Dogs -- and decorators -- in the dorm

Pets are allowed in dorm rooms at a growing number of colleges and universities, reports AP's Cheyanne Mumphrey. "The companionship can help reduce stress, anxiety and homesickness."

Caitlin Hicks and her emotional support dog, Theo, at the University of Alabama

Colleges must allow service animals and emotional support animals, she writes. But more are allowing dogs, cats and other pets for students who have no disability.

Eckerd College in Florida "has had pet-friendly dorms since 1973," writes Mumphrey. Denizens have included "rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, birds, guinea pigs, bearded dragons, geckos, turtles, snakes, frogs, fish, and even a tarantula." Pets are allowed to cross the stage with their owners at commencement.

Pet owners typically pay extra to keep a pet in the dorm, and must get their roommates' agreement.

I would not like to live with any pet more interactive than a goldfish. Dogs make me anxious. Cats need a litterbox. I would have to claim an allergy to keep my dorm room pet-free.

For those who go away to college and live in a dorm, an important goal should be to grow up and separate from parents. Do your own thing. So, the latest trend is parents decorating their children's dorm rooms, writes Megan Francis in The Atlantic.

"Online, Facebook groups such as 'Dorm Room Mamas' and 'Dorms on a Dime,' which collectively have hundreds of thousands of followers, are filled with photos featuring coordinated bedding, matching desks and bedside tables, tasteful rugs, and neon name signs — most no doubt paid for by parents," she writes.

Carthage College offers decorating ideas

Some parents hire "interior decorators to create high-end dorms," reports Danielle Braff in the New York Times. Ginger Curtis, the founder of Urbanology Designs in Dallas will furnish a dorm room for $7,000 to $8,000 or more. No Ikea. She "will recommend custom fabrics for the curtains, monogrammed pillows, linens, a couch and coffee table, headboard and dust ruffles; handmade murals or removable wallpaper; luxury light fixtures to replace fluorescent lights; and real wood hutches, shelves and cabinets custom-made to fit the room."

Another designer charges $10,000 to "do" a dorm room. Remember that most college students move every year.

When I started college in 1970, the only decor we had were posters. I don't recall meeting anyone's parents on the first day -- my mother put me on a plane and said "good-bye" -- nor did anyone come with their dog, cat, parakeet or hamster. (Yes, girls brought stuffed animals, but no live ones.) The second quarter I had a wealthy roommate. She brought huge stereo speakers, but no decor, other than a lot of little rugs that overlapped on the floor. And lots of posters.