#DORMLIFE: PACKING TIPS FROM A STUDENT, A PARENT AND AN EXPERT

If you or your student is living on campus this year you’re probably feeling excited, nervous and everything in between. To help make a dorm feel more like home, we asked a recent grad, a parent and an interior designer for tips on creating a great college living space. Here’s what they had to say:

TIP 1: Consult your roommates

Student: Reach out to your roommate as soon as possible. “Remember that they may not have the same aesthetic taste or the financial resources you have — anticipate there will be compromises,” says Caroline Merten, a recent graduate.

Parent: Leave the negotiating to the kids, unless you need to confer about a big-ticket item like a large computer monitor or mini fridge.

TIP 2: Know what to bring (and what not to)

Parent: At some colleges “there are some specific requirements, so make sure your freshman has everything on the checklist provided by the school, like extra-long sheets.” The Andersens did most of their shopping at large retailers with an online presence. “You don’t have to pack it — they can have it waiting for you,” says Peter Andersen, father of two.

Designer: Ditch the university-issued desk chair. Expert Andie Day says to “splurge on an ergonomic desk chair that will have a 90-degree angle at your elbows, waist and knees.” She also suggests using under-bed storage containers to create more room. “Anything you can push under the bed is always excellent, but this time it can be organized,” she says.

TIP 3: Personalize your personal space

Student: Your sliver of space should feel like you. Choose desk organizers and accessories in your favorite color. “Stick to one or two larger wall hangings, leaving yourself room to put up letters from friends or pictures from home,” Merten says.

Parent: “Don’t try to make the room perfect on the first day,” Andersen cautions. “They’ll make the room their own by creating it over time. Besides, the real college essentials are already there: bed, roof, desk, friends, cafeteria and, of course, school.

TIP 4: Embrace the new chapter

Student: “It’s natural for things to be a little difficult in the beginning,” Merten says. “Even if you don’t want to leave your door open and meet people on the first few days, try to say ‘hi.’ If you keep an open mind, it’s one of the best times in your life to learn and have new experiences.”

Parent: Don’t worry, they’ll call. Andersen’s advice for parents leaving their babies? “It’s the old parenting trick — when you’re focused on helping others through a difficult time, you won’t have time to focus on how hard it is for you.”

So whether you’re going off on your big college adventure or helping your baby leave the nest, a great dorm room setup can help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Margot Carmichael Lester is co-author of The Real Life Guide to Life After College, and owner of The Word Factory in Carrboro, NC. She frequently teaches resume- and cover letter-writing to college students. She's a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Go Heels!).