How to Prepare for Living in a Dorm

Moving to a new dorm could seem to be daunting. What are you allowed to bring? What are you not allowed to? How are you going to get all of your belongings there? These are some valid questions that could be running through your mind.

If your home is near your campus, you’ll most likely need to make at least two visits to assist with the relocation. However, if you live outside of the state, things might become a little more tricky. Whether you’re attending college for the first time or returning for another year, we understand that it may be an exciting yet stressful time.

Thankfully, we’re here to make the process as simple as possible. Moving into a college dorm room usually entails a long list of packing and chores. Not to mention that each institution has its own set of regulations and standards for the move-in and move-out procedure.

Tips to prepare for living in a Dorm

Make a detailed list of what you intend to bring

If you just grab random objects from your room, there’s a good possibility you’ll wind up with a lot of things that aren’t necessary. Refer to some internet lists for a rough idea of typical college essentials you’ll need while in college, and then create your own specific list.

Avoid Bringing out-of-season things

You may want to get a head start on packing for your winter holiday in order to prevent an overly expensive trip to the winter gear shop. But if you intend to come home just before the cold weather truly sets in, it’s wiser to leave bulky winter things like boots and your coat at home and pick them up later.

This is also an excellent opportunity to replace your heavier clothing with light and breathable material, which you will be wearing more frequently before the cold sets in.

Do not remove hanging garments from their hangers

While packing clothes either for travel or from travel is a lot of people’s least favorite thing to do, it has to be done thoroughly. 

There is an easy way though; instead of folding each cloth one by one into your bag, you could make use of a wardrobe box (made of fabric, not wood of course), or neatly leave your clothes on their hangers, package them in your luggage box and then unpack and have them already hanged. Saves time, effort and stress of packing. 

Don’t bring anything that isn’t allowed

The great majority of college and student housing complexes have regulations governing what may and cannot be brought in. Unfortunately, your beloved candles, toaster, and, yes, even string lights may be on the prohibited list.

Double-check what products are and are not permitted at that destination before packing. That way, you won’t pack something that isn’t allowed and has to be tossed away.

Have a discussion with your roommate

There are certain college needs that you will only require one of in your room. So, if you’re going to share a dorm or apartment with someone, make sure you plan your packing with them so you don’t wind up with duplicates. 

If you’re having a roommate that’s a newbie or perhaps you’re the newbie, you may be a bit anxious about sharing a room with a complete stranger. If you have their name, you can use Nuwber to find out their contact info and call them. Or you can ask the college administration to provide you with their details.

Make Your Room a Reflection of you

Your dorm room is more than simply a place to sleep or study. It’s your residence. Make it as unique as possible. Display your personality. Add a rug or some eye-catching cushions. Make your space as comfy as possible so that you feel completely at home and have a chance to relax. 

A clean room is a happy room

Cleanliness is essential. You should have a cleaning routine whether you share a space with one person or seven. Don’t put yourself in a position where one person is constantly cleaning up after the others simply because that person is a neat freak. Make a timetable that everyone can follow so that your room or suite is always tidy.

Keep in mind that if you leave your room in a state of disarray at the conclusion of the semester, you may be charged a cleaning fee.

Make sure to bring snacks with you

Some colleges provide meals 24 hours a day, while others do not provide food after midnight. Keep food on hand in case you are hungry while doing your schoolwork late at night. You don’t have to eat ramen noodles all the time! Snack on healthy foods like granola bars, fruit, and yogurt.

Be Open to Differences

College is a great way to broaden your views and learn about various cultures. One of the benefits of living in a dorm is that you will almost certainly encounter people from various nations who were raised differently than you. You may notice students who dress differently or eat something you would never dare to.

People should not be dismissed because of their differences. Instead, make an effort to get to know these kids and learn something new from them. You just never know. Sometimes, the friends you make in college could be your friends for life.

Fill the Pantry

Okay, you probably won’t have a pantry, but having a decent supply of food is essential for keeping your mood and health in check. The cafeteria won’t be open all the time, and you’re still young enough to have strange eating habits. Six bags of pretzels may sometimes last you through a semester. Buy in quantity to avoid being lured by pricey on-campus snacks.

Conclusion

The majority of students in freshman dormitories will be just as lost as you might imagine. So make new acquaintances, ask questions, and laugh at the things you’re all too afraid to acknowledge. Making friends with the senior students is also a simple way to become the dorm’s most prepared student.

They’ll tell you all about the dorm hacks they’ve discovered throughout the years. You will simply endure dorm life if you keep these recommendations in mind. College dorms are an excellent way to expand your wings, meet new people, and develop experiences that will last a lifetime. So sit back and enjoy the journey.