Since the class of 2016 just recently graduated (congrats!), it's time to start thinking about college. One of the most exciting things about college is the social aspect of college, and the place where you first meet people is in your residence hall. It's always super exciting starting dorm life because it's like a new opportunity to redecorate your room.
Here are six dos and don'ts when bringing things to college:
1. Do bring clothes
You're obviously going to need clothes to wear.
Don't bring your entire closet
When you first get to college, only bring your summer wardrobe and maybe a few pairs of jeans and long-sleeved shirts. You're going to go home again before winter break, and that's when you can bring home your summer clothes, and bring back your winter clothes.
2. Do bring nice clothes
You're going to need to look nice for presentations and interviews. Plus, it's important to look nice for class so your teachers think highly of you.
Don't bring your prom dress/tuxedo
There is no need to look overly dressy. Your school may have a formal once throughout the school year, but you won't ever need to look dressed up for any other occasion.
3. Do bring a mini fridge (if your school allows it)
Most schools will allow you to have a mini fridge in your dorm room. They're great because you can store leftover food in them, and avoid having to constantly go to the dining hall. You can also use your mini fridge as a bedside table.
Don't bring every appliance you own
There's no need to bring a printer because your school will provide printers for you. There's no need for a bunch of kitchen appliances because you won't be cooking your own food, and most schools won't even allow you to have them in your dorm room. And you'll be thinking you'll need your Keurig, but the dining hall has free coffee, so you won't use it as much as you thought you would. Too many appliances take up too much space.
4. Do bring things that'll help maximize your space
Those space bags to put your clothes in are awesome tools to maximize your closet and dresser space. Also, storage bins are great things to have to put things in and store under your bed. Bed risers are awesome because they'll lift your bed to create more space underneath.
Don't bring everything you own
There's no need to bring with you to college your grandma, your dog, all your childhood items, all your novels and your bookshelf, etc. Just bring some decorations and the necessities.
5. Do bring things to decorate your walls
The walls in college dorm rooms are so white and bare. Some pictures of your friends and family and other cute wall decor is a great way to make your dorm room feel like you're at home.
Don't bring a ton of room decor
If you bring decor to hang on your wall, that's great because it won't take up room space. However, if you bring things to set on your desk as decoration, you won't have a lot of space on your desk. Also, any decor that can sit on a floor or windowsill will take up a lot of space and make the room look smaller.
6. Do bring cleaning supplies
One thing people often forget is that cleaning your room requires more than picking things up off the floor. You'll need a vacuum, duster, Clorox wipes and more. Also, if you don't have a communal bathroom in your residence hall, you'll need things to clean your bathroom with.
Don't bring too large of a vacuum
If you bring excessively large items, there won't be any room in your dorm to put them!
There are many other dos and don'ts to dorm life. The most important thing to remember is that you are sharing a room with someone, so respect their space and communicate with them on who is bringing what for your room! Remember to always have fun and make the best out of every situation.
