Dorm rooms provide a fun space for studying and socializing, but dorm life can come with its own challenges too. Take a look at these common mistakes students make in their new homes and how you can steer clear of them!
1. Packing Too Much – As the move-in day nerves hit, many students feel the need to pack the essentials, backups for their essentials, and backups to the backups of their essentials. Make a list of what you’ll need for each semester and leave things at home that can wait for the spring season to prevent clutter.
2. Neglecting Your Health – New classes, friends, and experiences can make it hard for students to find time to unwind and assess their well-being. Build out a small portion of time in each week’s schedule to take a nap, eat a nutritious and full meal, or watch your favorite show to keep your health in check.
3. Forgetting about Hall Resources – Dorm halls provide a multitude of free or low-cost resources that benefit students but aren’t often taken advantage of. The next time your hall hosts a résumé review session or a lunch talk, make sure to pop in.
4. Spending Excessively – The excitement of living in a new place with new people tends to make students feel the need to spend more money on fun experiences. While finding a balance between work and play is essential, creating a budget will ensure that students can enjoy those experiences without compromising their financial goals.
5. Not Seeking Help – In the dorm and in the classroom, reaching out for assistance can help students reduce unnecessary stress. If you’re experiencing a tough roommate conflict or need resources for emotional well-being support, your resident advisor can mediate and direct you to the best course of action.
