How to Move Into a Dorm from Your Family Home
Talk to your college's Housing Department about the residence hall in advance., Read reviews for your dorm at 5caps.com., If the address is provided write to your new roommate, and see if they are willing to share large items (you won't need two...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Talk to your college's Housing Department about the residence hall in advance.
Determine the exact size and shape of your room.
If you are sharing with one or more people, what spaces are yours, and which are the common areas? Is there a kitchen? Where is the bathroom? What will you need to bring for yourself? What is already provided for you? Don't be shocked on move-in day. -
Step 2: Read reviews for your dorm at 5caps.com.
It is really useful to know what other students think about that place. , , Most people will be glad to know they aren't the only one with bodily quirks, and it's a good icebreaker.
Tell them where to find your family's phone number.
If you have a medication or allergy list keep it in your purse or wallet, and tell your roommate where it is. , Chances are, you are moving from a larger living space at home, into a smaller space at college.
If you have time, and room in your house, mark off an area that is the same size as your new space (not to be confused with the entire room), and fit your things in it.
Don't forget the furniture that will already be provided there! , Do you plan to eat in the cafeteria all the time, or do you plan eat in the dorm? Even if you plan to have a few weekly meals in the dorm, you will probably need some sort of silverware and plates (paper ones rock!).
Some colleges send lists of suggested items to pack in their orientation mailings. , Keep separate lists for the things that you already have, and the things that you need to buy.
Decide whether you want to buy new items beforehand , or buy them when you get there.
The things that you buy there will be a better fit to that part of the country/world, which is important if you are moving to an area that has a much different climate than your hometown. , Most colleges provide information on how to do this in their orientation packets. , You'll be able to find your own stuff in the communal bathroom if it's all in one place, and carry it to your room easily if you have to. ,, Some things HAVE to be the same.
And remember you may not find a supplier of your favorite lotion or hot sauce for a while.
If you can't live without it, bring a little with you. , The campus health service is extremely busy after beginning of the year, and it may take some time for your first appointment. , Unless your room is a palace, you probably won't need a gigantic trailer.
Read your orientation packet or ask for this information. , Do you know if you have any forms to fill in or hand in? Do you know where to pick up your key? Do you have to go to a specific place on campus first, or do you go straight to your dorm? , -
Step 3: If the address is provided write to your new roommate
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Step 4: and see if they are willing to share large items (you won't need two stereos
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Step 5: or two TV sets.)
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Step 6: Let your roommate in on any health problems you have
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Step 7: and what they need to do in the event of a problem (like a seizure or low blood sugar)
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Step 8: or just warn them that when you are stressed you get the raging diarrhea.
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Step 9: Don't try to move everything.
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Step 10: Consider what kind of things you will need.
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Step 11: Make a list of all the things that you will need.
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Step 12: Consider shipping some of your items up to campus before you get there
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Step 13: if you don't have enough space for one trip.
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Step 14: Buy a small carrier for your bathroom gear.
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Step 15: Get a small locked box for private papers
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Step 16: your journal...it's nice to have security
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Step 17: even if you have the nicest roommate ever.
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Step 18: Bring your own pillows and favorite blankets.
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Step 19: Make sure you have a month or two of refills left on any prescriptions.
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Step 20: Ask about parking for loading and unloading.
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Step 21: Make sure that you have checked and double-checked what to do on arrival.
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Step 22: Finished.
Detailed Guide
Determine the exact size and shape of your room.
If you are sharing with one or more people, what spaces are yours, and which are the common areas? Is there a kitchen? Where is the bathroom? What will you need to bring for yourself? What is already provided for you? Don't be shocked on move-in day.
It is really useful to know what other students think about that place. , , Most people will be glad to know they aren't the only one with bodily quirks, and it's a good icebreaker.
Tell them where to find your family's phone number.
If you have a medication or allergy list keep it in your purse or wallet, and tell your roommate where it is. , Chances are, you are moving from a larger living space at home, into a smaller space at college.
If you have time, and room in your house, mark off an area that is the same size as your new space (not to be confused with the entire room), and fit your things in it.
Don't forget the furniture that will already be provided there! , Do you plan to eat in the cafeteria all the time, or do you plan eat in the dorm? Even if you plan to have a few weekly meals in the dorm, you will probably need some sort of silverware and plates (paper ones rock!).
Some colleges send lists of suggested items to pack in their orientation mailings. , Keep separate lists for the things that you already have, and the things that you need to buy.
Decide whether you want to buy new items beforehand , or buy them when you get there.
The things that you buy there will be a better fit to that part of the country/world, which is important if you are moving to an area that has a much different climate than your hometown. , Most colleges provide information on how to do this in their orientation packets. , You'll be able to find your own stuff in the communal bathroom if it's all in one place, and carry it to your room easily if you have to. ,, Some things HAVE to be the same.
And remember you may not find a supplier of your favorite lotion or hot sauce for a while.
If you can't live without it, bring a little with you. , The campus health service is extremely busy after beginning of the year, and it may take some time for your first appointment. , Unless your room is a palace, you probably won't need a gigantic trailer.
Read your orientation packet or ask for this information. , Do you know if you have any forms to fill in or hand in? Do you know where to pick up your key? Do you have to go to a specific place on campus first, or do you go straight to your dorm? ,
About the Author
Kyle Bell
A passionate writer with expertise in crafts topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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