How To Prepare For The Move: Life In A College Dorm

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How To Prepare For The Move: Life In A College Dorm
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Making The Transition Smoothly

There are so many things for you to remember, when transitioning from high school to a college or university. Sometimes, just the thought of such a change can be frightening. However, with a few important tips, students can shift into college life with minimal disruption to their lives.
Have Realistic Expectations

Many students are gripped by the fear of college dorm life. You can combat this fear by knowing what to expect from dorm life, and by establishing a way to cope. For example, expect a noisy environment, and then, plan an escape from lifestyle. Your “escape” can be a nook in the library or a table at the back of the dining hall. Expect to meet new people who are quite different from you. Then, come up with an ice breaker that you can employ, to make these meetings successful. And, you must remind yourself to be patient while you establish new relationships.

Become Familiar With Your Environment

One way to become familiar with your new college environment is to attend college orientations, seminars, and programs, specifically held for freshmen. By doing so, you will be able to acclimate yourself to the campus, dormitory life, and college facilities. By attending orientations, seminars, and programs, you will become acquainted with people who are going through the same transition as you are. Thus, you will forge common bonds.
Get Organized For Your Move

If you use things such as a packing checklist and schedule your time appropriately, you will not be as stressed in your move to college. Also, build in shortcuts to help you acclimate to your new environment. Remember to pre-pack your backpack, so that your supplies are already in place when you get to your college dorm. And, you can do the same thing with your shower caddy and any storage containers you plan to use at school. Schedules will always assist you in keeping “on task.”

Make New Social Connections

Making friends is not only important socially, but it also will help you combat homesickness. So,take every opportunity to make a new friend—in class, on the elevator, even while doing laundry in the laundry room. All this takes is for you to create an icebreaker.

Also, you should introduce yourself to, and stay connected with, your advisors, such as your resident advisor, academic advisor, and your professors. These professionals can offer valuable information not only on how to deal with your classes, but also on how to cope with being away from home, studying, and establishing your career plan goals.

Never hesitate to utilize the campus counseling center, even if you are just feeling a bit blue. These counselors will have some ideas on how to meet friends and to cope with homesickness and possible depression.

Adapt To Your New Environment

Going to college is a chance for you to learn new skill sets and to create new friendships. To do this, you will have to stray out of your comfort zone, and establish normal routines and habits. Adapting to your college environment is the only way to get the most out of your college experience. Remember that you do not have to change who you are, but you can make yourself more open to your new life at college.

For example, everyone has a personal hygiene routine. However, in college dorms, you may have to change your routine to accommodate the schedules of others. Your morning showers might have to be taken at night. Your Sunday tradition of walking around in your pajamas might have to be changed to lounging around in your sweats.

Prepare Well For College Life

When you take the mystery out of college life, the transition will become much smoother. Preparing well in advance can make your move an experience of a lifetime, and not the most frightening event that ever happened in your life.

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