Consult the housing information from your college. Many schools not only list all the specifications and details on their website, but often you can take a "virtual tour," which allows you to observe the actual dorm room. Note dimensions of the room itself and whether the bed is twin size or the more typical extra long twin (XL Twin). This is important when buying your linens. The housing site and/or literature received by mail will also provide necessary information on what is included in the room; if it is air conditioned, includes a compact refrigerator or microwave and if the floors are hardwood or carpeted. Knowing these facts will help you determine what to buy. Each dorm may have its own rules about prohibited items, such as certain appliances and candles.
Contact your roommate using the information provided by your college. Many potential college roommates find it easy and beneficial to communicate on a social networking site, such as Facebook. You can get to know each other before moving in and coordinate what to pack. This avoids duplicate communal items, such as a TV, which would likely be a waste of much needed space. Small or hand vacuum cleaners can also come in handy, but many college dorms have a full-size vacuum cleaner that can be checked out. Your roommate and you can decide, for example, if you'd like separate small rugs by your beds or one large room rug that you could share. The cost of furnishing the dorm room will be significantly reduced if the residents are able to share expenses.
Purchase an under-the-bed storage box. Bed lifts are used to raise the bed, in order to fit more storage under it. Check the dimensions for closet space and shelving. Purchase and pack storage containers to fit in the closet. These are sold in many stores to hold extra clothes, bedding or supplies. If you have visited the college or taken the virtual tour online, you will know the room layout. However, it may be best to wait until you move in, to buy containers for the room, after you've physically seen it.
Pack daily essentials; do not bring unnecessary items. Record in a notebook the things you use on a normal day; this will help you determine what needs to be packed and what does not, recommends Dave Berry from College Confidential. Toiletries, a robe, towel and shower sandals are things you will need right away, whereas recreational books are not immediately necessary. Dorms are typically small, so you should only bring important items. Buy forgotten items after you move in.
Pack one to two weeks' worth of clothing; do not bring your entire wardrobe. Bring one dressed-up outfit, one exercise outfit if you need it and sleepwear. Clothing should be appropriate for the season. Heavy sweaters or sweatshirts take up a lot of space; only pack two or three that of your favorites. Pack a few pairs of shoes, including comfortable everyday shoes, sneakers, bedroom slippers and one dress pair.
Use boxes that can either be taken back with your parents, recycled or easily stored in the dorm. Many residence halls have a storage area for this. Plastic storage boxes, while functional, may not fit in a small dorm room. Cardboard boxes can probably be recycled somewhere on campus, but it's likely you'll have to carry them to the disposal location.
Pack heavy items in separate boxes to avoid having a box that is too heavy to carry. Always pack liquids in plastic bags in case of leakage. Wrap up breakables and mark the box "Fragile."