Each fall a new crop of students prepares to begin their college experience. Half are frightened and half are bursting to take the big step forward.

For each freshman ready to leave the nest there is another suffering from angst at the prospect of leaving home. For both groups, it is understandable that they have great interest in their new living arrangement.

For the most part, residence halls are simple places. Yet a great deal of study has gone into creating a supportive environment. There is emphasis on gathering places for residents in order to foster a sense of community and belonging. More modern halls offer a common living room, laundry facility and bathrooms. The professionals in the resident-hall business know that it is dangerous to create a situation where people feel left out.

Much depends on the age of the dormitory. Older buildings at long-established college have limitations, while newer construction offers greater safety and more amenities. The trick for anxious parents is to offer support — both financial and emotional — without being overbearing.

A couple of words to the wise: Encourage your child to bring some type of real furniture from home if possible. It will not only make their new surroundings feel more familiar, but it will probably be of sturdier construction than the typical plastic cube-like storage furniture furnishing most university dormitories.

Check out the planning guides offered for free from retailers like Bed, Bath & Beyond, The Container Store or IKEA. Typically they offer ideas and a handy checklist of essentials.

If it is possible for you and your student to drive to the new school, you might want to take advantage of local sales at discount retailers such as Ross, T.J. Maxx, or Marshall's. Costs can add up fast when you are including a microwave, lamps, area rugs, bedding and a toaster oven. Before buying, make sure dormitory rules and regulations permit appliances.

Most students are concerned about how they will appear to the others and how they will fit in. That's why it's critical that your student has some cool stuff that makes a statement about who they are. Bedding is a big issue because it is the largest color statement to be made. Residents typically decorate with portable items such as posters or lightweight tapestries.

A bedcover-size piece of fabric hung tastefully on the wall it delivers a huge impact. Some popular styles are tie-dyed textiles, ethnic pieces from Africa or Indonesia or decorative batiks. Lightweight upholstery yardage in fun patterns is ideal for wall hangings and generally is sold in 54-inch-wide swatches.

My son moved from Southern California to the damp Pacific Northwest and took with him numerous surfing posters to remind him of home. His color choices were blues and blue-green ocean-like hues.

Storage boxes and organizers tend to come in the hot and stylish colors that today's young adults find attractive. Target is a good retail outlet for such items, as are Costco, Home Depot and Lowe's.

You'll want to learn what type of bed is supplied, as some are 4 feet off the floor and offer greater storage capacity. If the bed is closer to the ground, there are dozens of mobile storage boxes or drawers in a variety of price ranges that will work.

Organization is key to helping a student feel in control of their immediate surroundings. Color scheme and decorative theme make an important image statement to their new college friends.

Christine Brun, ASID, is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Big Ideas for Small Spaces. Send questions and comments to her by e-mail at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net. To find out more about Christine Brun and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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