Moving into a dorm can be a person's first try at independence. For some, the freedom alone is enough to warrant the move, while for others necessity requires it. Either way, any dorm should feel as personable and homely as possible. No one likes to live in cramped, dirty and unorganized spaces (though some do tolerate it, admittedly). Here are a few ways to make the most of moving into a dorm that can make college life easier and more fun in the long run.
Get help and advice
Universities that run campus-organized dorms usually send out orientation packages that explain the essential steps a student should take when moving in. Some universities even offer compensation for moving from a distant town to attend their institution. If the university is in a different country, instructions on how to obtain the right visas and residence permits, as well as laws on whether or not you can work in the respective country should be contained in their manual. If in doubt, always ask. Don't show up and find yourself facing unexpected expenses or legal obligations.
In addition to the university's orientation package, often a student association or union will offer their own help to new students. These are usually well-structured and professional non-profit organizations established apart from the university framework, though they operate within it, and are experienced at giving a helping hand to students. Clubs that are registered with these organizations may also hold move-in events during the early days of the semester as a way to make new contacts and encourage students to join in their pursuits. If you haven't received a flyer or package from your student union in the mail, be sure to look them up online, and see what kind of move-in help is available. This is also a great way to make new friends and get involved in university life right at the start.
When you arrive
Hopefully by now you've received instruction from the university as to what dorm you've been assigned (or granted) and how you should obtain entry to your room. Different dorms on the same university can have totally different operating systems. Some are literally room-only suites with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, while others are apartment-like but come with personal locks on each bedroom. Some require you to eat at a designated cafeteria at certain times, while others allow you the freedom of making your own meals by offering cooking appliances. Knowing these things in advance will help you pack. Don't bring pots and pans if you'll be eating at a cafeteria. On the other hand, do bring your utensils and dish rags if you have an in-suite kitchen so you won't spend time (and money) trying to get set up at the beginning of the year when many other things are flying around like a tornado.
You might find that the dorm hasn't been cleaned. Check for dust, oily appliances, mold and any infestations before you bring you things inside. You want to have as little as possible in the way while you prep the place and you certainly don't want to contaminate your personal property with cockroaches or ants from the dorm. Be sure to report any unsuitable findings to the department in charge of dorm maintenance. They might be willing to do a lot of the work for you.
Ask if you can paint! This will not only give the place a clean, smooth look, it can also brighten your day to know your home is your favourite colour! Keep in mind your colour decorating scheme when choosing paint (refer to the section on 'Decorating' below).
Arranging the furniture and creating new space.
Now for the fun part. This is where space management comes in. Begin by moving the larger items first. Find out in advance what furniture is already provided. If you've got a bed and a desk already, see if you can adjust the arrangement of the room so that they are as much to the sides as possible. If possible, use the bottom half of your closet for your dresser. Most clothes that get hung don't reach that far down anyway. This way you'll have a larger open area in the centre of the room which will make the place feel more 'roomy'. If you're sharing a room and want to create privacy around your bed, consider putting a bookshelf or dresser around it. Otherwise, hang curtains up to separate that space. Move the smaller things in next. This is where you might find that your dorm is a lot smaller than you imagined! Fear not, there are lots of ways to not only save room but to 'create' space. Use up as much wall space as you can. Install shelves above door frames, desks, tables, the bed, and so on. Use large plastic boxes with lids as faux drawers underneath your bed. If you have a table, using stylish fold-up chairs can save space for when you need the extra room. Fold up chairs can be tucked away in a closet or even hung up beside the table by mounting special hooks to the wall. For the little things, buy drawer organizers or use empty shoe boxes for organizing. The backs of doors can also be used either by mounting hooks for holding coats or by attaching a shoe hanger.
Decorating
This is where creativity and style comes in. Decide which colour scheme you'd like to go with and start with that. It's not to say you can't use other colours in the future, but you want to have a theme for your dorm to give it an organized, well-thought out feel. You also don't have to be very restrictive in this sense. For example, your colour scheme could be 'fall colours', in which case you could use Mauve, brown, dark orange, burgundy and a little splash of yellow. You could use different pastels to go brighter or deep luscious colours combined with animal prints to be more daring. For ideas, search out decorating Web sites, consult an IKEA catalogue or, better yet, visit a furniture show room nearby!
Once you've got a colour scheme, you can begin picking out your blankets, curtains and wall hangings. Baskets are always neutral and can be used as trash containers or laundry hampers, even as pull out organizers on the high shelves you've just installed. Be sure not to use the same tone for everything. Keep a lighter colour, even white if it has to be, in your colour scheme. Making things too dark could get depressing, while making things too bright can make it hard to relax. Often lamps can be found second hand, and you're bigger investment will be finding lampshades. You can also decorate your own lampshades. Lots of lamps will help control lighting for different moods. Get some cheap photo frames from a dollar or discount store and develop photos of your friends, family and loved ones. You can take this a step further and create a calendar of your personal shots using Excel or some other calendar maker. Usually print shops and photo booths offer such services. The fond memories will help ease the strange feeling of being in a new place. Be sure to also find a photo of scenery that either gives off a surge of relaxation (say, palm trees on an empty beach) or triggers your imagination (perhaps a close up of a bumble bee pollinating a flower).
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