Plan Ahead When Packing Up

Try to find out how much furnishing your assigned dorm room already has, so you'll know what you need to take. Some rooms have less shelving and built-in storage space than others.

If you haven't teamed up with your roommate and you're big on matching, buy things in simple solid colors to lessen the chance of clashing.

Students also suggest taking a light load when moving in. Things will accumulate during the course of the year, so be prepared to take back more than you brought.

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Don't Forget These 12 Essentials

Upperclassmen have these recommendations for freshmen for items to take to their new dorm rooms. They also advise buying furniture for storage that is durable enough to withstand four years of moving. Most of these items can be found at big discount stores:

- Big storage bins
- Storage with pullout drawers
- Hamper
- Shoe rack that can hang in a closet
- Organizational material for desks (letter sorter, pen jar, etc.)
- Small trash cans
- TV wall mount
- Bed risers (These sit under bedposts, lifting them high enough to create storage space underneath.)
- Something to hold dirty dishes until you're ready to wash them
- One or more fans for rooms without air conditioning
- Tote for toiletries
- Throw pillows to jazz up your bed and futon

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