When beginning college one of the most exciting, and frustrating, things is moving into a dorm. This is when you meet people who could become your best friend or people who you try to steer clear of throughout the year. While every college dorm is different from other dorms these dos and don’ts should be of use for any new on-campus resident.

Dos:

1. Communicate with your future roommate sooner rather than later.

Avoid this situation and get in contact with your roommate before moving to campus. Coordinate who will bring what; you don’t need to bring two fridges, microwaves, televisions and extra seating. Most dorms don’t have the space for two of everything so it is best to plan ahead. Talk about the decorations and color schemes you plan to use. I am sure you don’t want to come back to a dorm with clashing colors. Learn about your roommate. What is their personality? Are they an early bird or a night owl? Do you have common hobbies? What are the things you both enjoy doing that can help you form a bond that will, hopefully, last through college and beyond. Once you have communicated with each other a little try to set up a coffee date and meet in person, you will be surprised by how much you learn about one another when you are face-to-face.

2. Pack light, but pack enough to make your room show your personality.

Keep in mind you have to take everything you pack up a flight of stairs or two or on an elevator, then down the hall to the room. You don’t want to lug heavy boxes all that way so pack light. Also, use tubs over boxes; they are sturdier and you can store them in a closet or under a bed until you go to move out at the end of the year. Plan to pack some decorations like pictures and posters to use on your desk and along the walls. Just keep in mind you often times cannot use nails in the walls so pack lots of command hooks. Don’t go overboard though. Your dorm is temporary so don’t go crazy with the décor.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t wait until the last minute, for anything.

Procrastination is a habit for many but when it comes to getting ready to move to campus it is best to start now. Waiting for the last minute will just bring about unnecessary stress and make the move more dreaded than enjoyed. If you’re moving to another state for school plan what you are bringing with there and what you will purchase once you get there. Think ahead to move-out at the end of the year as well. Will you bring everything back home or get a storage unit for the summer? Planning this out before the start of the year will help keep the stress at a minimum when you are trying to focus on class work.

2. Don’t be a hermit.

College is one of the first times you get start over with life. You get to make new friends and cultivate talents you may not have known existed. Don’t waste it by staying in your room all day. If you do find yourself in your room keep your door open so people can stop by and say hi. If there’s an event going on around campus make sure you are there. The first year should be used as a time to dip your toes into a little bit of everything. This year will be the year of your life where you will learn all about who you are and what you like to do. Don’t worry if you learn you enjoy something other than what you originally planned. It is normal to change your major and extra-curricular activities. Just stay true to who you are and embrace the changes.