by Carol H. Morgan

Created on: July 07, 2010

Going off to college as a freshman is like embarking on a whole new life.  And sometimes we want to make sure we are prepared, and in the process of packing end up TOO prepared, bringing too many things from our old life at home with us because we think there might be the one situation that would leave us needing that high school poster on the wall or a bunch of Halloween costumes for parties.  But that is where it might help to get an idea of the room itself, extra storage we might have, and whether the tiny room's constraints will allow us all of our plans to bring the many securities of home to help our transition.  And space, practicality, or even just the reality of our new life might make our packing easier, and particularly lighter.

1. Furniture

Most dorm rooms, particularly those of undergrads, are packed pretty tightly already.  Many of them have built-in furniture along all the walls, sometimes even beds that fold down into the middle of the room or bunks. So that perfect bureau that helps you write or the efficient storage unit might not fit, and sometimes the little space will need to be shared with another person or people who don't share your needs or tastes. The best thing to do will be to see your dorm space, arrive at campus, and slowly get an idea of what or any additional units you can add to your room. 

Some places like IKEA sell storage you can apply to walls, but even that might be a problem that needs resolution as they often leave holes.  But as long as you are willing to play by the rules, fix any damage or pay any fines, this might be an option to store the items you find dorm storage inadequate for, but ask your room mates first. You may want to walk around the dorm rooms to get an idea of what others have done (ask around to find who has the cutest and most efficient use of space), and sometimes items such as these that they have used are on sale as older residents move out.

2.  Large decorations

Without WANTING to date myself, the big boy band going into my freshman year of college was Duran Duran.  Slashed fabric and men in makeup may not have appealed to every other girl in my room, however, and so requiring them to look at posters of the Durranies would have been quite a burden in some cases in the only place they had to call home.  If you bring items from home say your high school flag or other pictures or posters, make sure they are on the small side and don't dominate the room.

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