NEWARK, July 19- As parents hit the stores over the next few weeks to deck the rooms of college-bound students, college administrators hope everyone will remain mindful of what is and isn't needed.

"Freshman are especially vulnerable to purchasing every gidget and gadget colorfully arrayed in area home stores," says Jack Gentul, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) dean of student services. "Although all items are typically quite attractive, we have found that no one must spend a fortune to keep their personal space functional, attractive, and tidy." NJIT, New Jersey's third largest public university located in the University Heights section of Newark, offers on-campus residential hall housing to 1700 graduate and undergraduate students.

To help parents and their youngsters decipher between the must-haves and the must-nots, Gentul has prepared a top ten checklist for students of all ages, moving into a small, typically shared, space on campus.

"Keep in mind," he adds. "Less is always more."

Top Ten Checklist For a College Residence Hall

Linen
Pillow (1 or 2), sheets (2 sets), pillowcases (2 or 4), blankets (1 or 2), towels (3). Residence hall beds often require extra long twin sheets.

Clothing and hangers
Plastic hangers work fine. Try color-coding different seasons.

Desk or reading lamp
Non-halogen or fiber optic lamps are best for safety reasons.

Alarm clock
Test at home so your youngster knows it will work.

Decor
Include at least a half dozen posters, framed or unframed photos, and favorite art objects.
They give a personal touch.

Laundry Helpers
An oversized bag or vertical laundry holder often works better than a plastic basket because the former takes up less floor space. Bring detergent, stain remover, and fabric softener. Most residence halls feature coin-operated machines.

Telephone
Cordless telephones are the most popular, but check with the school if only certain types work or are permitted.

Small Plastic Bucket
Bring something to hold toiletries and carry them to the shower.

Books and Paper
Dictionary, writing pads, and calculators are good to buy before leaving home. Some students prefer to purchase notebooks at a discount at stores near home. Course textbooks may sometimes be available through on-line discount booksellers.

Games and sport equipment
Students often bring their own tennis rackets, golf clubs, bicycles, skis and more. Check with residence halls as to where such items may be stored outside the student's room.

NJIT is a public, scientific and technological research university enrolling more than 8,800 students. The university offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees to students in 80 degree programs throughout its six colleges: Newark College of Engineering, New Jersey School of Architecture, College of Science and Liberal Arts, School of Management, Albert Dorman Honors College and College of Computing Sciences. The division of continuing professional education offers adults eLearning, off campus degrees and short courses. Expertise and research initiatives include architecture and building science, applied mathematics, biomedical engineering, environmental engineering and science, information technology, manufacturing, materials, microelectronics, multimedia, telecommunications, transportation and solar astrophysics. Yahoo! Internet Life magazine cites NJIT as a "perennially most wired" university.

Contact Information:

Sheryl Weinstein Public Relations (973) 596-3436

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