2 answers
Emily
Student
Banks, Oregon
2
Questions
Asked
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What are some things (warnings, benefits, advice, tips) I should consider about staying in a dorm. as an undergraduate student?
I have been admitted into a college that is 40 minutes from where I live, so staying at home (in attempt to save money) won't be ideal. However, I know that transitioning from high school to a huge undergraduate college could be difficult to adjust and get used to. How should I prepare for this change? What should I keep in mind as I'm planning to move into my dorm next year?
Thank you.
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2 answers
Prema Sequeira
Engineering Manager
27
Answers
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Prema’s Answer
Here’s a clear, practical guide to help you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and what to watch out for when moving into a dorm as an incoming undergraduate.
Dorm Life 101: What to Know Before You Move In
Benefits of Living in a Dorm
1. You make friends faster.
Dorms are one of the easiest places to build a social circle. Shared floors, common areas, study rooms, and events all help you connect quickly.
2. You’re closer to campus life.
Being on campus means:
joining clubs more easily
attending late-night study sessions
going to office hours
not worrying about a 40-minute commute daily
3. More independence.
You learn life skills: managing your time, cleaning your space, doing your own laundry, and communicating with a roommate.
4. Academic convenience.
You can pop back into your room between classes, work in campus libraries, or meet project teams without driving back and forth.
Warnings / Challenges to Prepare For
1. Noise + lack of privacy
Dorms can be loud — especially on weekends. You’ll want:
noise-canceling headphones
earplugs
a small fan (white noise helps)
2. Roommate conflicts
Most issues arise from:
cleanliness
noise
visitors
different sleep schedules
using shared space without asking
A roommate agreement early on solves 90% of issues.
3. Limited space
Dorms are small. You’ll need to bring only what you’ll use. (Overpacking is one of the biggest first-year regrets.)
4. Shared bathrooms
Depending on your dorm, you may have:
a suite bathroom (shared with a few people), or
a hall bathroom (shared with many)
With hall bathrooms, invest in:
shower shoes
a shower caddy
a towel robe or wrap
5. Homesickness or burnout
Even if you live only 40 minutes away, the change feels big. It’s normal. Staying connected with home helps.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Before You Move In
1. Contact your roommate early.
Talk about:
sleep schedules
study habits
who brings what (microwave? fridge?)
cleaning expectations
2. Visit the campus if possible.
Find out:
where your dorm is
closest dining halls
study places
the route to your classes
Knowing the layout reduces first-week stress.
3. Start practicing independence now.
Things like:
doing laundry
managing your own schedule
waking up with an alarm
budgeting your spending
During the First Month
1. Keep your door open when you’re around.
This is the #1 way to meet people in your hall.
2. Go to welcome events and orientation activities.
Even if you feel awkward, everyone else is new too.
3. Build a routine.
Consistency helps your mental health when everything else feels unfamiliar.
4. Explore organizations and clubs.
This helps you form a community beyond your dorm.
5. Give yourself grace.
You’re adjusting to:
a new environment
new people
harder academics
independence
Everything takes time.
Mindset to Keep in Mind
You will outgrow high school quickly — that’s a good thing.
You are not supposed to know everything on day one.
Everyone around you is just as nervous as you are.
Dorm life is temporary; it won’t be forever.
The purpose of this year is to build a foundation academically and socially.
Packing Advice (What You Actually Need)
Must-haves:
power strips
storage bins for under-bed space
laundry supplies
surge protector
small vacuum/Swiffer
shower shoes
first aid kit
mini safe/lockbox for valuables
reusable water bottle
mattress topper (game changer)
Avoid:
too many clothes
large appliances (most are not allowed)
decorative items that take up space
Overall Summary
Living in a dorm is one of the biggest personal-growth experiences you’ll have in college. It can be noisy, cramped, or chaotic, but it’s also where friendships form, independence develops, and your college journey really begins.
With preparation, boundaries, and an open mindset, you’ll do great.
Dorm Life 101: What to Know Before You Move In
Benefits of Living in a Dorm
1. You make friends faster.
Dorms are one of the easiest places to build a social circle. Shared floors, common areas, study rooms, and events all help you connect quickly.
2. You’re closer to campus life.
Being on campus means:
joining clubs more easily
attending late-night study sessions
going to office hours
not worrying about a 40-minute commute daily
3. More independence.
You learn life skills: managing your time, cleaning your space, doing your own laundry, and communicating with a roommate.
