Category Archives: dorm life

college guidance, college planning, dorm life

Stocking up on college wardrobe essentials

 

Your teens would happily waltz off to college wearing the torn jeans and stained tees that saw them through high school. But as a parent you know the power of first impressions, and you want your kids to set their best foot forward when they enter the ivory tower of learning. They have all semester to prove that they’re bright, insightful, and motivated to work hard, but if they show up to class in clothes that you wouldn’t even donate to charity they will be making a bad first impression. It’s important that you take the time to help them find wardrobe essentials that are comfortable but appropriate.

Here are just a few suggestions of college wardrobe essentials for your college bound teen.

college wardrobe essentials

Get rid of the worn, ratted clothing

The first thing you should do is get rid of the raggedy old jeans and tees that seem to have become the staple of every teen wardrobe. Even if all you can get your teens to agree to is a brand new and cleaned up version of these outfits it will be an improvement over the gnarly threads they currently sport. But if at all possible, you may want to push them to expand their style borders and adopt a few pieces that will help them to appear like they’re serious about their education. It’s not as though they have to wear a prim and proper uniform, but wardrobe selections are not only important with college staff, they make  either positive or negative impressions with other students.

Take some professional attire

In truth, it’s not a bad idea to have at least one suit handy for situations like internship or job interviews, and a few business-casual pieces couldn’t hurt either. Slacks can provide a nice change from jeans for guys or girls, as can buttoned shirts, which can be just as comfortable as other options while looking a lot more put-together. A jacket can add finish to any outfit. Remind your teens that there are ways to make these pieces portray their personality by dressing them up with accessories (scarves, jewelry, cool kicks, etc.). They can work to make a wardrobe appear more polished while still showing off the style that they rank as a top priority when it comes to creating great outfits.

Don’t forget to pack climate appropriate clothing

Another thing to consider when selecting an appropriate college wardrobe is the climate your students will live in. If they’re used to the temperate climate of sunny southern California, they may have a rude awakening when they head off to college in Michigan or New York. So it’s important to outfit them with all the cold-weather clothing they’ll need to survive their jogs across campus in below-zero temps. This could include long Johns, wool socks, and an arctic parka, as well as gloves, hats, and scarves. Rather than letting them pack bikinis and gowns for prom that they’ll never use, store their less useful clothing at home so they can come back for it later and send them to college with a wardrobe that truly suits the needs of their new environment.

 

college guidance, dorm life

5 First aid tips for college students

campus health services

 

Though all college students are covered by insurance for the duration of their studies, there are minor injuries that can be treated without having to walk into an emergency room.  There are a few first aid tips for college students and preventative safety measures that will allow you to keep certain injuries from keeping you down when you should be hitting the books.

Burns

If a serious burn takes place, from boiling oil or a fiery object, it is necessary to get to the hospital immediately.  There are very few cases of serious burns, however, and the occasional singing can be taken care of with only a few preventative measures.  A cooling ointment will help take care of first-degree burns that come from accidentally touching a radiator or getting a nasty sunburn after a long football game.  For a more serious burn, you should cover the area with sterile gauze.  Do not use cotton balls, since they can get small bits of fabric into the wounded skin.

Relieve Pain

Headaches, tension, stress, migraines, and the occasional boo-boo are all commonplace in the college environment.  A simple over-the-counter pain relief medication can be a godsend after a particularly intense lecture, a major exam, or a lengthy cramming session.  An aspirin is good for physical pain or soreness from activities like intramural sports or gym exercise, while ibuprofen like Advil is better for headaches or tension brought about by stress.  Remember to be careful not to take more than the recommended dosage of pain relievers.

Keep Sickness at Bay

A cold-weather college can breed the flu like an incubator.  Avoid colds and flu by bundling up against inclement weather, but also stash away flu medication for what is likely an inevitable contest with sickness.  Vitamin C tablets and lozenges work well to not only boost your immune system but to clear up a sore throat.  Cough syrup works well, but too much can leave a student woozy and drowsy.  Keep a thermometer on hand in order to monitor your temperature, and do not be afraid to see a doctor if your temperature exceeds one hundred degrees.

Cuts and Bruises

Whether you are a particularly clumsy student or whether you just have bad luck handling things, there are sure to be a multitude of cuts and scrapes in the duration of your studies.  Keeping sterile bandages on hand will help against paper cuts, cracked skin, or any sports injuries that cause blood to flow.  Keep a set of pressure-sensitive pads on hand so that you can protect your feet against blisters if you have to hike all the way across campus in order to get to your next class.  If necessary, a full knee brace can be helpful if you have to lift heavy objects or participate in a soccer game that puts much more demand on your limbs.  Remember that any kit should have basic items like tweezers and scissors in order to create a field bandage or operation in a hurry.

