Dorm room plants: English ivy
English ivy is a classic plant, both indoors and out. You can keep it in a pot and drape it over a shelf or a windowsill, or you can hang it from the ceiling and support it as it grows, allowing it to stretch and expand around the room. There are many leaf shapes and sizes, colors, and variegation, so with a little research, you can find the one that suits you the best.
They will tolerate light conditions ranging from shade to full sun, although variegated leaves will need more light. Keep the soil moist, but don't over-water it. Head to the dollar store and buy a cheap misting bottle, because the leaves like to be sprayed. Higher humidity is good for the plant, and keeps away spider mites.
If you are especially concerned about mites, you can wash the leaves periodically with water and a bit of mild soap, or even give them a light spraying. Just don't over-water the soil, and make sure to wash all the soap off.English ivy grows quickly, so re-pot in the early summer if need be. You will find that your ivy, as well as it tolerates light, won't like really cold drafts or extreme heat waves.
Don't set it on your windowsill if it is over a heating/cooling unit or vent. If you like to open the window in winter often, this might not be the best choice.
Interesting fact: This plant has been a household favorite, both indoors and out, since Victorian times. You can create new plants to give away by cutting and rooting. In fact, sometimes, the ivy will spawn sections of a completely different color and type! If you pot that, you'll get a whole new and interesting plant.
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