Robert Rowe is an Atlanta native who graduated from the Westminster Schools in May, 2001 where he was a varsity athlete, choir member, and class officer. Robert currently is a pre-med student at Princeton where he runs track and sings in the a cappella group, The Princeton Tigertones, who have toured throughout Europe, Japan, the British Virgin Islands, and the East Coast. Robert suggests that you might want to take a moment in your college-planning process to think about your life at school: Your Room Ah yes, your room. It's the one place on or near campus that is yours. Cherish it, honor it, and love it, and it will love you right back. Oh, and every once in a while it's probably a good idea to clean it. It helps keep bugs out and more importantly shows your parents how responsible you are. I think I've fooled mine so far. More than likely you will be assigned to one or more roommates. This is a great opportunity to make fast and possibly lifelong friends. Try contacting your future roommate as soon as possible to figure out what each of you should bring. Common room items include refrigerators, a television, furniture, stereo, posters, iron and board, dust buster, George Foreman grill, and lamps (rooms are rarely lighted to your liking and a lamp allows you to do your work without lighting up the entire room). Before you buy anything, however, check with your dorm for fire safety regulations. Some buildings allow microwaves, hotplates, and mini-fridges, and some don't. Less is more. More often than not, students tend to bring up more than they will need in the form of clothes or maybe high tech gadgets. Your room is probably smaller than you think and you may not even be able to fit all that you brought into it. Try bringing up just what you will need and go from there. If you discover that you could use a filing cabinet or plastic bin to store winter clothes, there is a good chance there is a Wal-Mart or Target-type store near your fine institution. Plus, it's easier to go out and buy things once you've moved in than lugging them to school with you. Another idea is shipping things. If it's not fragile, let the postal service handle it. Have Fun! This is the most exciting time in your life so far. There are more opportunities for you to learn and grow than ever before. Do all you can to learn life's lessons inside the lecture hall and out you will have a great college experience. Take care! Until next time: Robert Rowe Princeton University class of 2007