Know your schools dormitory rules beforehand. This includes knowing whether you have an option of which dormitory to live in (some dormitories are catered toward athletes, academics, etc.) and what items you are allowed to bring to the dorms (some dorms allow microwaves and other cooking appliances while others do not).
Get to know your roommate before you make the move. Living with roommates is a fundamental part of dorm life, and most colleges force you to live in the dorms with roommates for the first two years of your college career, so a head start on getting to know the person you will share a room with for the next nine months can't hurt. Many roommates become very close friends and keep in contact years after they are no longer roommates. However, should you find that it would be impossible for you and your roommate to get along before you make the move, there still may be time to request a change of rooms.
Discuss who will be bringing what with your roommate. Dorm rooms are often small and offer little room for multiple TVs, refrigerators and large stereo systems. Determine who will bring what appliance beforehand so you do not have extra appliances taking up valuable space.
Set the rules as soon as you arrive (or before). Everyone has different boundaries and rules they feel need to be upheld. Agreeing on a set of rules and writing them down will help you avoid any confrontations that may arise as a result of different rule sets.
Stay organized. Your dorm room is not only a sleeping space, it is a working space, a relaxing space and an eating space for you and your roommate (not to mention all of the guests that you or your roommate may have over).
Set a schedule for yourself. Many college students are not prepared for life without the rules and restrictions of their parents and do not know how to handle their newfound freedom. Even though college and dorm life are fun experiences, they are still school experiences and should be viewed as such.
Attend the residence hall or dorm meetings. If you have any issues with your living situation, a dorm hall meeting is the place to voice your concerns. The best way to make your dorm experience a good one is to talk with the people you are living with and work towards the common goal of making your down experience one you can cherish.