Charles Runyan, a McNeese State University sophomore chemistry major from Walnut Creek, Calif., puts up a shower curtain in his McNeese apartment. Runyan is among thousands of college students returning to campuses for the beginning of fall classes. Classes at McNeese begin Aug. 18. McNeese Photo

College campuses across the country are preparing to open their doors this month to thousands of students for the beginning of a new fall semester. And if recent mail advertisements from Target, J.C. Penney, Wal-Mart and Bed Bath & Beyond are any indication, college students moving back into their residence halls and dormitories are arriving in style.

Gone are the days when students used concrete bricks and a plank to set up their stereo systems, the only decorations were a couple of posters taped to the walls, sheets covered the window in lieu of a curtain and a rented compact refrigerator was a must. Today's generation is more into style and technology, and inside those tightly packed vehicles are everything from computers, iPods, flat screen televisions and DVD players to coordinating comforters, lamps, towels and shower curtains.

McNeese students can start moving into their residence halls Aug. 14. Letters are sent to students prior to moving in with suggestions on what to bring as well as what not to bring with them, according to Marc Nichols, director of residence life for McNeese Student Housing and Residence Life.

He said McNeese residence rooms are fully furnished, but students may bring additional furniture. Items that students are advised to bring are linens, a shower curtain, rugs, and towels. Other suggested items include a television, computer, telephone, ironing board and iron, a mini-fridge, and a microwave - only one per room. Items not allowed include: toasters, toaster ovens, George Foreman grills, space heaters or any other cooking appliances, candles, incense and halogen lamps, and outside grills on the patios.

McNeese State University students Simon Bandza, left, an engineering major from Lithuania, receives help moving into his McNeese apartment from Erin Rodriguez, a mass communication major from Pitkin. McNeese Photo

"Our residents are coming to campus with many more items than I took with me to college," said Nichols. "I see students with 42-inch flat screens, laptops, iPods, cell phones, digital cameras, etc. If it can be purchased at a local electronics store, our students want to bring it to campus. Our students need to be connected at all times."

He said that residents are encouraged to make their rooms comfortable and that if they share a room to keep their roommate in mind while deciding on décor. "I have seen styles ranging from fairy princess to lords of the underworld."

Questions about pets come up often and Nichols said the most unusual request involved a pet iguana. Nichols said only goldfish are allowed in a 10-gallon or less tank and that's about it. "However, if a resident requires a service animal for a disability, accommodations can be made."

Nichols said for the most part McNeese residents are still in the "traditional" college age range - 18 to 21. "Over the last couple of years we have seen a rise in the number of 'non-traditional' students choosing to live on campus. I attribute this surge to students realizing the benefits of living on campus. They are close to classes and campus resources, and they get a true sense of college life."

Moving into a college residence hall can be nerve-wracking for both students and their parents. However, most students agree that living in their own place for four years surrounded by almost all the conveniences of home is worth it.