Antibiotics

The biggest harm that will likely come to a college student will come from another college student in their near vicinity.  Living in a dorm room hall with dozens or even hundreds of other students will create a breeding ground for infections and germs.  Keeping these nasty little invisible menaces at bay is the best means of keeping yourself healthy.  Having an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin for cuts allows you to prevent infection, while a rubbing alcohol application on surfaces like desks and computer keyboards will prevent the spread of germs from person to person.

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Author Bio

Sarah Daren is a writer who creates informative article related to the field of health. In this article, she offers first aid tips to college students to help against sickness and burns and aims to encourage further study with an  online fire science degree.

college housing, dorm life

How your college student can live rent free

Room and board

 

If there’s something that nearly everyone can agree on, it’s the fact that the cost of a college education is pretty expensive. Just the price of tuition alone can easily run you into the thousands and then when you add on fees like room and board or the cost of rent, it’s no wonder why the title of this article caught your attention.

It’s oftentimes assumed that a college student will either pay to live on campus or they will get an apartment of their own, but if the budget is very tight and you’re looking for some alternatives, there are some ways that your college student can actually live rent free. Are you curious to know what they are? If so, keep reading below:

Live with you (or some relatives). One obvious thing that you can do to keep living expenses down is to either have your child live with you or if they are going to school in another city or state, with some family members or friends within the area; at least until you (and your child) can save up some money for them to live on their own.

Apply for some grants. One way to get financial assistance for your child’s living expenses is to encourage them to apply for grants. One thing about grants is that while scholarships often have strict guidelines about how their monies can be used, grants are oftentimes designed to provide financial assistance regardless of someone’s grades or major in school and it can be used in a variety of ways.

Barter for rent. Something that you might not know about is that there are many cities that have what is known as local home-sharing programs. Basically, you can live somewhere rent free in exchange for providing some kind of service to the owner of the home. It might be cleaning up a senior’s house while staying in their converted apartment outback or babysitting a landlord’s child on the weekends while living in a room in their house. Craigslist will allow you to post ads if you are looking for this kind of opportunity.

Housesit. You might be surprised by how many people look for individuals to housesit throughout the year as they travel away on business or if they have a second home in another part of the country or abroad that they stay in for months at a time. House Sitters America is one website that lists homeowners all over the country who are in search of people to housesit and even watch over their pets.

Purchase a home. If you are on a tight budget, then this is probably not something that you can consider at this time, but if you can, it’s worth looking into. Call a real estate agency (like Katy Homes for Sale or a company within your area) and ask them to help you locate a suitable property near campus. As the real estate market is still striving to stabilize itself, this is the time when you can get a lot of properties for a reasonable price. For this reason, there are some parents who actually purchase homes near their children’s campus. That way, their kids have a place to stay while they’re in school and then once they graduate, the home can either be sold or rented out to tenants. It’s a smart way for your children to live rent free while in school and for you to make some extra income once they leave college.

Sign up as an RA. After freshman year, your student can sign up as a resident assistant in charge of a dormitory or just a floor in the dormitory. Most colleges let students have free room and board while they are serving in this capacity. The RA’s help with dorm questions, help resolve conflicts between roommates, and often schedule social time for the residents of the dorms to get to know one another.

college guidance, college housing, college planning, dorm life, parenting

Should your college student live on or off campus?

imagesThe time has finally come for your son or daughter to enter into the next phase of their educational careers. In just a few short months, they will be enrolled into college as they prepare to earn their degree so that they can be successful in the career of their choosing.

Although all of this time they have been living with you, and as we all know, one of the major transitions that come with going to college is that students are able to live on campus (or even in an apartment). If you’ve been trying to figure out if that is an option that is most suitable for your son or daughter, we have a few things for you to consider before making a final decision whether to live on or off campus.

The Pros of Living on Campus

One of the main benefits of living on campus is that it’s convenient for your child to get to their classes. There’s no traffic or weather conditions that could make it challenging for them to either get to class, or to get to class on time. Another bonus is that great memories are made from living among other students who are also learning in a college environment. There are college roommates (and suite mates) who end up being friends for a lifetime. Still, another benefit is that it gives college students a sense of independence. While they may have relied on you to wake them up to class or to help them budget their own money, living on campus helps them to learn how to make many decisions on their own on a daily basis.

