I want a Dorm Betta Fish!

I suggest a tank that is at least 2 gallons in size--bigger is better both from a husbandry standpoint and a maintenance standpoint, but 2 gallons is the bare minimum because most quality heaters are designed to be used in aquariums that are a minimum of 2 gallons. Bettas are tropical fish, and they're cold-blooded animals, so a heater is not optional. Since the temperature of the room is going to fluctuate, you need to invest in a heater that has a good thermostat. I recommend this 25 watt adjustable heater: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3743+11368&pcatid=11368

The larger the tank you get, the less maintenance you will have to perform on it and the happier your fish will be. A 1-1.5 gallon tank should have a cleaning and a 100% water change every other day, a 2 gallon tank needs a cleaning and 100% water change every 3-4 days.

Larger tanks can be filtered and can undergo a process called the nitrogen cycle. When this occurs, the harmful toxins your fish excretes as waste can be broken down into less harmful compounds by beneficial bacteria living in the filter--eliminating the need for frequent cleanings and 100% water changes. Instead you only need to perform one partial water change a week. Most of my tanks are filtered and cycled in this way--if you want an easy low maintenance setup, I highly recommend a 5 gallon tank kit. The Marineland Eclipse 5 comes with a filter and a good fluorescent light for growing low light plants that can improve water quality. It's a bit of an investment, but keep in mind that this fish could potentially be with you for the next 3-7 years--what kind of tank you get will have a significant impact on your lifestyle for a long time to come. Choose your equipment wisely so you don't waste money on upgrading later when you get tired of cleaning and changing.

You should use dechlorinated tap water in your tank. I highly recommend this product: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3974+4057&pcatid=4057 it is concentrated, so it's the best deal for your money as far as dechlorinators go. Make sure you get a good thermometer so that you can accurately match the old and new water temperatures when you do water changes.

For food, I recommend a good high quality pellet supplemented with frozen foods. I use OmegaOne betta buffet pellets--other good brands are Atison's Betta Pellets, Ken's Betta Crumbles, and New Life Spectrum. Always soak any dry food in a little tank water before feeding--this avoids bloating and discomfort caused by the food swelling in the fish's stomach as it absorbs moisture.

Gravel is optional in uncycled, unfiltered tanks. If you like the look of something on the bottom, you can use larger river stones or glass stones. You can find them at the pet store or at craft stores. If you choose to filter and cycle your tank, gravel is a good idea.

Always choose silk (fabric) plants. Run your fingers over the plastic stems to make sure there are no sharp protrusions. If you find any sharp pieces, you can file them away with a nail file. Live plants are awesome, by the way. There are some very hard to kill plants out there such as java moss that absorb the toxic waste your fish excretes, promoting good water quality. They're also very rewarding to cultivate and grow.

To clean your uncycled bowl during water changes, rinse everything with hot water including the tank itself, the decor, and gravel/rocks. If the tank is cycled and filtered, you won't need to clean it--just use a cheap gravel vacuum like this one every time you do a partial water change: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3728+3889&pcatid=3889

Your betta will be fine without food for a few days--I have left mine for a week without food a few times for family vacations. However, food is not the issue when you're dealing with small, uncycled and unfiltered tanks. The issue is how much the water quality deteriorates without the needed water changes. You should definitely plan on taking your betta home for the holidays, and don't plan on leaving your fish long enough to skip a water change. Uncycled and unfiltered tanks don't give you much room for error in terms of water quality.

I suggest getting a kit. 1.5 is too small to keep a betta happy and healthy. The rule is 2 gallons MINIMUIM! The bigger the better. I have mine in a 5 and he loves it. Go for a kit that has a light, a filter, and a heater if they have one. If not get a kit with just a light and buy a small heater. The temp should be around 81/81 degrees idealy at all times. For water, you can use tap water and buy water conditioner. This eliminates ammonia and chlorine and provides safe water for your fish. 3 Pellets every other day and a bloodworm in between will be a great diet for your fish. Gravel is nice to dig plants into and gives the fish a more natural feeling for his enviroment, so I suggest it yes. As for plants yes sometimes plastic ones can tear fins so other than real ones silk are a good compromise! Cleaning depends on the size of the tank 20-30 % twice weekly is good! and 100% every 2-3 weeks should be great! And lastly as for leaving, you can leave him for two days as long as he is fed right before you leave. During longer breaks I suggest transporting him. I am sure more members will give info too! Happy fish keeping!!

Water temps need to be 76-80 degrees fahrenheidt, so you will need a heater as Adastra stated

If you want to keep your betta in a smallish tank (no less than 2 gallons) I STRONGLY advise you get a water testing kit (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Freshwater-Master-Test-Kit-Fish-Aquatic-Pets/3635493 ) to moniter your ammonia levels, and if you decide to cycle, your nitrIte and nitrAte levels.

If you decide to take your fish home with you over long breaks, I advise you read this : http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=44187&highlight=bagging+bettas While you don't need to ship your betta, to keep him safe and not too stressed, it's a good idea to bag your betta for travel.

It looks like adastra and others have completely covered everything else Well, good luck with your betta when you get him.