Thanks tons for the detailed post! The windowsill I have it on now is warm-ish during the day and cooler at night, but nothing extreme. Hopefully that'll work. It doesn't get great sun, but it does get some, and I have a fluorescent lamp on most of the time I'm in the room. I wish I had a better window for it, but alas, my dorm is only 12x14 or so, haha. The plant came in one of those pots with a plastic cup on top, with instructions to fill the cup with water and place the pot in it. I did that, but with the water level barely touching the bottom of the pot. Is that okay? With the eating thing, I was surprised... there were already a few small crane flies in the cup-top with it when Dan gave it to me, and several of the heads look like they're still digesting some of the flies, so fortunately it appears used to eating bugs already. It's good to hear that I don't have to go out on buggy safaris every day, though, since most of them are in hibernation already here. I'll try my best to get some clean water for it. I could probably put out some collecting cups outside without anyone noticing and moving them. That, or I could try and get some distilled water from my chemistry lab if we go a while without rain. Thanks again for all the information! I'd type more but I have to get to marching band now. Bah.

So great to read everyone's experiences. Mine were much the same-- however, I went to Wilson College, a small women's college in south central PA so we didn't have the advantages of the schools in the big cities-- or those in Western MA/Boston where the environment of academic excellence is unmatched (IMO). Like Sue, I didn't set out to go to a women's college. If I had, I'd probably have selected one that was in a different region and a little more focused on science/math-- however, I have NO complaints. Because women's colleges are so focused on providing opportunities to women, I had many advantages such as being able to work with my professors to design my own major, run my own lab/studies and build the kind of curriculum and experience that prepared me for graduate studies-- and, in fact, helped me to receive a full scholarship in a highly competitive PhD program. When I started college, I was pretty confident and was quite comfortable (and quick) to speak my mind. What I lacked was the maturity and compassion to use my "voice" effectively. Through the many leadership opportunities and guidance of my peers and mentors, I learned how to use my voice to not just speak out -- but to speak out in a way to educate, influence and lead others. I learned to not just identify problems but to provide solutions-- because I was a part of the solutions. These skills have been invaluable not just in my careers but in my personal relationships. I've had the opportunity to get back in touch with some of the students and professors recently as we rally to support the college, students and alumnae in facing the possibility of going coed. It has been a great reminder of what a great group of women we were... and are. We're professionals, business owners, teachers, lawyers, doctors. We're community leaders, mothers, activists, scientists and artists. We're passionate and wise and we know how to get things done. When I was first contacted about the possibility of the college going coed, I had to ask myself if attending a women's college had benefited me. I've been in male-dominated fields my entire life-- through two different career paths. Had my women's college education prepared me for that work? I wasn't sure.. until I started reconnecting with my old classmates. We are all different and have gone down very different paths-- but there's just something different about this group. I've struggled to identify it and name it (which is why I haven't posted here for a few days). These women have such a strong sense of themselves and the worlds around them -- and hokey as it sounds, they are generously and passionately committed to sharing their experiences and giving back to other women. It's been humbling.. and inspiring. And that's the other thing I gained from going to a women's college-- a great appreciation and admiration for other women. I think it's made me a better friend, sister, daughter and manager. Thanks again sharing your thoughts and experiences! I've enjoyed them all.. and best wishes to all those with daughters and loved ones heading off to school!

I had a boy - the dorm room was disgusting and teeney with loft beds - for 2 years. I don't think the beds were ever made. Then he moved off campus to a (luxury) Quad and bought a full size bed. Size of the bedding was very different. Part of what you decide to make is where they go to college. I would suggest that you make a large lap - longer than wider - but not so large it is cumbersome in tight quarters, but one large enough to wrap up in and walk around. Keep it lightweight unless they need the warmth. Both my son and his roommate (truly BFF)each ended up with down blankets, because they were in a cold climate, but had no space. Girls are different.....don't be hurt or surprised if it is tossed around carelessly, lost or stolen. I would not put a huge amount of effort into it, but make it nice. I am so glad I survived those years.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to give me/us these suggestions! Emily & I have been sitting here this morning, rereading every one of your posts and adding things to our ongoing lists to do, to take and to buy. They have helped so much. You've helped us both by suggesting things we hadn't thought of and you've also saved me money, because I'm not having to ship off things DD will need but we'd forgotten. And yes, I do realize that there will be local stores that she can shop at for forgotten items, but as I mentioned here before, we've been there and done this with DS nine years ago. Let me mention it again for any other new freshman parents: the local stores in the area will be a nightmare to shop at that move-in day and for at least the next week afterwards! Most needed items will be quickly sold out and the check-out lines will be staggeringly long with stressed out, frazzled parents and students. Been there, will NOT be doing that one again this time! Lisa: thank you for that suggestion! I'd hadn't yet thought of her immunization records, but have just added this to our list. Suero: thanks for that link. I've made a list of things we need to check with housing about. Lazy: yes, the school does provide bed, mattress, desk, chair, etc. I'm with you on the stores and madhouse there will be at them that first day/week ;^D Gotta run errands with DD once again. Will be back later to check on this thread once more. Lynn