How can I Prepare for Living in a College Dorm?

Life can be chock full of transitions, and one major example is the transition from high school to college. Many adults look back on their college dorm experiences wistfully, but the truth is, living in a traditional college dorm is not for the weak of heart. Depending on the institution, a college dorm room could be a cramped closet-sized space with minimal amenities or a suite the size of an off-campus one bedroom apartment. Preparing for life in a college dorm requires some planning for maximum use of minimal space, as well as some emotional and social adjustments.

One of the first things to help prepare a student for college dorm life is the campus visit. Prospective students may be allowed to visit a college campus in order to get a sense of their future lives there. Part of that visit usually includes a tour of the college dorm rooms, with or without the presence of older residents.

During this preliminary trip, a student should pay close attention to the dimensions and amenities provided in each college dorm. Are there enough closets and dressers? Are phone connections and television cable connections available? Can outside furniture be brought inside the room, and will it fit?

The keyword for college dorm living is economization. With living space at such a premium, you should carefully examine your possessions and decide which are the most essential. Once you have this list in your mind, cut it in half again. Some items can be purchased around campus later if the need arises.

A college dorm should provide a closet and dresser drawers for clothing, as well as a desk for personal electronics and office supplies. Appliances may be limited to a small microwave oven and a dorm-sized refrigerator. All other amenities, such as laundry and showers, are usually communal. Privacy in a typical college dorm can be a luxury.

Another preparation for college dorm living involves friends and relatives. Although college dorm living provides opportunities for socializing with roommates and other residents, few things replace a phone call or a weekend visit from a hometown friend. Make sure you provide a campus mailbox address, cellphone number and college dorm room number to loved ones who may want to visit. If the campus is close enough, it may help to maintain part of your routine, such as church involvement or a part-time job. If the campus dorm is out-of-state, plan on a few weekend visits to maintain contact with others.

Make a list of any special accessories or equipment you may need to make your college dorm room workable. Modems for computers, cable boxes for televisions, brackets for stereo speakers - all of these things may be helpful, but not readily available at the dorm. Keep valuable items under lock and key, since a college dorm is very accessible throughout the day and roommates may not keep track of their guests. Lending and borrowing personal items is also a favorite activity at many college dorms, so know who you can trust and who you cannot.

Living in a college dorm can be like living in a fish bowl, so be prepared for some invasion of privacy. Some of your fellow residents may become lifelong friends, while others may make your life miserable. Your new best friend and your worst enemy may each live two doors away.

Some students, especially those who have limited experience living away from home, can find the college dorm experience very stressful. It may help to join college clubs which match your interests and to take advantage of counseling services during times of real conflict. Experienced resident advisors and housing directors should be able to resolve most problems you may face during your first months in a college dorm.