Preparing for Life in College Dorm Rooms

Each fall, thousands of freshman unpack in their first college dorm rooms for the first time. Life in a tiny cell is much different than living at home with mom and dad, making the transition can be stressful. In fact, many freshman often gain weight from the stress of adjustment, commonly known as the freshman 15. But, with preparation and a good support system, life in a college dorm can be fun and safe and you might just be able to get away with not gaining those extra 15 pounds. Freshman have to quickly learn the art to juggling their safety, which their parents used to look after, with their new found freedom.

Stay safe in your new home

Many colleges offer help for freshman to stay safe. Make sure to follow all requirements. Don't cheat. After all these requirements are only in place to keep you and your classmates safe.

Be on alert in and around your dorm for strangers or "weird" looking people. Don't hesitate to call the police or campus security.

Many freshman feel safe in their dorm room and might be tempted to keep the door unlocked while running down the hall to the restroom or to visit a friend. Make it a habit to always lock your door and always carry the key with you. If you have a roommate, request that he or she do the same.

Never let a stranger take you back to your dorm room. And, make it a habit to never walk back to your room alone. Either walk with friends after night classes, or see if your college has a service for students walking home after dark. My school, Indiana University, had the beloved "safety" bus.

When going out on the town, keep a buddy system. Don't leave anyone behind. Watch for strange behavior from your friends. The date rape drug is common on campuses.

Have fun and enjoy the freedom

Now that you've got the basics of staying safe down, loosen up! College is the best time of one's life according to many people. So take advantage of your new freedom. Stay up until 5 a.m. just because you can, enjoy the freedom to break curfew every evening.

My college friends have transitioned to my life long friends. If you're going to a school with a lot of your high school friends, make sure to branch out and make new friends from other schools and to force yourself to go out without your old friends sometimes.