Moving into one of Clemson’s nearly 20 first-year residential halls may seem daunting for new students. The Tiger has compiled some tips and tricks to help turn a standard living space into your home away from home for the next eight months.
You will likely be sharing your space with another person. Start communicating with roommates early, especially when planning purchases of communal items.
Take the time to get to know who you will be living with. Ask your roommate or roommates about their routines, sleeping habits, study habits and preferences.
Communicate your own boundaries and expectations about your shared space so everyone feels comfortable and respected.
If you want to get an estimate of the size of your future space, you can look at your residence hall floor plan, which includes dimensions and furniture provided on the Clemson Home website.
To organize your thoughts, curate a list of what you will need by category and check it off as you pack. Clemson Home provides its own packing list, available here.
Less is more when it comes to clothing. Consider the activities you may be part of and how often you plan to do laundry — you don’t need to bring your whole wardrobe.
If having a particular blanket or stuffed animal brings you comfort, bring it. Transitioning to college can be difficult, and having a familiar item may help.
Be aware of your ideal sleeping conditions. For some people, bringing a sound machine, eye mask or even earplugs may help with getting adequate rest in a new place.
Additionally, if you plan to study in your room, set up your space in a way that encourages your academic success. For some people, this might mean leaving your desk clutter-free or putting cosmetics elsewhere.
Even though keeping your room clean may not be a priority, your health should be. Dorms can be a hotspot for dust and airborne pollutants. To prepare, add an air purifier to your packing list.
Make cleaning and organization convenient. Don’t forget to bring a vacuum or Swiffer, depending on the flooring material. Also, a larger trash can will require less frequent emptying than a smaller one.
Move-in day can be stressful, so having a plan can help. If your family members are assisting you, delegate tasks to ensure things go smoothly and prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed. Make sure to show gratitude to the people helping you.
When you arrive, having disinfecting wipes handy to clean your space is a great starting point. Once you have sanitized everything, you can get to work on making the space your own.
Go introduce yourself, knock on your neighbors’ doors, smile and wave to a stranger — your future best friend could be right next door. These small interactions can go a long way to help build community.
Introduce yourself to your Residential Community Mentor, or RCM; they are a great resource in helping you settle in. Advocate for your needs; there are so many people here to support you.
Above all, focus on making your dorm a safe space for you to rest, recharge and relax. It may take some time for Clemson to feel like home, so give yourself grace.