The Pros of Living Off Campus

If they live with you, an immediate benefit is that it saves you money on either room and board or assisting with their rent and other living expenses. Plus, you have the peace of mind of them coming home every day. If they live in an apartment, this even further prepares them for “the real world”, plus it provides them with the privacy that they may need in order to study. One thing to consider with this particular option, however, is if they do live in an apartment or even if they are looking into house rentals in order to rent with a few friends, they are going to need some reliable transportation in order to get back and forth to school.

So when it comes to making the ultimate decision on what is best for your college student, there are three main questions that you should ask yourself: “Would my child thrive more living on campus or off?”, “Is my child emotionally mature enough to live outside of the home?” and “What makes the most financial sense?” Once you have taken these various pros into consideration and then answered those questions, undoubtedly, you will come to the resolve that is best for your son or daughter (and for you).

college guidance, college planning, dorm life, extracurricular activities, greek life, parenting

Getting involved in campus life

Unknown-2Most parents, if asked, would cite academics as the priority when it comes to the focus for their college-age kids. After all, you are paying for an education that will eventually lead to a job and an independent life (or so you hope). And yet, the time your students spend on campus will offer many more opportunities for education than those that can be found in a book. Without your help and guidance, they will have to navigate the waters of social interaction on their own, learning how to form lasting relationships (both personal and professional). And the best way to do this is to get involved in campus life. So if you want your kids to get the most out of their college experience, it’s important that you encourage them to come out of their shell and participate in something other than their chosen curriculum.

Of course you’re not going to tell them to get out and party, but there are certainly merits to joining fraternities and sororities. Greek life has developed a bad reputation for beer-guzzling shindigs, so you might not think it’s right for the college-bound kids in your family. But the truth is that there’s a lot to recommend life in these houses. For one thing, the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that exist in the Greek system will give your students instant substitute families, allowing them a place to belong throughout their collegiate experience, not to mention a network of contacts to call upon after graduation. In addition, houses are often required to participate in both campus events and charitable activities, which can only help your student to get involved, and perhaps learn something about the value of compassion and philanthropy. They also require a minimum GPA.

Then again, fraternities and sororities don’t comprise the only means for students to get involved, although they may be one of the most valuable. You could also encourage your kids to join campus clubs, and there are many avenues to choose from. Sports are one great way for students to be thrust into the college experience, since they not only provide an instant group of friends by way of teammates, but they also ensure attendance at a number of campus events. Even traditionally solo sports like running or cycling can be done with friends or campus groups.

There are also clubs that cater to academic pursuits (math club, AV, creative writing, etc.), hobbies, religious groups, or even political affiliations or agendas. The point is that no matter what your kids are interested in, there are probably like-minded students on campus, and if a specific group isn’t available, your student could start one. How about a weekly movie club to screen the classics, or a club that tests new video games and then blogs their reviews?

While keeping your “nose in the books” is admirable (you can compare textbooks here to find the best prices) and studying is important, having a social life is also important. You should pause for a moment and think about how they stand to benefit from a more rounded campus experience. Students that get involved and make friends will gain, in addition to an education, a support network that can help them get jobs and get by in life once they leave college. A well-rounded student is a happy and successful student.

campus security, college guidance, dorm life, parenting

Top 5 college safety tips for students

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Unknown-1By the time you’re prepared to head off to college you are likely certain that your parents are merely overprotective. But they have experience, much of which they have probably declined to share with you, that makes them cautious. In many ways they may understand the world and its ills better than you can imagine. But you are young and eager, and you have many lessons to learn on your own. The unfortunate truth is that some will be unpleasant. However, there are precautions you can take on behalf of your own safety. After all, a failure to look out for your own best interest really only stands to hurt one person (that would be you).

Here are a few college safety tips that you should at least consider:

