Tips for Moving Into Your New College Dorm

When you are getting ready for college, there can be a lot to think about. Your mind may be occupied with all of the schoolwork ahead, or you may be thinking more about all of the adventures you are going to have with friends. One of the last things you may be thinking about is what to pack or how you are going to get all of your things into your new dorm or apartment. Even though many may not think much about this until it is time to move, planning ahead can help reduce a lot of stress, and can help ensure that you get your new semester off to the right start. 

Do Your Research

One of the first things you should do is some research about your school and more specifically the place that you will be staying. The more that you know about the rules and regulations at your school, the easier it will be for you to plan your move. Additionally, knowing things like how many other students will be with you and what they are like can help too. While not everyone may get the opportunity to know their roommates before they move, taking some time to reach out and talk to them before school starts can help you establish a relationship, which can help you both to feel more comfortable when you finally move in together. 

Save Money

Some may not think that saving money has a lot to do with moving into their new dorm. However, it can make a big difference in your early days living on your own. Whether you do Venmo fundraising or pick up some extra hours at work, generating some more funds and saving them can be a big help when you are getting started. Unexpected expenses can come up, and not being caught off guard can help reduce stress in a big way. Beyond that, you and your new roommates may want to do activities together, so having some extra cash on hand can be beneficial. 

Plan Ahead

Along with doing some research and saving money, you also need to plan ahead in other ways, as well. The more that you know the layout of your campus and also how many students there are, the easier it will be for you to find the quickest route to your destination, and also to avoid the rush of students. Being able to get in and out without having to deal with too much traffic can help simplify your move and help you to feel more relaxed as you are starting off your stay in your new space. 

Pack Light If Possible

Some may consider themselves minimalists, while others may have big attachments to lots of their belongings. The reality is, though, that you will only be spending a limited time at your new dorm, so you only need to bring with you what you will truly need to be comfortable. This means taking some time to think about your wardrobe and what pieces you actually wear on a regular basis. Even though you may imagine yourself branching out and trying lots of new things, taking lots of extra stuff with you can lead to more stress, and less space to move freely in your new room. The less that you bring with you, the faster the moving process will go, and the faster that you can relax after you have moved in. 

Consider How You Will Use Your New Space

If you know what your dorm's layout will be like, then you need to think about that while packing and moving. Even if you want to bring some of your favorite furniture, you will need to make sure that it will fit into the space you are going into well. The more that you can consider how things will work in your limited space, the easier it will be to only bring items that you truly need, and that you can get the most use out of in a smaller space. 

Get the Right Help

When moving, it is likely that you will need some help. Getting some friends and family together that are motivated to get you moved in and comfortable quickly can be important. The more that your friends and family are focused on the task at hand and willing to listen to you about how you want your space set up, the easier it will be for you to get your space put together with little stress. If you have someone with you that has their own opinions about how your space should go or tries to direct things in a way that does not work for you, it can add stress to the whole process, and slow it down. Not to mention, having a lot of stress and strain as you are first moving in may not be ideal when you are also just getting to know your new roommates, too. 

Think About Your Goals

One of the most important things for you to think about when you are moving into a new dorm is what your goals are for the semester and the year. Do you want to study as much as possible? Or are you more focused on having a balance between schoolwork and your social life? No matter what you want to get out of school, you need to think about what your goals are. Having your goals in mind can have a direct impact on the kinds of things that you choose to bring with you, and the way that you use your space. Keeping your ultimate goals in mind can help you make the right choices, and set yourself up for success. 

Some Last Thoughts

Going to college can be intimidating, as can moving in with new roommates. Beyond that, the thought of moving can also bring with it lots of stress. The good news is, though, that there are ways that you can help cut stress and get yourself started off on the right foot as you embark on this new phase of life.