Time to Move... Into the DORM ROOM!
Tips on what to pack and prepare for the move!
By Dr. Danielle Kish
As fall approaches young adults around the country are preparing for their first move to independence…. the Dorm Room! College freshman are counting down the days until they begin their college journey on campuses around the country. Boxes and bags are being packed and overflowing with all the items that they need to live on their own for the first time, regardless of the size of the dorm room. Parents are excited for their children, preparing for empty nest syndrome, and doing everything they can to help their young adults begin the next chapter in their lives.
The transition for a student is not just the physical change of address, but making sure the student is ready to embrace life on a campus and all that the campus has to offer. As students begin their college journey, they will be exploring new subjects, clubs, environments, schedules, and meeting a lot of new people. Each of these experiences should enhance college life, widening the students’ horizons and bringing new ideas and goals into focus. CQ will be exploring many of these avenues in the coming weeks, but today we focus on the Dorm Room!
The move to college is a big adjustment for students. Some students are preparing to move down the street or the other side of town, and some students are preparing to move across the country. Many students are envisioning what their dorm room will look like when all their ‘stuff’ is in the room. Students are deciding which items to put in the moving box and what to leave in their room at their parent’s home. This dorm room, at least the student’s half of the dorm room, will show others who they are, what they like, dislike, interests, hobbies, and idols. Deciding what to bring with them is big business.
Let’s start at the beginning. First, as with many new adventures, you need to know what the options are, in this situation, what are you allowed to bring into the Dorm Room. There is no point in buying a hot plate if a hot plate is not allowed in the dorm room. For those of you too young to know, a hot plate is the thing in movies and TV shows that college students use to make Top Ramen in their Dorm Rooms (Yup, college would not be the same without Top Ramen! 😉) Take to your school’s website or reach out to the housing office to find out the Do’s and Don’ts of what to bring to your dorm. Find out if you are allowed to use nails to put up pictures or use tape for a poster, or should you plan for removable adhesive wall hangers. Do not be surprised if your school does not allow you to bring a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator, candles, furniture, or (believe it or not) a TV, it is possible.
Since you are reaching out and/or researching the Do’s and Don’ts make sure to find out the size of your dorm room, what furniture is included in your room, and get dimensions for the furniture provided! You do not want to buy standard twin sheets if your bed is XL twin. If you have bunk beds, you might be sleeping on the top bunk, so a side table might be out of the question. It doesn’t help to have so much stuff in your dorm room that you cannot comfortably fit in the room. Remember, you probably are going to have a roommate so be considerate about what you are bringing.
What about your roommate? Are you someone lucky enough to have a friend at your school and you were able to request them as a roommate? If so, that is awesome! If not, do not be afraid to reach out to your roommate and get to know them. It is a great idea to talk with them and know that you already have a friendly face on campus. Your roommate will be with you for the year and possibly a lifelong friend, we will talk more on that in a later blog! Even better, discuss what you want to bring and see what you can combine, for example a mini-fridge or that hot plate we talked about. No need to have two of everything in the room if you can avoid it.
Now that you have found out the Do’s and Don’ts allowed in the dorm room and you have had a chance to talk with your future roommate, what are you going to bring to the dorm? Next up, one of my favorite things, MAKE A LIST! Yes, make a list, don’t start throwing things in a box and think you will figure it out later. This list will help ensure that you have all the items you need and want when you hit the Dorm Room. Think of all the essentials that you will need, hopefully this list will help.
Keep in mind that this list does not include everything and likely includes things you do not want to take, this list is to get your ideas flowing so you can create the list best for your needs. There are many websites out there to help you identify not just want to bring, but ways to help set up your dorm room (I provided some links below).
