMusic.com is down, guys. We (well, Mashable) have you covered.  Mashable features five awesome, innovative little sites that tailor music to your mood. They’re all a bit different, and Mashable, the Social Media guru of the internet, lets you know what’s good and bad about each one. Now, if only they had this for your roommates attitude.

4. COLLEGE FASHION.NET

So, it’s girly. Deal with it. Bonus: features on actual campus fashionistas. Double bonus: they’re looking for new writers for the upcoming school year. Check out some style, see if there’s anyone you know, and get a blog job. Win-win.

5. DIGITAL KALEIDASCOPE

Your new time waster. You’re welcome.

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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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You may think that college is all about studying and debating with professors in class. Well, let me tell you there’s more to that than you may think. I will always relish the social life in high school but college is in a world of its own! The social life is much different and much more fun. There was more to do socially here than ever before.

You’ve got your garden variety club activities and civic groups, if you’re into that kind of thing! However, dorm events and parties were always the best! They were wilder and more adrenaline-packed than high school. Not to mention that alcohol flowed like rivers at every party I went to and I’ve never seen people that thirsty before in my life! High school had kiddie parties compared to what we had now!
Being new to the state I was in, I made sure to grab every opportunity I had at an adventure which would help me warm up to my surroundings. I went hiking, kayaking and involved myself in other activities that would increase my familiarity with the state that would be my home for the four years. Adventures during the day and parties at night; what more could anyone ask for? Unfortunately, this was where my problems began. Too much play actually made me a dull boy!

Back then, I always had my parents around to remind me if I was partying too much and a dip in my grades was enough to have me grounded for a week or more. Now, I’m thousands of miles away from them and no one was going to tell me what to do! Despite that sense of bravado; my grades were taking a major hit! Suddenly, I was losing my zeal for knowledge and diverted my attention to everything else other than academics.

It was a hard lesson in responsibility that I learned! Keeping that balance was more difficult than I imagined! I certainly did not want to be called “the geek” who spent most of his time in the library; yet reading is, undoubtedly, the most essential part of a college education. It came to a point of time when too much partying actually made me feel bad! Call it guilt, if you want, but all I ever thought about from that point on was getting my grades back on track.

This has been the dilemma of every student who ever wanted to succeed in college; when is too much fun actually too much? College life presents itself with its own set of temptations and challenges. It is the transition stage from childhood to adulthood. This is the time to determine your path and write your own destiny. Do you want to be remembered as someone who dropped out of school for partying too much or as the person who graduated with flying colors because he had the right balance in his life? That choice is ultimately yours.

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Making it though the first few weeks of my freshman year was harder than I thought. Sure enough, I was able to find my way around, eventually, but now a new challenge had sprung up before me. Classes and Professors! Gone are the days when I had to refer to my teachers as “Mr.” and “Ms.”. Now, it’s more like “Professor” or “Dr.” And to tell you the truth it took me a semester to figure out the difference! In my first day of class, I noticed another difference between my teachers in high school and the so-called professors I was now facing. What was that difference? It’s a fact that professors were much tougher than teachers!

They’ll never take “I don’t know” for an answer. If you don’t know something; try to guess. Just make sure it’s an intelligent one or else you’ll be ridiculed right out of class. I learned that one the hard way! Just to make sure I never had to go through such embarrassment again, I read every reading assignment given in class. It came to the point that I’d read a couple of extra chapters just to boast! Gone are the days where I would sit in class and float on cloud 9. Here in college, I had to be both physically and mentally present. Does that suck? If you think so, maybe college isn’t for you!
In high school, all we had to do was be present (sometimes just physically), write a couple of term papers (or copy off someone else’s) and take a few exams (copying was still an option here) and that was it. It’s a far cry from what college is now. Here, you are expected to have an opinion about everything! Have you ever challenged a teacher in high school? You probably ended up in the Principal’s office when you did. Here, professors actually provoke you to challenge them and doing so isn’t considered deviant behavior. So much for detention!

The one thing I liked most about college is the fact that professors made sure you don’t learn crap like you did in high school. Most of the learning was geared towards something to help you in your chosen field. Many professors, whom I knew, were great at motivating their students in ascertaining what information was vital and which bits was absolute trash! Almost nothing in class was irrelevant and everything seemed to revolve around healthy debate and discussion. We were expected to be analytical and critical of what was going on around us. In this sense, professors acted more as guides than teachers and almost every professor was open for consult about things we didn’t understand and some would even offer advice on what books to read to gain more information and insight.

For the first time in my life, my brain was active and it wouldn’t stop! I gained a great hunger for learning and spent every available time venturing on my newfound quest for knowledge. That’s the secret of success to college; you got to have that drive to learn. Participate in class, add in your own insights and perspectives and analyze everything possible. College isn’t cheap and you wouldn’t want to waste all that money on just partying and hanging out. This is your chance to set yourself up for the future so make the most of it while you can.