Every college student needs to have some form of entertainment in their dorm. After all, nobody wants to go home to an empty room and be alone with their thoughts for hours on end, so everyone brings something to pass the time. Some people just stick to their computers. Everyone has them for school anyway, so it works out nicely. An overwhelming majority of people will bring a TV. In fact, my room is probably the only room I've been in that doesn't have a TV. Plenty of people will bring their gaming systems, books, Cards Against Humanity, etc. All of these are awesome to have, but have you ever wanted something a bit more unique, something that will make your room really stand out? I did, and that's why I looked into getting a record player this summer to bring to school. I lucked out when I found out my roommate would be bringing his own player with him, along with his large collection of records. Between the two of us, we now have a collection of over 80 records, and I can confidently say that this is the best investment I could have made for college. So if you've been looking for something extra to liven up your room, here's why a record player might be right for you.

1. They're retro, and retro is pretty cool

There's a certain charm to vintage items that modern items just don't have. What better way is there to recreate the aura of the '60s and '70s than by listening to an album in the same way they did all those years ago? Records and record players are a link to the past, and pretty cool ones to have in your room at that.

2. They're an instant conversation starter

My vinyl area is the first thing most people notice when they walk in my room, and the second they see it, I'm bombarded with questions. “How did you get into vinyl? Do you have XYZ by this band? Have you been to the record store in town?” People are fascinated by records, and they make for a great conversation starter.

3. Music in its physical form is fascinating

With an iPod, you tap the song of your choosing and a digital combination of ones and zeros creates the sound coming out of the speakers. With records, the grooves are shaped like the soundwaves of the music, and as the needle goes through the grooves, the information of those waves is picked up and delivered through your speakers. The science behind physical music is fascinating, and just one more thing to add to vinyl's cool factor.

4. Every record is unique

Because records themselves are delicate, they're quite susceptible to damage. Most of the time, the damage isn't too bad and usually just results in the occasional pop or crack. But there's always some unique quirk with every record. For example, my roommate's copy of "The Doors: Greatest Hits" has a weird scratch in "LA Woman" that forms a perfect loop which sounds like Jim Morrison is saying “Gotta keep on rising on, rising on, rising on, rising on...” As you notice these quirks in your albums, you form a weird sort of connection to them that makes the album feel like it belongs to you, as if this unique sound belongs to you and you alone.

5. You'll bond with other vinyl enthusiasts

Not everyone is into vinyl enough to have a record player, and that's just fine. However, those people are out there, and you'll have an instant connection with them. You'll bond over your favorite albums, record stores, turntable models, etc. Speaking of record stores...

6. Record stores are awesome

This one might be my favorite reason for getting into vinyl. There's a palpable difference between buying a song on iTunes and going out to the record store. For one, it's a chance to interact with other vinyl enthusiasts, which is always nice. Also, there's always good music playing, which is a staple of any music store worth its name. Lastly, there're the deals, which could potentially save you hundreds of dollars. The only place that sold records in my hometown wasn't a proper record store, and six good records cost me around $100. Meanwhile, the record store near my house has a deal where you can get 15 $1 records for only $10, so I've gotten 35 records from that store, and I haven't even spent $50. For a hobby as expensive as vinyl, finding deals like this is just another reason why record stores are so amazing.