About 19 million students will head to — or back to — colleges and universities across America in August, according to Forbes Advisor (www.forbes.com/advisor/).
From meeting new people to the often-stark realization they’re embarking on a journey to adulthood, outfitting a dorm room can be an exciting — and scary — experience.
Real Homes (www.realhomes.com/us) suggests taking the time to make that first — or repeat — dorm room as cozy as possible makes a difference in what can be an overwhelming experience fraught with new rules, new people, new expectations and a healthy dose of missing home.
Andrew Moyer, dean of student success and engagement at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown Township, said comfy accessories can make a big impact during the transition away from home. Moyer oversees the move-in of new and returning students. He said when young adults put their personal stamp on living arrangements it’s a positive sign.
“Students are bringing more of themselves to their spaces, and they are decorating with more individuality,” Moyer explained.
He said in recent years students have been more engaged. They are connecting more frequently in advance of the big move with their prospective roommates to coordinate their living spaces.
“And we’re seeing on social media more ‘tricking out’ of the dorm room,” he said.
Soft strands of LED lighting, framed art pieces, photographs or mementos and home décor are all elements students are bringing to their spaces.
“We’re seeing our students make their rooms feel as homey as possible,” he said.
At DelVal, traditional shared two-person dorm rooms with a common bathroom are the norm.
Suite-style housing, where larger rooms can include three, four or six people means multiple bedrooms — and students — share a private bathroom.
“Those rooms have kitchens in the buildings, which students can use” but not kitchen setups in the actual suites, Moyer said.
He said DelVal does not offer apartment-style living for students. Those who opt to live off campus work independently to source and make their own living arrangements.
While all dorm rooms have privacy blinds or shades, Moyer said lately he’s been fielding “a lot of questions and calls about window curtain sizes. That always surprises me — the requests for those specifics,” he said.
Window treatments include various curtain types, and they can warm up a space physically and visually. Wall hangings are allowed using damage-free hanging strips. Screws and nails are not permitted to hang or mount anything students bring into the university’s living spaces.
Always check with your college or university’s housing office regarding its policies regarding hanging items or what is and is not allowed in the room and on campus property.
“We see students bring their own gaming consoles and big TVs. They’ll put a really big TV in a very small room,” Moyer said.
Moyer’s recommendations for new — and returning — students and parents:
• Bring less stuff than you think you’ll need.
• Consider secondhand stores and thrift shops for some items. It’s cheaper than buying new gear.
• Expect homesickness. “We talk about it as a triad: the university, the student and the family” and we all work together, he said.
• Set communication expectations. “Figure out your communication schedule in advance,” Moyer said. From daily to weekly or an as-needed check-in, setting expectations up front makes a big difference. “Think about the dynamic shift, and it’s important to have that conversation,” he said.
• Keep making friends. Keep doing things. Look at clubs and extracurricular ways to get involved in campus life.
• Ask for help. Moving away from home is a big deal and resources are available. From peer mentors to resident advisors and counselors, college and university staff wants students to succeed. “You don’t have to do this on your own,” Moyer said.
Whether it’s your only, first or last child moving out to begin their college experience, Moyer said sending a child off to college is a big step for everyone. He recommends parents think about how they’re going to let go of this young adult and what the next chapter looks like.
“What is this new relationship? What is it going to be like and look like,” Moyer said.
He cautions against expecting to feel like others in the same situation — whether that’s friends, neighbors or family members sending their own children off to — or back — to college.
“Don’t compare your feelings and reactions to others going through the same experience,” he said.
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