Moving onto Campus

Move-in day is almost here — now what? From last-minute packing tips to your most optimized dorm room layout (and captions to show it off), this guide has you covered as you settle into college life. Plus, easy ways to make new friends and adjust to your new living space!

Prep for the Big Day

Your "First Night" Bag Is the Most Important Thing You’ll Pack for College Organizing & Cleaning

Here's everything you should put in it.

Yanel SiqueirosNew York University '27

3 days ago

I've Got Answers to All of Your Burning College Move-in Day Questions (Trust Me, I Was an RA!)College Life

Trust me, I was an RA.

Angie AriasSUNY Oneonta '25

2 days ago

The Annoying Mistake I Made During Move-In Week as a Freshman College Life

Preparation is key.

Kaitlyn LuckoffNorthwestern University (Master's)

2 days ago

Add to Your Last-Minute List!

about 1 hour ago

60 Captions for All Your College Move-In Day Posts College Life

Welcome to my crib.

Haley KarinjaFordham University, Lincoln Center '25

2 days ago

Unpack Your Room

The Ultimate Dorm Room Layout Guide for Your Tiny Double Dorm Decor

You can totally make this space work for the two of you.

Collette Reitz

2 days ago

Don't Forget a First-Day Clean

69,450 Followers - 929 Posts - "When you get invited to set to see how design influencers created *dream dorm rooms* for college celebs via @tile.pix + …"

about 1 hour ago

29 Instagram Captions for Your Big Dorm Room Reveal College Life

Make your new space IG official.

Lauren FantMerced College

3 days ago

Layer in Your Personality

69,450 Followers - 929 Posts - "When you get invited to set to see how design influencers created *dream dorm rooms* for college celebs via @tile.pix + …"

about 1 hour ago

Get Some Dorm Transformation Inspo

See how one college freshman made his 190-square-foot room unrecognizable (in a good way!) with thrifted decor, picture lights, and a chic coastal color scheme.

15 Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks to Make You Ditch Your Go-To Order Food & Recipes

Everything from fruity refreshers to tasty iced coffees.

Laney CrawleyUNC Chapel Hill '26

Jul 27, 2026

The Water Filter Pitcher You Need for Your Mini Fridge (I’ve Used It Every Single Day for 3 Years!)College Life

I don't know what I'd do without it.

Sadie ChoColumbia University '27

Jun 14, 2026

Play-Doh’s Latest Drop Isn’t for Kids — These New “Flower” Kits Are So Gorgeous Dorm Decor

It even comes with a vase.

Sophie GoldsteinMarquette University '26

Jul 21, 2026

6 Actually Cute Dorm Bed Risers to Create Extra Storage Out of Nowhere Organizing & Cleaning

These glow-in-the-dark ones are so smart.

Kailey SamarjianStonehill College '26

Jul 13, 2026

This Purdue Freshman Transformed His Basic Dorm into a Perfectly Cool and Coastal Oasis Dorm Decor

I love the breezy blue-and-white scheme.

Laney CrawleyUNC Chapel Hill '26

Jun 19, 2026

This IKEA Organizing Find Literally Creates Storage Out of Thin Air Organizing & Cleaning

Best part: No tools required to install.

Mia ClancyUniversity of Vermont '27

Jun 25, 2026

10 Dorm Rugs That Will Totally Transform Your Room (for Under $150!)Dorm Decor

From area rugs to accent rugs, these picks cover everything.

Julia Hecht

Jun 17, 2026

Make New Friends

The Easy Way I Found Friends My First Week of Freshman Year College Life

I met so many people this way!

Isabel PetrouUniversity of Vermont '26

Aug 12, 2024

What I Learned When My Roomie Moved Out After 1 Day College Life

This was not what I planned.

Audrey BoorasUniversity of Vermont '26

yesterday

10 Ways to Instantly Bond with Your College Roommate

Make your way through this list of activities — from vision boarding to catching the sunrise — to get closer with your roomie in your first semester.

I'm Convinced This Polka Dot Cup Would Make My Iced Matchas Taste 10x Better Dorm Decor

The patterns are everything.

Mia ClancyUniversity of Vermont '27

Jun 8, 2026

24 Ideas to Help You Bond with Your Roommate College Life

RA-approved activities that'll help bring you closer.

Camille PenickUniversity of South Florida '24

Sep 11, 2025

The Cutest Way to Make the New Viral IKEA Lamp Even Cooler (I'm Obsessed!)Dorm Decor

You probably already have everything you need to do it.

Isabel PetrouUniversity of Vermont '26

Jun 4, 2026

Channel Hannah and Allie's "Off Campus" Dorm with These Supercute Finds Dorm Decor

You don't even need to enroll at Briar University.

Sadie ChoColumbia University '27

Jun 1, 2026

The Must-Have College Dorm Essentials Every Student Needs in Their Room (Trust Me, I Was an RA)Organizing & Cleaning

Bookmark this for your back-to-school shopping.

Angie AriasSUNY Oneonta '25

Jun 1, 2026

I Felt Homesick After 1 Night at College. These 3 Habits Helped College Life

When I was a college freshman in 2021, I moved halfway across the country from Michigan to attend school in New York. I loved the idea of living in the biggest city in America, but I was also an introverted, anxious homebody. My 700-mile move would turn out to be a great idea … eventually. But in the beginning, I experienced a learning curve of living by myself and the feeling of homesickness that followed. The first night I slept in my single dorm, I immediately began to miss home.

LJ SmelkerLIM College '25

3 days ago

101 Genuinely Fun Icebreaker Questions College Life

Don't be afraid to be a little silly!

Sadie ChoColumbia University '27

2 days ago

Next Up

How to Design Your Dream Dorm Room