As you get ready for college, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed about everything you need to do to prepare for your freshman year. As you move into your new home, focus on positivity throughout the experience. Following these five helpful tips for moving into your college dorm will make the process smoother for everyone!
Pack the Essentials
Pack only the essentials and pack early. Waiting until the last minute will add more stress to your moving experience. You should follow plenty of packing tips to make sure you bring everything you need in one trip. Also, pack your belongings in a way that will make unpacking easier and faster.
Talk to Your Roommate
If you’ve already found your roommate, get to know them before moving into your dorm together. Talk about things you wouldn’t want to find out when it’s too late—do they like to sleep watching TV? Do they directly express their concerns? Do they pick up after themselves? Getting to know your roommate before moving in will make things easier down the road.
Shop for What You Need
Look around your house and gather items you can take with you so that you don’t buy something you already have when you go shopping. Some colleges may have lists of things that they allow and don’t allow into their dorms. Here are a few things you need that you might have missed:
- Professional clothing
- Waterproof flip flops for showering
- Paper towels/napkins
- An HDMI cord and an ethernet cable
- Extra light bulbs and batteries
- Important documents (health insurance cards, passport, etc.)
Move-in Day
It’s move-in day! Make sure you dress appropriately, and you have a parent or a friend help you move. You’ll carry heavy boxes and bags full of clothes and will probably go up lots of stairs. So, dress like you’re working out. Also, make sure you keep your quick essential information on hand, like your state ID, student ID, room assignments, etc.
Most colleges will provide a schedule for student move-in times, so there aren’t too many people moving in at the same time. Try getting there as early as possible, so by the time there are thousands of students arriving, you’re already moved in and headed to lunch to have a well-deserved break!
Stay Positive
The most vital part of starting college is to keep a positive mindset. When you’re calm and content, you’re not as affected by mishaps as if you had a “rushed” and stressed attitude. Think about all the great things you’ll do during your time there and get excited!
If you follow these five helpful tips for moving into your college dorm, you’ll have a smooth transition into the next chapter of your life!