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does anyone have any suggestions on what kind of device i should use to keep money/checks/other valuables? i figured a safe was rather extravagent, so does anyone have any more appropriate suggestions?

By Icarus (Icarus) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 01:22 am: Edit

What kind of valuables are you planning on bringing?
I don't think you should have to go through any crazy measures to protect your wallet. I leave mine on my desk all the time. As long as you trust your roommate, its not a big deal. I don't really use cash that much (rather opting for my credit cards for ease of use), so I don't have a lot of cash in my wallet at any given time (and I'm not liable for any fraudulent charges on the plastic). Just be smart about it and don't leave things lying around in very conspicuous or public places. As for other valuables.... don't bring them unless you absolutely need them.
I don't even think that a laptop lock is necessary (or that they work that well, for that matter).

By Eyesclozedtight (Eyesclozedtight) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 01:43 am: Edit

i figure i'll have my check book and any cash i have around. i imagine i could trust my rommate, but i'd just worry more about other people who would happen to be in my room. should i just go for hiding stuff in the back of one of my drawers?

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 08:13 am: Edit

Keep your door locked when you are not in your room, even if you're just going to another room. That's your best protection.

Things disappear. Non-students can get access to your dorm. Even for otherwise honest people, open doors, and wallets on the desk can lead to crimes of opportunity.

By Mzhang23 (Mzhang23) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 12:45 am: Edit

Carry only a small amount of cash and use a credit/checking card for all your purchases.

By Guyute (Guyute) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 01:04 am: Edit

I have money hidden in a spot in my closet. And I don't carry around my wallet anymore so there's no temptation to buy things

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 08:38 am: Edit

I suggest that you put cash, credit cards, checkbook in a small lockbox.

I have known college students who found out the hard way that their nice-appearing roommate was a thief. This includes a student who ended up having to file felony charges against her roommate who stole her credit cards and ran up big bills.

And do remember to lock your dorm door. Any place that has lots of people will have some who are thieves. The thieves even may be well heeled students who steal for the thrill. Don't naively set yourself up to be a victim.

One last thing: Most people have the good sense to keep their laptops close when going around campus. Also don't leave your books lying around. There are people who steal textbooks and then cash them in at the campus bookstore.

And when school breaks come, make sure that your door is locked and your windows are down and locked (important for schools in warm climates!). School breaks are prime time for thieves. This is also true of students living in apartments.

By Kewkiekid (Kewkiekid) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 03:05 am: Edit

i brought a footlocker with me to college (packed clothes in it). it has a lock, but it's a really generic skeleton key, so i also have a masterlock on it. anything i need to lock up goes in there. there really hasn't been anything yet though. i trust my roommate and doors automatically close and lock. i just have to have my key with me all the time.