Becky Wolfe's morning routine has changed since last year. Instead of getting up and going directly to the shower then to class, she turns on the Weather Channel, then watches "Dennis the Menace."

Wolfe is one of the many students in Pollock and East halls who have cable television in her dorm room this year.

"It's nice to have cable because you have a variety of programs to watch," said Wolfe (junior-exercise and sport science). "Last year I could only get CBS and Fox if I was lucky."

Cable television is a welcome addition to dorm living, said Tom LoBianto (junior-liberal studies).

"I think (cable) is excellent," LoBianto said. "It offers alternatives. You can watch TV in the privacy of your own room. You don't have to brush your teeth or change your underwear just to watch television. You can watch TV in the nude if you want."

But one student said cable in dorm rooms could make people spend too much time in front of the television.

"Having cable in the dorm room is just another diversion from other activities," said Vernon Harper (senior-broadcast cable), who lives in Beaver Hall. "I watch way too much TV even though I don't have one. I just go to other people's rooms. MTV is always on -- it's sick."

Cable in the dorms makes students pick up the same viewing habits they have at home, and they start scheduling themselves around television shows, Harper said.

And some said adding about 36 channels and 24-hour television service could affect study habits if students don't budget their time.

"As long as you keep study time separate from TV time, you'll be all right," Wolfe said.

LoBianto agreed, saying students must prioritize their activities.

"I study when I need to study and I watch TV when I know I have time," LoBianto said. "I know what my priorities are."

Another student said she has perfected the art of doing two things at once.

"When I have a writing assignment, I can watch TV and study, but when I have to read, I do it between classes so I can relax and watch my favorite shows at night," said Annette Squillario (senior-chemistry).

Cable television also keeps students up to date on national and world news and sports events.

"Being in (State College) is like being in a cave," Harper said. "You are detatched from news and sports. With cable, you can keep up with what is going on in the world and not have to rely on the Collegian."

Jennifer Rohrbach (sophomore-nutrition) said she watches NBC's "Today" and CNN before she heads out for the day.

"It helps me keep in touch with the world," Rohrbach said.

Whether students watch television to relieve stress or keep up with current events, cable is making dorm life better, Rohrbach said.

"It's more like home now," she said. "I can hang out with friends, relax and watch my favorite shows."