Struggling new fish, please help.

I am more than okay with these questions! I started him in a 7 cup (1,7L) size Tupperware, but about an hour ago I switched him into a 5 cup (1,2 L). I put him in some fresh water the day after I got him, and I just put him in some fresh water when I switched him to the smaller tupperware. I have also been scooping out as much of the dirty water as possible between then and now and adding fresh water when it got low. The only thing I have been doing is letting the water sit for about 24 hours, if not longer, before I put him in it.

As for food, I started with basic Goldfish food flakes, but he would spit those up and they ended up just sitting at the top of his tank. Last night I got a hold of Betta fish food, and it is just small brown-orange circle pellets. I'm not sure what kind of food exactly because I just got a few in a Ziploc bag.

I do not know the temperature, I can only say room. It's not too warm or too cold in here, if only it gets stuffy every once in awhile. The kit I ordered is this one: http://www.petco.com/product/9436/I...-8381-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

Also, I'm not sure if this affects him, but these dorms get very dusty very quickly. And I think it could be harder on him because he is in Tupperware so the whole top of his "home" is exposed. I've been trying to skim the top of the water as much as possible for all those little particles, but I still worry. Again, I was not prepared to take on the fish because my friend just brought him to me in a bag - I was hoping to go buy my fish myself so I could also purchase everything else I might need.

Bettas require stable temps of 78-82 degrees F, and therefore need a heater unless your room(or dorm in this case)is that warm all the time with no or very little fluctuation in temp. Like JamieTron said, the pale coloring is due to the cold and stress.

Also, that 'betta kit' isn't really appropriate for a betta....1/2 gallons is FAR too small, the minimum you should keep him in is 2.5 gallons to allow proper exercise, stimulation, and safe heating. In a 1/2 gallon, you'll need to clean it out every day to keep deadly ammonia from fish waste building up, it can't be heated to the proper temp safely without cooking your fish, and its not enough room for your betta to be active and get the exercise he needs to keep him healthy, happy, and his fins from curling or clamping.
You'll also need some very soft silk plants, bettas fins tear easily, and some sort of cave for him to hide in. Your guy may also be feeling exposed without any place to hide in the container you have him in, bettas naturally come from a densely planted environment with a TON of cover.
If there is any way you can cancel the order and get your money back, do so right away.

Some cheap options for a 2.5+ gallon are 'Kritter Keepers'. They're light, easy to clean, cheap, the medium size is 2.5 gallons, they come with a convenient little lid so your guy doesn't jump out, and they can be safely heated. You can also check Craigslist in your area, you can usually find whole setups for pretty cheap that may even include a heater.

I'm not good with heater brands and prices, though any submersible, adjustable heater between 15-25 watts should be alright. And no, they shouldn't be all that bug or bulky looking. Check around at different places online like Wal-mart(like truthequalslies said), Petsmart, Petco, and so on. Also, don't forget a thermometer to monitor the temp and make sure it stays stable and where you want it.

Yes, those clay pots you find at craft stores make GREAT caves and plastic drinking cups make nice temp caves as well, not to mention both are very cheap. Also, don't forget the silk plants! A couple should do. You can run them over a tissue and if they tear the tissue, then they're too sharp.

In the meantime, keep your guy in the darkest, warmest, quiestest part of the dorm, change his water out daily, and keep offering him pellets until he accepts them.