Dorm Room Do’s and Don’ts

Dorm Room Do’s and Don’ts

Dorm Room Do’s and Don’ts

Going into your freshman year of college can be stressful enough without you having to add on that extra baggage... Literally. While it is always good that you take the essentials, you would be surprised at the things you think you need, but don’t have the room for nor really use. Here is a list of do’s and don’t for your future dorm room:   Do’s:

• Most dorms will only have a twin bed. Of course you will want to bring your own sheets. Do keep in mind that you will more than likely never use these sheets again. So don’t bother with buying high dollar sheets. Try to shoot for cotton sheets. They are inexpensive but very soft and comfortable.
• Invest in bed risers, trust me. On top of most dorms generally being small anyway, you have to share the space. Once it is halved that doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for your stuff. Once you rise your bed you can easily put storage containers for off-season clothes, your snacks you don’t want to share, etc. under there without it being in the way. Go ahead and get you a bed skirt as well. It will help keep the storage containers out of sight and keep your room from looking cluttered with all of your belongings under there.
• Another great investment will be a foam mattress pad. Think about it, you have absolutely no idea who has been sleeping on that bed before and you have absolutely NO IDEA what has been done on it. Honestly, I wouldn’t even want to find out. But it is better to be safe than sorry right? A can of Lysol could never hurt either.
• Bring your box fan or portable heater. In most dorms, you won’t be able to control the temperature of your room. On top of that, you may be hot-natured while your new roomie is cold-natured or vice versa. This is where these items will come in handy, especially at night.
• This one is simple, yet important - Laundry basket. You don’t want all of your dirty clothes lying around and I am sure you don’t want to be the one carrying a garbage bag full of clothes down to the washer to wash them. Also, always keep quarters on you. Keep in mind: you are no longer at home where you can do your laundry in a hop, skip and a jump away. You will be sharing all of the washers and dryers now.

Don’ts:

• I understand you will want to bring a little piece of home with you wherever you are but don’t let it be with stuffed animals. As much as you think you will keep them on your bed, I promise you won’t, they will do nothing except end up on your floor. Same with throw pillows. In the end, they just aren’t worth it.
• Don’t bring an over the door shoe holder until you have actually seen your room. The doors are sometimes much smaller than your average door and it will become completely useless.
• Don’t bring 10 pounds of food. All you will really end up eating are maybe a couple snacks and of course Ramen Noodles. I promise, you’re not going to eat as much as you think you are.
• Don’t bring your own toaster, toaster oven, etc. Most dorms have an area down the hall with all of the stuff like that you would need.
• Don’t be afraid of asking questions. There are no stupid questions. Every dorm is different and you need to know the do’s and don’ts for where you will be living.
• Don’t be a slob. Keep in mind you are sharing this space and I am quite sure that your roommate does not want to see your dirty undies laying around on the floor.
• Don’t borrow clothes without asking or eat your roommates food. It’s just not cool. Remember, personal space.
• & last but most definitely not least, DO NOT SET YOUR DORM ON FIRE! You are going to need it.