Author : Rosemary Chieppo
DORM ROOMS1. How do you fit clothes, books, computer and other necessities into a space no bigger than a prison cell? Not easily. If possible check out new accommodations prior to packing and find out in advance what's supplied. Many dorms have suggested floor plans to maximize space. Store as much as possible under the bed and, if necessary, purchase bed risers (about $10) to raise the bed off the floor a few inches to allow containers to fit. PS: Most dorm beds are extra long so find this out before purchasing sheets and other bedding.2. When packing for college less is more. Bring only necessities—bedding, toiletries, computer, school supplies, clothing and favorite music. If something is left behind almost every city in America has something akin to a Wal-Mart.3. Most students will have a roommate. Try to contact the new roomie before getting to school. If possible, coordinate to avoid duplication of items such as television, fridge, and ironing board. PS: Check with the college to avoid bringing items that may not be allowed such as microwaves, toaster ovens, space heaters, etc.4. Make the most of allotted space by hanging clear pockets inside closet doors to store socks, gloves, hats, etc. Use wall space for shelving or memo boards. Attach hanging pockets to the end of the bed. PS: Suitcases can store clothing and extra linens.5. A laptop takes up less space than a desktop computer and provides portability for working on assignments away from a dorm room. Stereos, televisions, electronic games, etc. should be compact. Label these items with name and record the serial numbers in the event of theft.FINANCES6. Have an open family discussion about money and set a realistic budget. Open a checking account at a bank branch near campus. Students should get some coaching on how to maintain a checkbook and parents should review the first banking statements. Without these skills students may end up paying stiff fees for bounced checks or an overdrawn account.7. Three-fourths of undergraduates have a credit card in their name. Freshmen should start handling their own plastic early (the lower the credit limit the better) to build a credit rating and the budgeting skills they'll need when they hit the real world. Statements should be sent to parents for monitoring, NOT payment. PS: Today's college students graduate with an average of $3,000 in credit card debt.CLOTHING/LAUNDRY8. Get the scoop on the college town's year-round forecast and only take clothing suited to the current season. Pack what's needed for the first quarter or semester then get additional items over the Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday. Layer clothing to suit the weather. Make sure to have enough underwear to last at least two weeks or until laundry day.9. Students should be trained to handle laundry well before school starts. The first week of classes is not the time to find out what a red sock does to white shirts. Start dorm life with a folding laundry bag or pop-up mesh laundry basket (plastic laundry baskets take up too much space), a couple rolls of quarters, liquid detergent, and written instructions, maybe even laminated, on how to do laundry. PS: Neutral towels and sheets are best, in case loads aren't separated too carefully.HEALTH/SAFETY10. Every dorm room should have these basic safety items: a fully-stocked first aid kit, including thermometer, aspirin; copies of prescriptions; a flashlight with fresh batteries; and a surge protector or uninterruptible power supply. Freshmen should know where the student health center is and what services are available. Parents should check their health insurance policy to make sure the child is covered. PS: Kids need a list of phone numbers and contact information for friends, family members and emergency contacts. Parents should get the new roommate's cell phone number.Kids, don't sign up for an 8:00AM class. And call your parents!Rosemary Chieppo has been a professional organizer, writer and public speaker since 1999. The costs of not being organized are enormous: time, money and stress. Organizing is the greatest gift people can give themselves; it clears the path to life's more important destinations! Visit Rosemary's website at http://www.borntoorganize.com
Keyword : There are definite rites of passage in our society and going away to school for the first time is a
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