As I am preparing for my Junior year of college, there is a lot of information that I wish I knew about dorm living before I came. As I am thinking back, I have some tips and tricks that will make your Freshman year living a success.
First, big congratulations to all the freshman as they are preparing for this journey. You have finished high school and are now in the real world and about to start the next chapter in your life. I hope this article will help you ease the worries and stress of preparing for college in the next few weeks.
Recommended for you
(Side note: I am working on campus this summer so I am moving into my dorm about 10 days early than everyone else. During that week, I will create a video of moving in, plus the design of my new room to get some ideas.)
Tip # 1: Bedding
Bedding is the most important part of a college dorm. Most of the time you will be sitting on your bed so you will want it to be comfortable yet stylish. First Buy a mattress pad. I have one of those memory foam, egg shell, mattress pads. The mattresses at colleges are not that comfortable, so having a mattress pad will help to add the extra comfort.
You can find a mattress pad anywhere, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, or anywhere bedding is sold.
For your sheets, remember that most college beds are Twin XL so you will have to buy those types of sheets. (Your University should tell you as well what type of sheets are needed.
Tip #2: Storage, (and lots of it!)
Storage is so important in a dorm room since some rooms are small. I suggest one of those three drawer storage units that are sold anywhere college items are sold ( bed bath and beyond , target , etc). I have used those three drawer units the past two years and have fit items ranging from food to clothing (depending on the size).
Tip #3: Don't bring too many clothes
I have regretted this issue over the past two years and that is bringing a lot of clothes. You will most likely have four or five drawers in a dresser and not that much hanging space. If you do happen to realize you have a lot of clothes and not enough space (check out Tip #2 and get a drawer storage unit for extra space).
My suggestion for bringing clothes to college is, on move in day bring clothes for the first few weeks then when you come home for your fall break or Thanksgiving Break, switch out your clothes.
Tip #4: Have fun decorating.
Don't forget to have fun decorating your dorm! This space will be your home for the next 8 months, so make it feel like home. Bring pictures of family and friends. If you have time before you leave, invite some friends over and each bring a blank canvas. Then paint your canvases so you each have something to remember each other. Buy fun bedding that is colorful. Make sure to communicate with your roommate about how you are planning about decorating so your colors don't clash.
Tip #5: Make friends with people on your hall
Especially for Freshman, meeting people on your hall is so important. If you are in a community style resident hall, that is one of the nicest ways to meet so many amazing people. On move in day and the first few days afterwards, leave your door open when you are in your room finishing your last minute decorations, or just hanging out. Don't be afraid to say "Hi" to other people. I did this and the people on my floor my first year were my closest friends. To this day, I still talk to the person I met on the first day.
Tip #6: Communicate with your family often
I know this might sound strange but try and talk with your parents every so often. (You don't have to do it every day like I do). It's nice to check in and ask your parents how their weeks are going and how classes are going. They will love you for remembering to call and check in. So don't be afraid to call your parents.
Tip #7: Take time to rest and relax
College is the best four years you can experience. You will learn a lot as well as make so many amazing memories. Take some time to your self and relax and debrief on your day. Make sure to get enough sleep. Sometimes you might be up studying for an exam the next day however, you do need sleep to do well on that exam so make sure to get sleep. Another idea is to have some Netflix nights with friends or just by your self. This is another great way to relax.
Tip #8 Have Fun and take lots of pictures
Finally, the last tip is to have fun. Enjoy your self and the independence you have. Enjoy meeting new people from different hometowns. Some of these people will become your best friends and almost like family. They are with you 24/7 the next 8 months. Don't forget to take pictures so you can look back and remember your college years. College goes fast so don't let it slip by you. Enjoy every minute because soon you'll be out on your own thinking, "Where has time gone?
I hope reading some of these tips have helped you to prepare for college. Don't worry too much about what college is like. It is by far the best four years of your life. Enjoy every minute and don't rush it.