4. Academic convenience.
You can pop back into your room between classes, work in campus libraries, or meet project teams without driving back and forth.
Warnings / Challenges to Prepare For
1. Noise + lack of privacy
Dorms can be loud — especially on weekends. You’ll want:
noise-canceling headphones
earplugs
a small fan (white noise helps)
2. Roommate conflicts
Most issues arise from:
cleanliness
noise
visitors
different sleep schedules
using shared space without asking
A roommate agreement early on solves 90% of issues.
3. Limited space
Dorms are small. You’ll need to bring only what you’ll use. (Overpacking is one of the biggest first-year regrets.)
4. Shared bathrooms
Depending on your dorm, you may have:
a suite bathroom (shared with a few people), or
a hall bathroom (shared with many)
With hall bathrooms, invest in:
shower shoes
a shower caddy
a towel robe or wrap
5. Homesickness or burnout
Even if you live only 40 minutes away, the change feels big. It’s normal. Staying connected with home helps.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Before You Move In
1. Contact your roommate early.
Talk about:
sleep schedules
study habits
who brings what (microwave? fridge?)
cleaning expectations
2. Visit the campus if possible.
Find out:
where your dorm is
closest dining halls
study places
the route to your classes
Knowing the layout reduces first-week stress.
3. Start practicing independence now.
Things like:
doing laundry
managing your own schedule
waking up with an alarm
budgeting your spending
During the First Month
1. Keep your door open when you’re around.
This is the #1 way to meet people in your hall.
2. Go to welcome events and orientation activities.
Even if you feel awkward, everyone else is new too.
3. Build a routine.
Consistency helps your mental health when everything else feels unfamiliar.
4. Explore organizations and clubs.
This helps you form a community beyond your dorm.
5. Give yourself grace.
You’re adjusting to:
a new environment
new people
harder academics
independence
Everything takes time.
Mindset to Keep in Mind
You will outgrow high school quickly — that’s a good thing.
You are not supposed to know everything on day one.
Everyone around you is just as nervous as you are.
Dorm life is temporary; it won’t be forever.
The purpose of this year is to build a foundation academically and socially.
Packing Advice (What You Actually Need)
Must-haves:
power strips
storage bins for under-bed space
laundry supplies
surge protector
small vacuum/Swiffer
shower shoes
first aid kit
mini safe/lockbox for valuables
reusable water bottle
mattress topper (game changer)
Avoid:
too many clothes
large appliances (most are not allowed)
decorative items that take up space
Overall Summary
Living in a dorm is one of the biggest personal-growth experiences you’ll have in college. It can be noisy, cramped, or chaotic, but it’s also where friendships form, independence develops, and your college journey really begins.
With preparation, boundaries, and an open mindset, you’ll do great.
Thank you, Prema!
Emily
Laura Morgan
Direct Mail Marketing
13
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Laura’s Answer
College is an exciting time in your life, and I'm thrilled for you! I went to college not too far from home, so I understand the feeling of being close yet independent. Living on campus is a wonderful way to gain independence and enjoy the fun college has to offer. Dorm life is unique, full of opportunities and challenges that will help you grow.
Keep an open mind and be flexible. Good communication and respect with your roommates are essential for a happy living situation. While you may miss some privacy, there are ways to find quiet time. You might set a schedule with your roommate for alone time or use study rooms in the library.
You'll share more than just space with others—sometimes food, clothes, or gadgets too. Make sure to talk about boundaries and comfort levels to avoid misunderstandings. Be considerate of everyone's different situations.
Living in the dorms makes it easy to get to classes and join campus activities. You'll meet many students and social groups, which is great for networking. Even meals in the cafeteria offer chances to connect, something you might miss if you lived at home.
I hope this helps you see dorm life positively. It's a fantastic way to make the most of your college years. Best of luck!
Keep an open mind and be flexible. Good communication and respect with your roommates are essential for a happy living situation. While you may miss some privacy, there are ways to find quiet time. You might set a schedule with your roommate for alone time or use study rooms in the library.
You'll share more than just space with others—sometimes food, clothes, or gadgets too. Make sure to talk about boundaries and comfort levels to avoid misunderstandings. Be considerate of everyone's different situations.
Living in the dorms makes it easy to get to classes and join campus activities. You'll meet many students and social groups, which is great for networking. Even meals in the cafeteria offer chances to connect, something you might miss if you lived at home.
I hope this helps you see dorm life positively. It's a fantastic way to make the most of your college years. Best of luck!