  1. Speak softly and carry a big stick. Teddy Roosevelt surely knew how to turn a phrase (although he attributed this one to a proverb). These days it has come to signify being prepared for any turn of events, having soft options (like negotiating) at your disposal, but being prepared to use harder ones (such as pepper spray) should the situation call for it. As a student on campus you need to be able to protect yourself from all manner of threats, from peer pressure or from a would-be attacker. So having a variety of tools at your disposal is essential, whether that means finding the words to stand up for yourself and what you know is right or whipping out some pepper spray to stave off an attack.
  2. Avoid open containers. Parties are part of the college experience, and since there’s little chance that you’re going to spend the next four years avoiding social interaction, you can at least set some safety ground rules for yourself. For one thing, you should always arrange for backup, meaning someone sober to drive you home and watch your back. Take turns with your friends being the designated driver. But even if you walk to and from parties to avoid the driving issue altogether, consider a hard and fast rule that entails shunning open containers. This protects you from having drugs unknowingly placed in your drink during a party.
  3. Use protection. Pepper spray is great to have on hand if you find yourself walking on campus alone at night (although you’re better off walking with a buddy). In addition, especially for young women, it’s important to know some simple defensive steps that will also help if confronted with an unexpected assailant.
  4. Get vaccinated. In some cases you don’t even have to come into direct contact with another student in order to contract a dangerous disease. Take the measles, pertussis (whooping cough), meningitis, or even the flu, for example. All of these illnesses are airborne, but there are also vaccines available that protect against them. So if you want to keep harmful germs at bay, make sure that you get all relevant vaccines before and during your time on campus.
  5. Don’t be a target. You no doubt want to be the life of the party, having at your disposal cool sayings, impressing everyone with your wit  and wisdom. But when you act foolish you could turn yourself into a target. Drinking too much at parties, walking alone at night, and posting your whereabouts and plans on Facebook for anyone to see could make you a target for all kinds of criminal activity, from personal harm to dorm room robbery. Exercise a little common sense and some self-preservation so that you don’t paint a target on yourself during your time in college.

Remember to use caution, restraint, and common sense while in college. During this time of independence it’s even more critical. Take care of yourself while you’re away and come home safely during breaks and after graduation.

 

college housing, dorm life

Helping your college student furnish their dorm room

Offers of admission are arriving and your college-bound teen is most likely already looking toward the future. Planning for dorm life now will prevent panic at the end of the summer.

College is such a fascinating time. If a student makes the decision to live on campus, for approximately four years of their life, they are able to live in a space that affords them total independence; at least for all of the months that they are enrolled in school. But while they are living in a dorm, they have to figure out how to furnish it in a way that will make them feel comfortable, while also being what they can afford.

If you have a college-bound student in your life who needs some help with furnishing their dorm room and you want to do it in a way that is both modern and cost-effective, we have five great tips for you:

Get the right kind of bedding. Dorm rooms already come with beds. Yet unfortunately, they’re not always the most comfortable. Thankfully, there are mattress toppers (even memory foam ones) that you can get for a really reasonable prices at stores like Wal-Mart and K-Mart. Also, make sure to get pillows that will support their head and neck and sheets and comforters that are preferably made from organic cotton or bamboo.

Purchase some really cool light fixtures. The overhead lighting in dorm rooms can tend to feel pretty institutional. One way to fix that is to buy some modern lighting fixtures. You can start by picking up a dimmer for the light switch, but don’t forget that places like Target and Overstock also carry some pretty cool looking light fixtures that don’t cost a ton of money. Then you can get some fluorescent light bulbs in colors like blue and green to add even more personality to their room.

imagesPick up some pictures. Depending on the college, sometimes the administration will allow a college student to paint their walls (so long as they paint them white again at the end of the school year). Whether or not the college student in your life is able to, it can feel so much more like their own space if they have pictures hanging on the walls. You can either have some of their favorite prints professionally framed or help them to build a picture collage over their bed.

Don’t forget about storage. Do dorm rooms ever have enough storage space? Usually not. Stop by your local container store to pick up some storage bins, baskets, totes or trunks? They are great for storing things like clothes, linens or even waterbed sheets. Or, if you want the kind of storage item that is multipurpose, opt to get an ottoman. That way, they can put all kinds of books and electronics inside, close it and then sit down or put their feet on top of it while studying or watching their favorite movie.

Add a refrigerator. Although all campuses have places where students can eat, chances are, there will be all-night study sessions that will require the need for a snack or two. While all of the things that we mentioned are important, an absolute essential item for a college student is a refrigerator. Not only does it store food, but the top of it can be used as a “tabletop” for an alarm clock or indoor plant. Plus, you can usually find a really good one for less than $150. It’s definitely a dorm room gift that any college student will enjoy.

college guidance, dorm life, parenting

Top 5 financial mistakes college freshmen make

Freshmen-BlundersWhen your student becomes a freshman in college they are bound to face a rather steep learning curve on several fronts. For one thing they will have to get used to being responsible for themselves, including how (and when) to eat, get enough sleep, and juggle their daily schedule, from attending classes to doing homework to squeezing in some socialization. But they will also have to learn to manage their own finances, and this can be extremely difficult for students that have never had to set a budget, balance accounts, and pay bills, especially if you, as parents, have offered no friendly advice or training on the subject. But rather than learning things the hard way and potentially getting into debt or screwing up their credit along the way, it’s in your best interest to help them become aware of some common issues that average freshmen face in the area of finance so that they can circumvent them completely. Here are just a few financial mistakes they will certainly want to avoid.

