Give me my space: setting up your first home away from home can be challenging, but life can be sweet with a little patience and preparation

Careers and Colleges, March-April, 2005 by Adrienne Blumthal, Jesse Nankin, Don Rauf

When Pablo Madriz lived at home in Watsonville, California, he enjoyed a room all to himself. So when he staged school at Santa Clara University (SCU), he was understandably a little anxious, To try to find him a perfect roommate, his school asked him to complete a questionnaire about his musical tastes, weekend activities, and personal habits. Based on his answers, the school paired him with Osvaldo Amezcua.

"We get along really well," says Madriz. "We go out to the same places. We like the same music. We go to sleep at the same hour. He's pretty cool."

Madriz had a good feeling about his roommate the summer before school started when he called him up to see what larger items they could share. Amezcua brought the TV and stereo, and Madriz brought the microwave and fridge.

"Communication is essential," says Madriz. "As long as we communicate, we can understand each others needs. It's nice to have someone to share your experiences with and talk to when you're stressing out about finals."

Madriz got lucky getting an ideal dorm roommate, and most colleges try their hardest to find suitable matches. Then they encourage students to be open to avoid problems. Some schools even have roomies sign agreements stating how they will behave and how they expect each other to act. (See "Rules for Roomies," page 29.) With a solid roommate in place, students can then turn their attention to the other details of setting up a comfortable new living space.

BEFORE YOU PACK YOUR BAGS

Just as Madriz called his roommate to see what bigger items they could each bring, you'll also want to coordinate with your freshman-year roommate. First, it's a good idea to find out some basics about your dorm room before you get there. A visit to your college Web site may offer some answers, and most schools provide a list of suggested items to bring and what is and is not permissible. For example, halogen lamps and hot plates are forbidden at some schools. Before you pack your bags, ask:

* How many outlets are in the room?

* What are the desks like? (size, number of drawers)

* Is the room wired with a high-speed modem or Wi-Fi for your computer?

* How big are the closets? (height, depth, width)

* Is there built-in air conditioning? (Are you permitted to bring an air conditioner?)

* What size is the bed? As the National Association for College Admission Counseling notes, many colleges only provide extra long twin mattresses, so you will need to pack the the right size sheets and comforter.

* Does the school provide any phone service? It's hard to find a college student without a cell phone nowadays, and the schools are well aware of the fact. A growing number are striking deals with wireless companies to offer student discounts. Also, check out services that offer free calls to family and friends who use the same network.

MAKE YOUR LIST

A recommended list of what to pack is on page 30, but you should start your own personal list of items you can't live without. It takes time to look through your belongings--DVDs, electronic games, that stuffed unicorn--and decide what comes along. It's OK to be sentimental and bring a few things that remind you of home. And don't be afraid to ask siblings and parents for ideas. Also, before you buy anything, look around the house. The old lamp in the attic may give your room some "retro-cool."

When you have all your things together, the next problem will be figuring out how to travel. Make sure you have a vehicle that can fit it all, so you can make just one trip.

GETTING IT TOGETHER

After you and your parents have loaded your boxes into your new 12'x 14' home you will start to wonder how so much stuff will fit in so little space. Whether you are the Queen of Clean or Mr. Messy, you can take steps to get organized as soon as you set foot in the dorm. First, talk to your roommate and create a weekly chore list for shared duties, such as taking out the trash, vacuuming, and cleaning the bathrooms.

Also, think outside the decorating box. If you put your mind to it, you should find ways to squeeze in more.

"We popped out a ceiling tile and stashed some stuff up there," says Melissa Beal, a student at American University in Washington, DC. "Hiding a winter coat in the ceiling freed up closet space for the fat pile of clothes rotting on the floor."

Remember, mama doesn't live here anymore. You won't have parents nagging you to clean up, so staying organized becomes a matter of self-discipline.

5 GREAT SPACE SAVERS

1. OVER THE DOOR SHOE RACKS. They can be used for more than shoes. They are great for holding toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and hair brushes.

2. COMMAND HOOKS[TM]. These hooks can hold up almost anything from pictures to coats. Plus, they don't damage walls.

3. A DESKTOP SPACE SAVER. Usually these can be purchased through the university or an office supply store.

4. THE RUBBERMAID SLIMFIT[TM] is great for storage. It slides under your bed and it's big enough to store all the stuff that has nowhere else to go.