So, today's theme seemed to be all about Housing.  Several people came over to visit my roommate and I here at Maxcy for some quick interviews about our housing experience here at good ol' MaxcyPad.  Questions were the obvious--How long have you lived in a dorm?  How have you liked it thus far?  How have the RAs helped you out?  What are the advantages of living on-campus?  Our answers may be used for future housing publications for future prospective students like y'all, my avid readers!

I'd have to say that I've definitely enjoyed living on-campus.  I most definitely appreciate it with gas prices rising ever so steeply.  There's really no need for a car for me seeing as I am already on-campus.  Living in a dorm has also helped my academic experience as most of my classmates live down the hall from me.  Whenever a need for homework help arises or I forget what's the date for the next traumatizing test, I've got my neighbors to run to.  Likewise, I'm able to help them when the scenarios are switched!  Being here at Maxcy has also helped me become moe involved with on-campus activities.  Our hall meetings and government meetings has kept me up-to-date with the many on-going activities and upcoming events that the hundreds of organizations have planned for the student body.  Our hall government also tries to keep the residents together in many ways by planning get-togethers and exam breakers.  Little get-togethers have helped us become familiar with the many faces we live next to, and those exam breakers are definitely awesome for little break times from the late night, stressful crammings for those finals!  Lastly, another advantage to being in dorms is that you also get RAs who are generally helpful.  They are upperclassmen, so they usually have some tips and tricks up their sleeves and some words of wisdom to share, especially for newbies on campus like me!

In any case, a home away from home is what you hope your dorm room will be.  For about three-quarters of the year, your little cubby hole of a room will not only be your bedroom, but it will be your living room, your study room, your dining room...and you'll be sharing it with another person.  Your creativity will be tested as you will have to find ways to decorate a gray colored room.  Don't fret...Here are some of my fave tips to share to keep in mind for when you're planning to move out of your parents and move in to your new place...

1. To stuff it or not to stuff it.  However old you may be, those cutesy little stuffed animals will always bring a sense of home to you.  Don't fear that your roommate will think you're dorky and childish.  I'll bet on it that he/she will probably bring at least one that either their parents gave as a going away gift or their special high school sweetheart gave to them on their first Valentine's day!

2. Cozy it up in them chairs.  Mushroom chairs, disk chairs, tailgating chairs, whatever...Chances are your room might not be big enough to hold a couch or a futon, but seating will still be necessary for having friends over!  So bring the coziest chairs you can find.  They will not only be great for when visitors come, but they will be great to study in when your desk and chair has become too stuffy for the all-nighters!

3. MEMORY FOAMS!  Not for your brain--although, some device for memory enhancements would definitely come in handy--but memory foams for your bed!  Many times, the typical dorm mattress can be old or too springy or torn or something.  It will just not like be the mattress on your bed at home, so memory foam it up!  Several of my friends have come over here to MaxcyPad just to take a nap in my bed because my memory foam is most definitely awesome and comfy!

4. Bring in the classics and faves!  A great collection of DVD classics and your personal faves are definitely great staples for a room.  Sometimes you'll just be too lazy to go out and all you'll want to do is stay in (preferrably in pajamas), and those DVDs will definitely be handy!

5. For lack of a better bold-faced catchy phrase: PICTURES!  Post on your walls your most favorite moments from home with your family, your old buds, and even your dog!  Make a collage, put up frames, or just fill up your entire wall!  Pictures will help bring a piece of home into your place.

In any case, whether you listen to me or not...the ultimate tip is to MAKE THE SPACE YOURS!  Many have visited our MaxcyPad and have loved it because of how "cozy" and "homey" my roommate and I have made it, and that's exactly what we were going for!  I guess we figured that we'd be spending so much time in the room we might as well make the best of it!

Well, hope all of y'alls week started off on the right foot.  Man, how the weekend just flew by so fast!  Belated happy Easter to all.  I hope the Easter bunny left y'all some nice treats!

'Tis all for now.  Catch y'all later on the flipside, future Gamecocks!