  1. Blowing dough on friends. Whether you are providing them with a monthly stipend for living expenses, they have some loan money left over after tuition and books, or they have a wage-earning job for the first time in their life, they may end up with a little more money in their pocket than they are used to, and the urge to impress their new friends by springing for pizza, treating them to coffee, or buying them tickets to rock concerts could leave your student high and dry with no money for essentials. This is a classic rookie mistake that plenty of freshmen make once or twice. But after living on Raman noodles for weeks, they aren’t likely to make this classic blunder again.
  2. Neglecting bookkeeping. Most students have never had to track their spending, so why would they add such a burden when they’ve already got the stresses of college to contend with? Because they don’t end up getting into trouble with overdraft fees, credit card fines, or angry phone calls from their parents informing them that you will no longer fund them unless they can get spending habits in order.
  3. Failing to budget. Any time you have limited funds (or really, any time at all) it’s important to create a budget so that you always know just how much money you have available and where it’s destined to go. Without this knowledge you could find that you don’t have enough in the bank when it comes time to pay for tuition. Or your bank card may be denied when you try to pay for dinner. Neither sounds very appealing.
  4. Applying for credit cards. Although there are laws in place to protect students from credit card offers that are made to take advantage of their inexperience, only your student can truly ensure that they don’t wind up owing their first-born child to Visa or MasterCard. As soon as they take out loans and start building credit the offers for plastic will come rolling in. Tell them to resist the urge to say yes to every offer that lands on their desk. If they need to use a credit card to actually build their credit, select one that has a low limit (to curtail overspending) and also a low interest rate (one that won’t get bumped up in 12 months). Or consider a card that requires they pay the balance, like American Express.
  5. Ignoring cheaper alternatives. Even though you might be  insuring items you bring to college, it’s probably a good idea not to bring anything too valuable. This includes a car. As a student living on campus they should have no problem getting around with nothing more than a bike or their own two feet. And even if they work off campus they can take the bus for a lot less than it costs to own and operate a vehicle.

Before your student spends beaucoup bucks on things they don’t need, consider that there are cheaper alternatives that could save them from overspending. Teach them the difference between “want” and “need” before they head out on their own.

 

 

college guidance, college planning, dorm life, organization, parenting

Tips for making the transition to college easier

Savoring the last few months of high school education, your student may get the ping of fear in the back of their mind to find the right college. Researching and applying to colleges has most likely left your student with stress, excitement and anticipation of the future.

Whether your student searched for colleges with online classes or universities that offer top-notch academic programs, the applications have been submitted and the wait contines? While you and your student are waiting for offers of admission from the colleges, here are some tips for making the transition to college easier:

You’re not there yet

Many seniors take the attitude that once their applications are submitted they can coast through the remaining months of senior year. That is not the case. Many colleges require a spring or final transcript and have been known to reject offers for admission based on that transcript. Encourage your student to buckle down and do their best these next few months. Colleges are looking for students that take their education seriously. The last thing they want to see are grades that have dropped since they received your student’s application.

View of a messy roomWhat you need to take to the dorm

Once your student gets into a university, it’s easy to forget half the stuff they need when moving day comes. For the bedroom and main areas, grab two sets of sheets and pillows, a trash can, desk and area lamps, a laundry bag or basket, storage boxes, a mini fridge and a coffee maker. Life isn’t complete without electronics. Remember the laptop, iPod and dock, headphones, alarm clock, TV, DVD player, cell phone and charger, camera and a microwave.

Cleaning is now up to your student, so bring along a vacuum or old-fashioned carpet sweeper. In the bathroom, they will want soap, shampoo, toothbrush and paste, towels, a comb and a razor. For their desk, grab some Post-It notes, a compact stapler, printer paper, note cards, pens and pencils.

Finding a roommate

Finally, the college may allow students to choose their own roommate. If they don’t have a friend lined up, they can find a roommate through roomsurf.com. They will be matched with potential rooming partners based on the results of a survey. They can communicate with potential roomies beforehand to make sure they’re a match. If assigned a roommate, make contact with them online by searching social media like Facebook, Twitter and Google. Contact beforehand allows your student the opportunity to plan and not bring duplicate items for the dorm room.

