Going off to college typically means that you will be moving away from home for the first time in your life for a significant period of time. The comforts of home (stocked refrigerator, clean clothes, and comfortable couch) will certainly be missed as you begin your college career. However, living in a dorm is an experience that will prepare you for life in the real world. You will have to start fending for yourself. Your mother will not be hovering over you to make sure you are getting all your homework done and ensuring that you eat three square meals a day. The college experience is all about gearing you for your future. Much of your personal growth comes from your time in the dorm.
The first thing you should before your freshman year even starts is to reach out to your roommate or roommates. Typically, you will find out who you are living with during July or early August. Call them up on the phone or organize a time to meet if you live close enough to each other. Developing a relationship with your roommate before you move in will help alleviate the inherent awkwardness of being thrust into a living situation with someone you don’t know. Discuss what each of you can bring to the room (television, dvd player, etc.).
Once you actually move into your dorm, you will want to set up your portion of the room to maximize the limited space you are sure to have. The trend is for students to have laptops so they can bring them to class to take notes and participate in interactive activities. Also, they are much less bulky than a desktop computer – a major way to conserve space in a cramped dorm room. If your beds are not bunk beds, consider raising your bed higher off the ground to create storage space under your bed.
Bring only the clothes and supplies you really need. There is no need to bring everything from your old bedroom with you to school. Think of the seasons as you pack your clothes. You can always stock up on a visit back home or even make it to your semester break before you need your winter clothes. Remember to respect the limited space that you and your roommate will share. You will have to live together for a full year, so be sure to set a thoughtful and respectful tone before you even move into school. A sour relationship will become magnified in small living quarters and can negatively affect your college experience.
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