Preparing For Dorm Life

As a college freshman, living in a shared living space like a dorm is a new experience. This often entails moving away from home for the first time and sharing a room with someone new. If you feel overwhelmed with the changes, let this helpful guide about dorm life ease your worries.

Double-check your lists

Your school’s Residence Life center should have resources for you to review, especially if it’s close to your move-in date. Be sure to refer to these resources, as each school’s guidelines can vary. A list of prohibited items should be available for you; this is meant to keep you and the other dorm dwellers safe! Common prohibited items include candles, string lights, kitchen tools,  large appliances, certain types of extension cords, and pets. Sorry, the furry friend has to stay home!

Of course, there may be expectations for some of these rules. Some dorm halls allow appliances like personal fans and mini fridges but don’t allow things like air fryers and hot plates. Again, be sure to check the specifications of your specific dorm hall.

You should also receive a list of suggested items to refer back to while packing your items. Here are some basics to keep in mind: bedding, pillows, clothes, laundry basket, personal toiletries, shower shoes, desk lamp, study supplies, and a few kitchenware items. If you choose to bring a mini fridge, check the sizes allowed to fit in the allotted space.

It’s always a great idea to touch base with your future roommate about who is bringing what so as not to double up on unnecessary items. Dorm rooms are small, and space is tight, so optimizing what you bring is key to keeping things comfortable for everyone.

Make yourself at home

Moving can be stressful and take a while to get used to, but there are plenty of things you can do to feel at home. Think about what makes home comforting to you and incorporate those aspects into your dorm room. Maybe you have a favorite blanket or a cozy chair that you love reading in. Maybe there are specific pieces of art or photos that you want to display to make it feel familiar. Experiment with decor and consider adding a rug to give a cozier feel.

Though you can’t change a lot about a dorm room, you can find ways to include your personal touch. Try different room layouts with your roommate. You can do things like lofting your bed and keeping your desk underneath for a more open room. Or you could push desks to one side of the room and beds on the other for designated study and rest areas. Work together with your R.A. and roommate to find what works best for you!

Lay the groundwork for a great relationship with your roommate

Try to get to know your future roommate ahead of time. Reach out and schedule a time to chat; this can help create a level of comfort right away. Plus, you can coordinate on room decor and larger items being brought.

As you get in the swing of things with dorm life, you’ll want to work out clear expectations between you and your roommate. Decide on guidelines for things like visitors, cleaning, noise, and study schedules right away in order to avoid miscommunication and problems later on. Remember, your dorm is meant to feel comfortable for both you and your roommate, so be respectful of one another!