As the summer comes to a close and September pushes its way back in, that time comes around again: Back to school! Whether it is your first time in a dorm or you are moving into a new one, here are a few tips and tricks to get you through it all in one piece.
DO start with a check list
In all the chaos of moving out of home and moving into a brand spankin’ new place, things are bound to get lost and forgotten. Make sure you check that you have anything and everything you need, including things you DONT think you’ll need.
DON’T overpack
One of the biggest mistakes I remember making is bringing EVERY SINGLE article of clothing I owned the very first day of school. It took up so much valuable space that I could have used for other things. Chances are, you will be going back home or someone will be coming to visit you, so no, you do not need your winter sweaters for the first month of September in New Jersey!
DO come with a game plan
Most dorms have little shelving or storage space, so take advantage of the affordable plastic organizers you can get from stores like Walmart, Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond!
DON’T bring so much storage that you end up taking over your entire room
Remember, you probably are living with at least one other person. Be considerate of everyone’s personal space. First time dorming can be very stressful, especially with people you do not know yet.
DO bring lots of towels and shower shoes
The worst thing is despertely needing to take a shower and having no clean towels!
DON’T forgot to bring a change of clothes to the showers
No one wants to be caught walking back to their room in a towel and flip flops.
DO be friendly to everyone you meet
Chances for meeting new lifelong friends are everywhere your turn. Do not judge a book by its cover. College is for exploring and learning about yourself! Everyone else is doing the same thing, so you never know who could end up being your best friend.
DON’T cling to the first people you meet
It can be extremely scary not knowing anyone, so it’s only natural to want to do EVERYTHING you possibly can with your new “BFFs” you met the first ten minutes of move in day. If you cling to the same people, it can be hard to make other friends, ultimately limiting yourself and your entire experience!
DO make friends with your RA
They are there to help you out! They are students as well and probably have tons of inside tips that can be hard to get from anyone who is not an older student. Plus, at most of the floor meetings or events they schedule there will be free food! (SCORE)
DON’T think they are your mom or BFF
Again, they are there to help you, not follow you around cleaning up your messes. They have their own life to take care of, not you and 30+ other freshman.
DO explore your surroundings
Try getting off campus for a day! Go walk around the closest town and visit the shops. Montclair is full of fun shops, restauraunts and even an art museum! Get out of your comfort zone. Check out a local grocery store and try to make your own dinner one night with some friends. (Anything is better than on campus food 24/7!)
DON’T leave without a plan
Being stuck on a bus at 10pm at night in a sketchy looking area is not fun. Believe me.
DO have the best time of your life!
DON’T waste one minute of it!
Before you know it, you will be a graduating senior, writing articles about what and what not to do in the dorms, wondering how these past 4 years flew by undetected.