While entering college is exciting, it can seem overwhelming. With these tips, you’ll have a much easier time getting started and moving forward. Soon, they will be settled in and on their way!

 

dorm life, Guest Posts, parenting

Adjusting to dorm life

 

Guys & gal in dorm

Seniors are gearing up toward graduating and heading off to college. Begin talking with your student about dorm life and how to get along with roommates. Today’s guest post addresses that topic.

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It’s a fairly common complaint for parents to hear: “I can’t live with this person anymore!” Whether your young student was assigned a roommate by the school or chose to bunk with a friend, the pressures of sharing a small space in a dorm room can try any relationship. Many students end up seeking alternative arrangements or moving off-campus during the semester break.

Fortunately, if the problems stem largely from disagreements about lifestyle and clutter in the room, there is probably a solution. Building consensus about expectations for visitors, behavior, and cleanliness is an important step for any college student and will benefit them in cohabitation situations later in life. What your student decides to pack and their own level of organization will play a big role in their interaction with future and current roommates.

To help your college student adapt to living in a dorm space with a roommate (and some of these tips apply to those who live alone), follow these guidelines:

Be a Minimalist

For many young people, their first opportunity to live away from their parents’ watchful eyes is college. It may also be their first chance to decorate and design their living quarters as they please.

There’s a temptation to purchase new furniture, flat screen TVs, and other luxuries that will match the standard of living they’ve perhaps become accustomed to at mom and dad’s house. As a parent, do your best to discourage this.

The dorm is a place to sleep and to study. The more that your child is active in other aspects of campus life, participating in clubs and athletics, the better overall experience they’ll take away from their college years. By decking out a dorm room, they’ll not only be likely to waste idle time, but they’ll also add to the ‘stuff’ that can quickly pile up in a small space.

Identify Personal and Shared Space

Although a roommate who complains about dirty clothes on their roommate’s bed may be met with rolled eyes, those same dirty clothes on the shared sofa are a legitimate concern. Encourage your student to talk with their roommate and decide what parts of the room are mutual space, and which are solely their own. This will aid in creating understanding about the environment in which both people want to live.

Foster an Effective Workspace

Apart from the bed and the ability to get a good night’s sleep, your student’s desk is the most important piece of furniture in their room. Away from class and the library, this is where their learning takes place. It’s important that they begin their life as a student with a desk environment that’s conducive to studies. Eliminating clutter from the desk space can be difficult in a tiny dorm, but these tips will help create a workplace where visionary thinking can occur.

  • Use a bulletin board to get notes and papers off of the desk surface. Keep a calendar on it with classes, deadlines, and activities.
  • Invest in a few drawer organizers to keep scissors, pens, staplers, etc…out of sight but easily accessible.
  • Consider a wireless Bluetooth speaker, doing away with cords draped across the desk.
  • Clip lamps are great for dorm rooms, clearing up shelf, desk, and floor space.

Clean Out That Closet

Students don’t need to bring their entire wardrobe to college. Think of it this way — every semester is an opportunity to debut a whole new side of your style. Bring enough clothes for a week or two of wear, with the knowledge that you can always switch out outfits during trips home.

In addition, to make use of tight closet space, utilize strong wire hangers that don’t require as much space on the rod. A hanging shoe rack can get shoes off the ground, and hooks inside the closet can get jewelry and belts out of the way.

Hang It

When living in a tight space, hooks and hangers can go a long way to maximize a room’s cubic footage. From bicycles to sporting equipment, hooks on the ceiling or near the top of the wall can get equipment off the ground and out of the way.

Talk It Out

Apart from the obvious issues that arise over clutter and sharing a small space, a roommate who brings unwanted visitors or plays music and leaves lights on late at night can also cause tension. Encourage your college student to discuss their expectations with a roommate early in the relationship (but it’s never too late).

Come to agreement about guest rules — how many, and how often? What time do you each need to go to bed? Decide on ground rules and limits on music and curfew, even if it varies each day of the week depending on class schedules.

Ultimately, dorm life can be one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of a young person’s life. Encourage your student to be open to different outlooks than their own from potential roommates, but also help them to organize their own belongings and clearly state their own desires about the living situation.

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After an internship with a marketing company changed her passion from computer science, Jessica Johnson obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. Now Marketing Director for Extra Space Storage, Jessica oversees all of the company’s social media profiles and is in charge of all brand marketing efforts.