Consider such items as:
Ø Bedding:
o Sheets/pillowcases
o Pillows
o Extra mattress pad (maybe decide after you check out the one provided)
o Blanket
o Earplugs
o Eye mask (in case your roommate is studying up late)
o Lamp
Ø Study supplies:
o Laptop
o Printer (check on printer privileges and printouts you’re your school), ink, paper
o Power cord/chargers
o USB’s or extra hard drive (don’t forget to backup your papers)
o Calendar/daily planner/dry erase board,
o Notebooks, binders, folders, pens, pencils, HIGHLIGHTERS (I found colors really helped)
o Notecards
o Backpack/shoulder bag
o Scissors, tape, paperclip/stapler (extra staples)
Ø Personal Items
o Towels (bath, face, hands)
o Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
o SHOWER CADDY! Yes, this might seem silly, but if you have a communal bathroom this will help make life easier.
o Bathrobe
o Flip flops (for heading to and when showering, you will probably feel a little better stepping into the shower)
o Hair and makeup supplies (should you choose)
o Personal items nail clippers, nail file, tweezers, cotton balls/swabs (you get the picture).
o Medications and vitamins (prescribed and over the counter)
Ø Clothing Needs
o Hangers
o Laundry hamper (the flexible mesh pop-ups would be great!)
o Is laundry free? If not, have your quarters! (another great question for your school)
o Steamers, dry rack, shoe rack (if you have the room and something that suits your style)
o Don’t forget your clothes😉
Ø Cleaning (yes students you will have to do some cleaning 😐)
o Disinfectant wipes
o Garbage can (trash bags)
o Small or hand vacuum
Ø Decorating
o Family/friend pictures (cork board to put them on??)
o Posters or curtains
o Over the hooks
Ø Food and utensils
o Water and a water bottle (I use Iron Flask and I can’t live without it, the ice lasts forever!)
o If you have a mini fridge what snacks work for you (don’t forget to share space with your roommate!)
o Paper plates and plastic silverware, or bring 1-2 plates, bowls, and silverware (just remember you must clean them so a sponge and dish soap might be a good idea)
o Coffee maker
o Snacks and perhaps some bins or storage to put them in
Ø Random Items
o Umbrella
o Speaker
o Storage boxes (if there is room under your bed or in the closet)
o Sewing kit
o Bike
o Alarm/radio
That feels like a good start, hopefully reminding you of a few items you have not thought of yet. Again, this list is not all inclusive and you do not need nor have to get everything listed. The goal was to get you thinking about all the situations and items you may need. The list you create needs to be created for you, bringing a bit of home with you to your new Dorm Room! Did I forget to put Top Ramen on that list? 😉
Hopefully one of the key takeaways is that you, the student, need to make this new Dorm Room your home. Your parents will be great resources to help you navigate the items that should be on your list and what you might want to leave in your room at your parent’s house. There is no right or wrong answer on this list and I can almost guarantee that you will get to your Dorm Room, get unpacked and realize you forgot something. It happens. But the resident advisors at your school will be there to help you get settled and help direct where you can get the items you still need.
I did not live in a Dorm Room when I went to college. I had the option (thank you Mom & Dad), but I made changes to my plans (sorry Mom & Dad ☹) and a Dorm Room did not end up being an option. Some of you out there may be making decisions that are keeping you out of the Dorm Room life and wondering what you are missing, and if you are making a mistake. I look back and wonder what it would have been like, but the truth is, my friends (new and old) had Dorm Rooms and I spent a lot of time visiting them. I ate in the dining halls, slept on the floor, stumbled out of bed to hit that 7:40 AM class so I had a taste of the Dorm life. Some of you might be moving into an apartment (that is where I ended up) and this list will help you as well. Although you might need to add things like bring a bed and couch to yours.
So, for the Freshman class, where you live during your freshman year should not determine everything about your first-year college experience. The college journey is different for everyone and that is what makes this your journey, your opportunity to shape the person you want to become. You are unique and you have the potential to reach for the stars and follow your dreams. Make the college journey as unique as you are.
Oh! …. I almost forgot! I am pretty sure you did not need me to put this on the list, but do not forget your cell phone & charger! AND Call Mom & Dad often, they will miss you!
Until next time! Happy packing!
For more idea lists (you will see a lot of the same items), or ideas putting together your dorm room - check out check out the websites below and in the search bar type in DORM ROOM:
Dr. Danielle Kish struggled with her college journey, costing her time and money. Danielle’s hard work and research paid off, and she completed her doctorate in education. She is dedicated to helping students and families overcome obstacles, identifying the right questions to ask, and assisting in where to find the answers. Dr. Dani continues to focus on improving student success in the classroom through research, conference engagements, and publications. To read ‘The Full Story,’ visit the ABOUT page at College Questions, www.qar101.com.
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