"I was really kind of shocked last Christmastime because of treatment the newly renovated rooms [in Lowell and half of Winthrop] had received from the students," he added, describing "quite generous holes knocked in the walls when trying to hang rugs and move refrigerators."

Students living in renovated rooms yesterday acknowledged a heightened awareness of College rules, but some described the policy as too strict and enforcement inconsistent.

Adams House Committee Chairman Joseph P. DiNunzio '84 said, "As soon as they realize the College had spent a lot of money on the renovation, people have taken better care of their rooms."

He added, "I suppose fear [of charges] has been part of it."

But Morgan K. Belford '85, who was charged $615 earlier this year because he and his roommate had painted their newly renovated room grey, said the College should "permit reasonable modifications."

He and several other students also criticized the unannounced room checks. "I find it really rude when someone comes into my bedroom in the morning without even knocking," he added.

While several students said they had not been charged for nails in their newly renovated rooms, others reported having to pay as much as $80. One pair of roommates in Quincy said they gained permission to install hooks for their costs, while a student in Adams said he returned to his room one afternoon to find his posters taken down and a note saying not to use masking tape