Hello all! I'm planning a 7-week trek around Europe and the UK this summer and am currently in the process of purchasing the appropriate gear. I have an ipod, which I had originally thought I would bring with me for the long flight from Toronto to Amsterdam, and then many of the subsequent rail trips I'll be taking. I know that this will mean that I will have to buy an adapter, but since I will be staying in dorm rooms in hostels and not private rooms, will it even be possible to charge my ipod? I'm thinking the only time available will be at night, but will there be outlets near my bed, and will I really want to leave it even somewhat out in the open?

My next question is regarding digital cameras. I was planning to get one, but I'm wondering what people do regarding pictures taken on the trip? Do people just bring several memory cards (kind of like film) and upload images when back home, or is there a way to transfer images whilst in Europe?

Just in general, what do people do with valuables when in dorm-style hostel rooms? I know people tend to sleep with money belts on containing passport, money, railpass, etc., but what about valuables like cameras or MP3 players? Do you just put them in your bag, lock the compartment, and then lock the bag to the bed?

Any ideas/suggestions would be great!

That's exactly what I've done - using the outlets near the bed at night - and have never had a single problem. If you don't want to do that, someone brought up in one thread that there's an external battery pack you can get for the iPod, and you can just refill it with AA's whenever you run out of juice.
I bring about 1.5gb in Memory Sticks. Since you have an iPod, you can get this card-reader thingy to transfer memory cards into it, but the device is slllloooow... You can also email stuff to yourself (gMail is handy for that)... Or you can go into one of a zillion internet cafes in Europe and burn a CD from your cards. It's usually very cheap, too!
Most hostels will have a locker that'll either hold your whole backpack or at least one that's big enough for your valuables. Just remember to bring your own combo lock, in case they're not provided. If they don't have a locker, a thin cable lock around your backpack can do the trick, but remember, there are ways around that stuff if the thief is determined. Just don't flash your stuff too much and keep an eye on things and you should be ok... I dunno, maybe I've been lucky, but I've had nothing but trustworthy roomies on each trip I've made.

Keep in mind that there are also many hostels that do not have lockers. You may want to inquire before you book a room.

Check out a PacSafe mesh for your bag. It's a metal, lockable mesh that you lock to something solid like a radiator and noone can get into your bag. I usually just keep my valubles in my pack and then lock it up.