The start of the college year is slowly approaching, and if this is going your first year living in a dorm – buckle up! Your dorm is about to become your home away from home, and there are certain mistakes you should avoid if you want to transform it into a safe, care-free, and cozy environment.
Overpacking
Storage room in your dorm will be extremely limited, and you shouldn’t go overboard when packing for your trip. Make a checklist of all the essentials you’ll need to bring along, consider investing in space-saving storage solutions, and avoid packing unnecessary clothes since they tend to take up the most unnecessary room in your closet.
No Roommate Agreements
The earlier you talk with your roommate and set the rules for your dorm, the easier it will be to avoid conflicts long-term. Have an open conversation about your cleaning habits, schedules, and study habits, and set the rules concerning guests, noise, and shared items so you can avoid disagreements down the road.
Not Learning the Rules
Each dorm comes with its own set of rules, and the sooner you familiarize yourself with them – the better. Figure out if there’s a curfew and quiet hours so you wouldn’t get into trouble by ignoring them, and make sure to respect the etiquette in common areas, such as the common kitchen and bathroom.
