<p>After hearing a group of freshman talking about college life, I was amazed to hear about all the video game playing. It would seem like that’s a temptation they don’t need. On the other hand, that’s how my son unwinds here at home. Anyone have any experience with this?</p>
<p>not really. My daughter won an xbox in a lugeing contest last winter and we still haven’t opened the box
Her sister took her computer to college, but no video games or tv. I think there will be plenty of distractions without bringing them from home.</p>
<p>It’s a form of media entertainment, like watching TV or movies or reading novels. If they don’t learn to balance obligations, exercise, social activities, clubs, etc, with unstructured group and individual entertainment, now, when are they going to?</p>
<p>Even if he doesn’t take an x-box with them, there’s a decent chance that his living group will own communal video game equipment. Mine did.</p>
<p>My son took the Wii to college, but apparently hasn’t played much at all. Not that he isn’t playing games - he played Halo 3 (which we never allowed at home.) :rolleyes:</p>
<p>My son did not tell me and bought a used Playstation (think that is what it was). He told me when the year was over. I did not allow him to take any game system to school. In addition, his roommate had some game system also. This year, he has a roommate who has all kinds of games, and electronic gizmos that I could not even dream up. There is really no avoiding the temptation if your child is going to play. You can make it understood that without a certain GPA he/she won’t be returning to that school. Frankly, in my day there were many students who spent a couple of hours a day on soap operas. I never could understand this, but they survived. Honestly, I don’t think that my son is spending that much time in school on these games. He does tell me that there is so much to do on campus. He does enjoy some time with these games or watching an occasional DVD.</p>
<p>My son took his Playstation 2 to college as a freshman. It was a graduation present from grandma, how was I to say no? I was a bit concerned how it would effect his school work considering how much he played at home, but 3.5 years later, I dont think he plays much at all, and he actually has better college grades than he did high school grades, with a much more demanding course load.</p>
<p>hmm Im seeing a pattern
- son.
son.
son.
son
son.*</p>
<p>I guess we do what we are good at- boys play with electronics and girls socialize?
;)</p>
<p>The one tv that was on my Ds floor was brought by an RA who was … a guy.</p>
<p>Both me and my roommate brought Xbox 360 equipment this semester including many of the latest games (Guitar Hero, Halo 3, Madden 08, etc.) I also brought my Nintendo 64. While it can serve as any easy alternative to studying, it really hasn’t been too much of a distraction for us since we both got 3.9’s this semester. </p>
<p>The only time it gets too distracting is when other people come over to play it (which many do). I just go to the study room or library when this happens and I have trouble focusing.</p>
<p>I agree that kids who did well in high school while playing electronics for relaxation, should be able to well in college with the same.
However- at many colleges, there are so many other attractions and ways to spend your time besides the old fallback of video games, that to some it might seem a no brainer to leave it home.
Others take it.
Its up to you.</p>
<p>Agree with #3, right on the mark.</p>
<p>I’m a girl and I took an xbox, playstation 2 and computer for gaming (plus a nintendo DS for bus journies and I don’t have a wii because half of my friends do!) I tend to only play them during the quiter parts of the term - right at the start and between the end and going home. It’s a good way to destress and indeed to socialise while not affecting my academic work.</p>
<p>My son loves video games, has a sytem at college, and so do others he hangs with. We never placed any restrictions on anything. So far, he been admitted to four medical schools. Message: each kid is different.</p>
<p>Games can be pretty decent icebreakers when you’re dealing with people you dont know. I’ve met countless guys on my floor over games of Madden and Halo, who I otherwise may never have talked to. Guitar Hero and Dance Dance revolution are even popular with the ladies.</p>
<p>I agree that games can be a good way to interact with people that you are getting to know.
Settlers of Catan is very popular at Reed College
[break</a> out the board games.](<a href=“http://community.livejournal.com/love_boardgames]break”>http://community.livejournal.com/love_boardgames)
I like Cranium. but had a good time last year during a power outage playing Trivial Pursuit and Fluxx as well.</p>
<p>I think it’s ok to have game systems at college. It is a good way to unwind for many college students. My S took Playstation 2 and Wii. He never used the Wii, so brought it home and now that he got playstaion 3 as a holiday gift, he will be bringing that to school and bring back the PS2. He goes to the library to study anyway, so it’s not really a distraction. I also agree that it is a good way to interact with others who enjoy playing. My S enjoys NBA live, Guitar Hero and is looking forward to the new Final Fantasy coming out.</p>
<p>My son took his PS3 to school as a freshman, but ended up bringing it home because his roommate would stay up all night playing. He now is in apt. and has it with him–as others stated, it is a way to unwind, social with friends and he plays movies on it.</p>