Some Dos and Don’ts for Residence Hall Rooms

Inspired by the article by Kaelin Tripp

Whether moving in for the first time or returning for another year in the res halls, there are some dos and don’ts to be aware of when preparing to pack. Below are a few suggestions to keep in mind that we hope will make your first few weeks less stressed.

            It can be easy to want to buy everything you can possibly think of for your room, as well as pack every article of clothing, jewelry, stuffed animal, CD, and poster you own. However, you do not want to over buy or over pack. Keep in mind that you will most likely be sharing a room and won’t have a ton of space to store all your belongings. You may want to consider waiting to buy small accessories and storage units until after you settle into your room. This way you can have a better idea of exactly what you want and 
need. Also, be sure to pack wisely. Think about the season and weather then decide what clothes seem the most practical. Narrow down to the essentials; you can always switch your clothes out at breaks such as fall break and Thanksgiving break. Keeping this in mind will also help ease the check in process when you try to move everything into your room.

          One thing you may want to keep in mind 
when deciding what to buy for your room is the importance of light. All rooms will come with an overhead florescent light; however, if you do not like the brightness of the fluorescent light, don’t just sit in the dark. Additional lighting can help bring atmosphere to the room and make it feel homier. The gleam provided from a floor lamp, desk lamp, or string lights can help you better control the brightness of your room and create the environment you want to live in.

            When planning the layout of your room, keep in mind that you do not want to live at your desk. Yes, this space is good for studying and completing tasks; however, consider creating specified sections in your room that are conducive to your lifestyle. These can help keep your room organized and also ensure that you do not spend all your time in one space. For example, designate your desk for studying and your bed for relaxing; if you enjoy reading, read for school at your desk and read for fun in your bed.

            Finally, be sure to bring some sort of décor for your walls; you do not want to stare at blank walls all day. Before moving in, print off some pictures of family and friends or find one or two posters to fill the space. Finding décor that is also functional helps save space. Cork boards and bulletin boards allow you to hang pictures, notes, cards, jewelry, and other accessories. Throughout the summer, we will have more tips and ideas to help you create some crafty and unique décor. Remember to find items that show off your personality and help you create your home away from home.