In a few days, many recent grads will be heading off to college. Now this year has been an unprecedented senior year but in an effort to create some essence of normalcy, they are preparing, shopping, and planning for their next chapter in college. Many are deciding to venture off hundreds of miles away from home to take up living quarters in a compact dwelling called a dorm room, perhaps sharing space with another person for the next 8-9 months. According to Galesburg.com, the average dorm room is a 12x19 foot of space and that’s cut in half if you have a roommate.

Moving away and into a dorm on a college campus is exciting and intimidating at the same time. You’re getting your first dose of freedom away from your family but also entering into uncharted territory where you’ll be responsible for your living space and managing your life as a young adult. Academic and athletic commitments aside, the one area that requires your attention is your dorm room. This is where you’ll spend a good chunk of your time and will house all your precious possessions, so it’s worth discussing how to prepare for that transition and what things to consider to get started on the right track.  

First things first, you want to make sure you check in with your roommate or suitemates prior to mapping out your dorm room setup. Squaring away with them on who’s bringing what and expectations will save you time, money and allow you guys or girls to connect prior to moving in together. Blue-Prynt lists our the top 25 questions you should asd your roommates before moving in. I remember meeting my college roommate a scholarship event and deciding to plan out our room prior to arriving at Howard U, 2nd floor of Frazier Hall. Hey Quad! 

Once you’re squared away with your roommates, here’s the fun part, SHOPPING! Before you go HAM in Target, consider making a list of everything you’ll need. You won’t have access to your parent’s well-stocked pantry or laundry room full of necessities, so you need to figure out what you’ll need, to manage it on your own. #ADULTING101. Big Future lists out a great checklist to check-out. One cool thing that has become more popular is having a college registry where family and friends can contribute to your college shopping list and help purchase some needed items. Don't worry if you haven't done that, there's always room for "care packages" throughout the year.

THE BIG DAY! Now as the time comes to move in, you’ve hammered out the details with your room or suite mates, you’ve gotten the shopping done and checked off everything on your list, NOW it’s move in day. Check with your school on when you can move in, the new COVID requirements and what you need to do or bring prior to moving in. I love Segue to College’s tips for freshman move-in day because it’s easy to be overwhelmed with everything on move in day to forget the important things, like those first day essentials and what to do for food before the café opens???

An expert in helping busy students develop a more organized approach to home, work, and school, Tiffany Blassingame shares her insight on how to be productive and balance it ALL in college. She shares some “real-world” advice which includes, managing your time and managing your energy. She also offers a free 15-minute online course as a resource for getting organized. Check it out here and follow her on Facebook and IG at @twblass

Although, this semester will no doubt look a little different, Tiffany mentions, “College is an exciting time, and the years will go by quickly. So take the time to make the most of this experience!” 

Well said.