<p>Well, I thought this would be helpful to future first year students (I don't like the term freshmen).</p>
<p>I'm a first year student in an LAC and I just heard the news that someone's laptop on the floor was stolen. While I feel that my dorm is safe enough that I hardly lock my door, I've been hearing more and more about stolen items. Just last week, a wallet and an iPod were stolen from my dorm. I've always locked my door since then. (Well, only when I leave my room for more than 15 minutes).</p>
<p>While you can trust people you live with, everyone in the building virtually has access to your room if you don't lock it; not to mention outsiders. I've been seeing more outsiders in my building: the ad guy from Chinese restaurant across the street, students from neighboring universities (there are more than one college in this town), etc.</p>
<p>There is no need to get laptop lock or such. In fact, it is not suggested at all. The only thing you need to do is locking the door when it is unoccupied. It's that simple.</p>
<p>There is always a roommate agreement that you have to sign early in the year. Make sure you write down that you want the room locked when unoccupied.</p>
<p>Better prevent than to be sorry.</p>
<p>A concerned student~</p>