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What Should I Know Before Moving into a Dorm or Apartment?

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Moving out on your own—whether it's into a college dorm or your first apartment—is a major milestone. It's often the first taste of real independence. And while it’s exciting, it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not quite sure what to expect or what to bring. You’re suddenly responsible for your own space, your own stuff, and your own routine—and that shift can be a big one.

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To help ease the transition, we’ve put together a guide covering what every student should know before move-in day arrives. Whether you're living on campus or off, these tips can help you settle in smoothly and confidently.

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🛋 1. Know What’s Provided (and What’s Not)

Before you start packing boxes, double-check what your dorm or apartment already includes. Most college dorms will supply the basics—like a bed, mattress, desk, and dresser. Some may also include mini fridges, microwaves, or shared common areas. Apartments vary widely, so find out whether it's furnished or if you’ll need to bring your own furniture.

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Ask your school or landlord for a list of what’s included and what’s allowed. For example, certain appliances like hot plates or string lights might be prohibited in dorms. Save yourself the trouble (and money) by checking before you buy.

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🧳 2. Pack Light—Seriously

We know it’s tempting to bring everything, but space is going to be limited. Dorm rooms are small, and apartments often aren’t much bigger—especially if you’re sharing with roommates.

Stick to the essentials:

• Seasonal clothing (you can swap out items during breaks)
• One set of basic dishes
• Minimal décor (to make it feel like home without the clutter)
• A few comfort items (photos, your favorite blanket, etc.)

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Tip: Leave the “just in case” items at home. You’ll thank yourself on move-in day.

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🧼 3. Brush Up on Adulting Basics

Living on your own means taking care of the little (but important) things. If you’ve never done your own laundry, now’s the time to learn. Same goes for cooking simple meals, keeping your space clean, and managing a basic budget.

It might feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to do it perfectly. Practice makes progress. Learning how to live independently is part of what college is all about.

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💬 4. Talk to Your Roommate(s) Early

Roommates can make or break your college living experience. If you’re sharing your space, start communicating before move-in day. Discuss:

• Who’s bringing what
• Sleep and study schedules
• Cleaning routines
• Visitors and shared spaces

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Pro Tip: Set expectations from the start. You don’t need to be best friends, but mutual respect goes a long way.

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💡 5. Budget for Living Expenses

Rent and tuition aren’t the only costs you’ll face. Whether you’re in a dorm or an apartment, don’t forget to budget for:

• Groceries
• Toiletries and cleaning supplies
• Utilities (for off-campus apartments)
• Transportation
• School supplies
• Occasional fun (you’re still a student, after all)

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Tracking your spending—even casually—can help you avoid surprises and stay in control of your finances.

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📝 6. Use a Moving Checklist

The last thing you want is to show up and realize you forgot your bedding or phone charger. A moving checklist will help you stay organized and calm leading up to the big day. Break it down into categories (bedding, toiletries, school supplies, etc.) and start early.

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The good news? We’ve already made one for you 👇

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🎒 Grab Your Free Dorm & Apartment Moving Checklist!

We created a simple, easy-to-follow checklist to make your move stress-free. It’s available now on our student portal, along with other tools and tips to make college life easier. Whether you're figuring out what to bring or how to manage your money in your new space, we’ve got you covered.

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👉 Get your free checklist here!

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👉 Want more help navigating college money matters? Inside our student portal, you can sit down and chat with a financial advisor, get exclusive resources, and access tools to make your college experience less stressful—especially on your wallet. Check it out today!

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Let’s make paying for college and building financial success stress-free!

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