College Dorm Life: What to Expect Your First Year on Campus

Most colleges across the country require students to live in campus housing during their first year, making dorm life a quintessential college experience. Though it becomes the norm for most college students within a month or two, the preparation and unknown can feel daunting in the weeks leading up to college move-in day. However, doing a little research on living in a dorm can help you feel better acclimated once you arrive. Below is a beginner’s guide to dorm living, with the goal of helping you see that your campus housing can feel like a home away from home.

What is Dorm Life Like?

A dorm is a residential building on campus that contains sleeping quarters for students as well as community spaces, like study rooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Most dorm rooms house two or three students, though there are single dorm rooms on some college campuses as well. One of the greatest challenges to living in a dorm is sharing your space. Regardless of if you’ve living with your best friend from high school or a total stranger, living constantly near anyone requires flexibility and boundaries at the same time. You’re also sharing shower and toilet stalls as well as bathroom counters with everyone on your floor. Though you get used to it, wearing shower shoes and carrying your toiletries in a caddy to and from the showers is most likely a new experience. However, there is nothing like the community you experience by living in a dorm. Constant human interaction is perpetually at your fingertips, and it’s a great way to meet a wide variety of other people. You may find that your best friendships in college develop and mature in the college dorms.

What to Expect Your First Year Living on Campus

Move-in day is the inaugural dorm life experience, most of which is spent moving in bedsheets, organizing bins and caddies, and personal belongings. Meeting people on this day can feel like a blur but remember that everyone is in the same boat as you. On move-in day – and the days after – it’s crucial to get yourself settled in your new housing. Arrange your furniture in a way that creates space in the room and a sense of privacy. Again, even if you’re sharing a room with your best friend, you’re still going to want a space that feels like it’s just yours. Find a place for everything in your room. While it may seem like busy work, it’s important to get this space organized and established. It will be your home base as you navigate a major life change and new experiences in your first weeks of college. Your college dorm room is your new home away from home. Prioritize making it feel like a welcoming, safe place.

Getting Lost on Campus

Given that your dorm is your new home base, it’s important to get to know the building. Find the laundry, check out the community areas, and walk around each floor. Learn names and faces of people sharing the same living space as you. It’s very likely that you’ll have freshman orientation that begins on move-in day – or the day after. Don’t skip out on these activities, as they can help you transition to college life. Your freshman orientation may also include an in-depth tour of campus. Ask questions and take pictures and notes along the way. The more you pay attention, the better you’ll be able to navigate the campus on your own. Finally, walk around campus during your free time. You may discover places not covered on the tour. Don’t be afraid to ask other students, faculty, and staff where buildings and rooms are. Everyone knows you’re new on campus and is happy to help you feel comfortable.

Having a Roommate

Just like living with your best friend can have its challenges, so can rooming with a total stranger. You two may have different bedtimes, waking times, or ideas about quiet time. Before arriving on campus, touch base with your future roommate. Have a conversation about who is bringing what to the dorms – do you need two microwaves, refrigerators, or televisions? Once on campus, set aside time to go to dinner or grab a coffee. Prepare yourself with a list of questions that can help you get to know your roommate quickly. Undoubtedly, living together will allow you to bond quickly, but be sure you’re taking the time to really get to know them first. This will help you interact with empathy and understanding toward your roommate. There will be times when you aren’t meshing well, but if you really know them and recall that you both are sharing this experience, you’ll work toward solutions with a mindset that acknowledges you’re both away from home and adjusting to a new life together.

Limited Space

If you recall from your campus tour, college dorm rooms are small – maybe even tiny, by your standards. You may be worried about fitting your personal belongings in that itty bitty closet. Fortunately, retailers love to capitalize on this dilemma. There are retail departments – and even entire stores – dedicated to helping college students organize their whole lives into dorm rooms. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our College Dorm List. You can also find dorm room specs on your college website. Knowing what you need and having detailed measurements will allow you to start making a realistic shopping list. Once you have your practical needs, it’s time for the fun stuff. You’ll have no problem finding fun dorm room décor at your favorite retailer. Showcase your personality with your bed sheets, wall décor, and dorm room accessories.

Get to Know Your College RA

Living with a bunch of 18- and 19-year-olds who are away from home for the first time ever can sound like unadulterated chaos. That’s why colleges require at least one Residential Assistant (RA) per floor. An RA is an older student who works for the university as a sort of “floor parent.” They live on the dorm floor to answer questions, provide counsel, and maintain peace, especially during quiet hours. If you’re having issues with your roommate or are suffering through some mild to severe homesickness, your RA should be the first person you turn to. They have been trained to help students through a myriad of problems, and they’ve also been in your shoes once before. RAs are usually very passionate about their roles. If they can’t help you, they can guide you to the right person on campus who can.

Making the Most of Your First Year Living on Campus

Your dorm room may feel cramped, loud, and even a bit smelly sometimes; however, you should approach dorm living with a positive mindset. This is to be your home base on campus, and it’s a hub for student connections and community. Be flexible and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Doing both will help you acclimate to dorm life and your first few weeks on a college campus. Accept invitations to lunch or dinner with strangers from your residence hall. Talk with your roommate about boundaries, like what time each night the lights go out. Taking charge of your new situation will help you feel more grounded as you start this next chapter of life.