We get it. Moving off to college is just as scary as it is exciting.
It’s a whole new world full of opportunities to make lifelong friends, discover yourself and embark on a successful career journey.
However, it’s a big new place and the biggest thing is that you’ll be all on your own for the first time.
Your first taste of freedom will be a transition but can be made easier if you’re prepared. Don’t go into college move-in day without an idea of what to pack.
Check this list out to make your move to college as seamless as possible:
1. Stock Up on Storage
There are many types of college housing. No matter which living situation you’ve picked, you’re going to need all the storage you can get.
Most college dorms and off-campus housing offer small living spaces with little storage space so you’ll have to get creative with baskets, chests, and shelves.
We also recommend having a place to secure certain personal items like money, ID’s, and passports. Anytime you live with strangers, it’s best to be on the safe side and lock important items up.
You can purchase a small safe or even get an E-locker as an alternative. Both can be locked and used for storage of regular items and confidential ones as well.
Under-the-bed storage is the best way to keep extra clothes and whatever else you may need without taking up the little space you have. Storage bins are cheap and are a life-saver for college students.
Organizational caddies are great for closets, and shelves with bins are recommended as well.
2. Prepare for Roommate Life
College students usually have a roommate or two, or even three. Adjusting to living with other people is difficult but college roommates often become friends that you experience school with.
There are simple things you can do to make living with a roommate easier.
Having a laptop is essential for schoolwork but also great for watching your favorite TV shows with earphones in the event that your roommate is studying or sleeping and you don’t want to disturb them.
We also recommend earplugs if you encounter slightly noisy roommates or just like to sleep in.
Labeling items that can be mixed up like towels, dishes and food is best to make sure everyone uses their own stuff. If labels are too much, designate specific places in the fridge and closets for each person’s items. That way there are fewer arguments!
Lastly, remember to be kind and courteous to the person that you share your space with, and they will reward you with the same kindness.
3. Bring Home Comforts
This last one is possibly the most important of the three. When moving away from your friends and family, it’s natural to get homesick at some point.
To help ease this, make sure to bring items from home that you make you happy and you can keep in your space. This includes photos of your loved ones, stuffed animals, or pillows.
Also, take the time to personalize your dorm. Make your space as homey as possible so that it can feel like your home away from home.
Hang up posters of your favorite bands or movies, pictures, lights, or whatever else you’d like. Don’t let bare walls bring down your mood, make the space one that you like to spend time in.
Conclusion
These few tips may seem small, but they make all the difference when adjusting to college dorm life.
Taking the time to utilize your storage space, decorate your room, and coordinate life with your roommates will make your dorm experience one of the best of your life.
