Freshman Move-In Survival Guide
📚 Introduction:
Moving into your college dorm is exciting, stressful, and a little overwhelming.
You’re balancing first-day jitters, a car packed like a game of Tetris, and your parents asking, “Are you sure you have everything?”
If you’re not careful, a few simple mistakes can turn your dream dorm into a daily headache.
Let’s fix that before it happens.
Here are the top dorm room mistakes to avoid — and what to do instead to survive (and thrive!) during move-in.
(Psst… planning ahead? Check out our complete Dorm Essentials Checklist here)!
🛑 1. Overpacking… and Then Regretting It
The Mistake:
Bringing way too much stuff — extra clothes, three winter coats (?!), 18 pairs of shoes you won’t wear.
The Fix:
Pack light for now. Remember: your dorm is tiny. You can always grab winter gear on fall break. Focus on essentials like your bedding, toiletries, study supplies, and a few outfits.
✅ Pro Tip: Use a collapsible laundry basket to save space.
🔌 2. Forgetting the Power of Power Strips
The Mistake:
Assuming your room will have enough outlets.
Spoiler alert: it won’t.
The Fix:
Bring at least two surge-protected power strips. One for your desk setup and another for your bed area (because who doesn’t want to charge their phone and scroll TikTok while laying down?).
✅ Amazon Favorite: Anker Surge Protector Power Strip
🪑 3. Skipping Storage Solutions
The Mistake:
Thinking your dresser and closet will fit everything. They won’t.
The Fix:
Invest in under-bed storage bins, over-the-door organizers, and stackable cubes.
Maximize your vertical space — it’s the dorm dweller’s secret weapon.
🕯️ 4. Bringing Banned Items
The Mistake:
Packing candles, toasters, extension cords — anything that violates dorm fire codes.
The Fix:
Double-check your school’s prohibited items list before packing.
(Your RA will thank you. Your smoke detector will thank you. Your roommate will especially thank you.)
🛋️ 5. Skipping the Comfort Items
The Mistake:
Thinking your dorm mattress will be “good enough.”
Spoiler #2: It won’t be.
The Fix:
Get a mattress topper. Bring a cozy throw blanket. Pack a few personal photos or a favorite poster.
Tiny touches make a sterile dorm feel like your second home.
🔥 Bonus Mistake: Not Talking to Your Roommate Before Move-In
The Mistake:
You each bring a mini-fridge, microwave, and TV. Now you live in an episode of “Hoarders: College Edition.”
The Fix:
Connect ahead of time!
Coordinate big items like fridges, rugs, and TVs.
Split costs if possible. Start being a good roommate before you even meet.
🎯 Conclusion: Be Move-In Ready Like a Pro
Move-in day doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
By planning smart, packing light, and dodging common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for an amazing freshman year.
👉 Need help building your perfect dorm setup?
Grab our free Dorm Essentials Checklist and make your move-in the easiest W of your college career.