You're finally moved into your dorm, but are you really ready for university life? The moving process may be over, but that doesn't mean  that there is nothing left for you to do. It is time to settle and adjust to living in a dorm on campus.
Here's a list of things to do after your dorm move:
Set up your dorm with your roommate
You may not have unpacked everything during moving day, so the unpacking and set up of your belongings could be an ongoing process. Be sure you and your roommate come to an agreement on where everyone's things should be. Shared items like TV's should have their own rules established at this time too.
Get your student ID card
You may have already gotten a student ID card, but if you haven't you should pick one up ASAP. This can act as you key to all the facilities on campus.
Register for any last minute classes Hopefully you have already registered for all the classes you were taking, but if there is an elective that opens up late, you may be able to sneak in during this period. Keep an eye out, but remember not to overburden yourself. Even fun classes take time away from working on the harder ones.Buy your books if you haven't already
Because of the ease of internet delivery, you may have bought the books you'll need for class before you moved in. If you still need to pick them up at the local bookstore, or haven't bought them at all, you should find the location at the school for this and get your books.
If you are trying to save money and are willing to gamble on starting a class a little behind, you could wait until you go to class a few times before buying the books for that class. Sometimes, the professor will not use the books that the course information claims are needed, and sometimes you may wish to drop the class, making the book purchase a waste of money. You can return used books, but not always at full price.Rent a mini-fridge if you need one Many schools provide easy access to permitted mini-fridges through vendors. If you didn't bring your own, be sure to ask around the school about what to do to get one. Before you make yourself too comfortable in your dorm, you're going to want to add any necessary furniture or appliances that aren't there. That way, you'll have a true understanding of the space you and your roommate have available for spreading out.
Find the shared areas like showers and laundry rooms
This is University life. That means you'll have to walk down halls to shower and possibly leave your building for things like laundry. Don't wait until you actually need to use these services before visiting their location. You don't want to be in a rush and get lost when you need to clean your clothes or body.
 Meet your neighbours beyond your dorm room When you are living in a dorm, it is living in a community of similarly aged individuals. The potential for meeting friends during the first few weeks of University is probably as high as it will ever be in the rest of your life. Don't be reclusive, even if that is your normal nature. See what the people across the hall are like. Get to know the people on your floor. Even if you don't make friends with these people, it would be best to know who it is who surrounds you.
Stock up on food and other disposable essentials
Now that you're moved in, you may want to buy some food so you don't always have takeout. Even if you have a dining plan at your school, you may want to invest in some cereal or other breakfast foods since you probably will not always want to roll out of bed and leave your room for a morning meal. Don't forget other groceries that you may use:
- toilet paper
- all kinds of soap
- toothpaste
- dry food
- perishable food/drinks
- tissues
- paper towels
You may have brought some of these items in your initial packing, but you will be surprised how quickly you will consume these items.Find out where your classrooms are
It turns out in University all of your classes are not in the same building. You're going to need to walk around a bit to find your classes. Be sure to do this and map out your schedule in the days you are moved in before the classes actually start. You don't want the stress of wondering if you are in the right place or if you'll get there in time on the first day of class. You have an advantage over commuters here. Use it.
Find out about what clubs/frats/sororities are available
Now we're getting to the fun part. If you are a freshman, you're likely living away from your parents for the first time. Despite what everyone will warn you, you do have a fair amount of free time in University. Be sure to use it doing activities that interest you. In the early days after move-in day, most schools will be crawling with people telling you about their club or frat and asking you if you want to join. If you know who you are, then you know which ones you are interested in. If you don't know who you are, try a few activities out and see if you learn something about yourself.
Explore the campus facilities
Beyond the living quarters, classrooms, and laundry rooms University campuses have other amenities. There are computer labs, libraries, gyms, and student lounges all waiting for you to explore. These places are essential to healthy and smart living while on campus. Find them and get familiar with them.
Explore beyond the campus
Don't be afraid to venture beyond the school's grounds. This is where you live now so you should get to know the area. Find a supermarket and some restaurants that you like. Know where the nearest gas station is. See any nearby points of interest. In no time this new area will begin to feel like home. |