Do students need high-tech gear for college?
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"A lot of students feel they have to have a car on campus," says Johnson, the financial aid director. "But because everything is in close proximity, they don't need it.

Often, students end up in his office because of the expenses associated with driving, he adds.

It's also liable to sink a student academically, as is the off-campus job a student often needs to pay for it, says Boyd.

The more a student stays connected to campus and finds ways to be involved on campus, Boyd says, "the better chance they have of making it through."

What doesn't (usually) help
It might actually pay to leave the big-screen TV and all the stereo equipment at home.

Geban remembers helping one student set up a dorm room that looked like it had been ripped from the pages of a magazine. While it was nice, it wasn't practical, she says. "Don't just jump in and spend, spend, spend," she says.

"You're there for a specific purpose," says Johnson.  "You're there to study; you're there to learn. Bring all of those things that will help you flourish as a student and enhance the living environment."

Realistically, students don't need a TV. Most dorm lounges and many public areas already have them. "Most college students I know don't spend a lot of time watching TV," says Boyd.

But a lot of students bring televisions, says Frazee. Her tip: Avoid bringing DVD players. "If you sit down and watch a half-hour comedy, that can be a good diversion," she says. Watching a two-hour movie instead of studying can lead to trouble.

It's also good to know if any items are banned. Purdue, for instance, doesn't allow halogen lamps, which can be a fire hazard, says Frazee. And while students can bring small refrigerators and microwaves, there are size limits. Each dorm room is allowed only one of each at Purdue -- so roommates need to sort out who's bringing what.

The comforts of home
Students might also need a few low-tech things they hadn't considered, such as fans. Not all college dorms are air-conditioned.

Those not used to communal bathrooms might not know to pick up a pair of shower shoes, towels and a bag to carry sundries to the bathroom.

An alarm clock is really important.

Ask about the phone situation. Some schools might not have them in every room; others provide them.

Roommates should communicate before moving in together, if possible. They don't want to end up with two TVs when the room has one cable outlet, says Geban.

It also pays to think about those things that will make life easier in a communal environment. Students who like to listen to music while studying should pack the iPod or some earphones.

Rollerblade aficionados or tennis players should bring along whatever they need to enjoy their sports, says Boyd. "You'll find avenues for that here."

What can really make a difference when it comes to academic success? A system for organizing notes, research and papers. According to both students and teachers, it doesn't seem to matter if it involves the latest in high-tech gear or a pen and paper, as long as it works.

Students should choose what worked in high school, says Stuebing. It's a proven method, plus those thrusted into a new environment "don't want everything to be new," he says.

Dana Dratch is a freelance writer based in Atlanta.