How to Transition to Living in a Dorm and What to Pack

Moving into a college dorm room is an exciting time for college students. It also takes some planning to make a smooth transition to living in a dorm room.

Here are 10 things to consider when moving to your dorm room.

1. Don't plan to take everything. You can't fit everything in a dorm room so write a list of your basic necessities and a few things you'd like to take. You may buy some things while you're away at school so leave some room.

2. Find out if you can ship some of your things to the dorm before you arrive. This will make your travels lighter.

3. Know you're personal style. One way to feel at home in your new dorm is to come up with a dorm theme. Take along matching decor and make your new dorm space your own. Skip the juvenile themed items. Go for something sporty or sophisticated.

4. Decide if you'll take your car. Some colleges have restrictions on which student can bring a car to campus. If you have a car you'd like to bring, check your college.

5. Bring pairs of shower shoes. If you're going to share a shower with several people in your dorm building, bring a few pair of flip flops to wear before during and after your shower.

6. Pack a mini refrigerator. Check to see if your dorm allows you to bring a mini refrigerator. There are a number of mini fridge models to choose from that are ideal for dorm rooms. Mini fridges range is size from 1.7 cubic feet to 6.0 cubic feet. They also range in price from $50 to $250.

7. Bring your bedding. Make sure you bring plenty of bedding with you for your dorm. You'll want to have a heavy comforter for cold nights as well as lighter sheets. Don't forget the pillow cases to match your dorm bedding set. Bed Bath and Beyond has a nice variety of bedding sets.

8. Don't forget the cleaning supplies. You may not be a slob, but your roommate might be. Make sure you bring cleaning supplies to clean up after yourself and your dorm roommate. Take turns cleaning the common areas and bathrooms and have cleaning supplies handy.

9. Get to know you resident assistant. Resident assistants, an RA, are there to help you when you need something. They are usually upperclassmen that aren't know the ropes around the campus and how to get along with dorm roommates. Take advantage of their knowledge.

10. Stay safe and carry a whistle. Just because you're on a college campus doesn't mean that you'll be safe. Be aware of your surroundings and carry a whistle. It will come in handy if you're approached by something that threatens you or makes you feel uncomfortable.