I’ll never forget my first day stepping onto my college campus. Moving into my dorm room was one of the most exciting, yet nerve-wracking experiences of my life. Starting college is not only an extremely emotional process, it’s also a period when you have to stay grounded and be practical.

So, despite how starry-eyed I was about this thrilling new chapter in my life, I had to get down to business and activate the logistical parts of my brain if I wanted a successful move-in. And, if I’m being honest, my move-in process would have gone way more efficiently and smoothly if I’d put up a list of tips to help me along the way.

With that being said, let’s make things easier for you by compiling the top most important tips you’re gonna wanna keep in mind for transitioning into college dorm life.

Socialize with your roomies ahead of time

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Over the course of my freshman year, I developed lifelong friendships with all six of my college suitemates. But at the start, it was super awkward getting to know my future besties while hauling around crates, appliances, and clothes. On the one hand, you’re trying to make a good first impression with the people you’ll be living with for an entire year of your life. On the other hand, the move-in process requires a ton of energy and focus.

And if you’re lucky enough to have parents or friends helping with your move-in, it’s gonna get crowded! Kinda tough to form any sort of meaningful connections at that point.

Sadly, the move-in process can be awkward. So if making a good first impression matters to you, consider meeting with your roomies or suitemates before move-in.

Of course, it’s not the end of the world if you can’t manage to grab a coffee or a quick bite before moving day. But you’ll feel a bit less nervous if you hit campus with a new friend by your side.

Use a moving cart to shift your boxes around

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Fortunately, most colleges are aware that move-in day is no walk in the park. That’s why many schools now offer handy laundry carts to make the process easier. So no worries about carrying one box after the other.

It’s best to sign up for a laundry cart as soon as you arrive on campus because there tends to be a waitlist for those bad boys. Once you get that teeny task out of the way, you’ll be navigating the dorms with ease.

Jot down your dorm essentials in hard copy

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It’s easy to get swept up in the merriment of the move-in, like meeting your roomies, coming up with aesthetic layout and any decorative plans, not to mention embarking on this seminal chapter of your life. Sure, there’s so much to be excited about, but don’t let your exuberance prevent you from remembering the necessities, like linens and bedding, toiletries, laundry essentials, school supplies, and clothing.

Before packing, jot down all the items you’ll want to take during the move, and those that you can simply buy at the CVS or Walgreens near campus. When it comes to bigger items like mini-fridges or lamps, consider using the store’s curbside pick-up.

Merely thinking about all the things required for an active dorm life can be overwhelming. So, it’s a good idea is to keep a list of all the things you can’t live functionally or comfortably without. It’s smart to get all the boring stuff out of the way before you start planning your Pinterest board for college dorm decor or musing over whether you want to go with a maximalist or minimalist vibe.

A written list will make you feel a million times more prepared and at ease. I don’t know about you, but when I use a written list and actually check off an item, it’s so satisfying. So, I’d advise you to go with a handwritten list so you don’t forget any spare essentials.

Label your boxes

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A terrific way to avoid hassles during your college move-in is to label all your boxes. Rather than merely categorizing the contents on the label, it can be helpful to add your name and dorm room number to ensure things arrive where they belong. Since many schools offer move-in helpers to speed up the whole process, mix-ups unfortunately happen. To avoid this, go ahead and label all boxes, bags, and containers.

Land on a design plan

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If you have a particular aesthetic — more power to yah — come up with a design plan ahead of time, so you’ll rock the coolest dorm in school.

Although my dorm decor was pretty decent, my aesthetic was all over the freakin place. I had a huge Dave Matthews Band poster next to a massive pic of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Not exactly aligned, but hey, it was my attempt at self-expression.

During my sophomore year, I bought a bunch of awesome posters of my favorite musicians and pop culture icons of the time. It’s a fun conversation starter if you’re gonna have friends hanging out in your dorm. I remember my Lana Del Rey poster sparking so many conversations about her artistic vision. (AKA: Tell me you went to a liberal arts school without telling me you went to a liberal arts school.)

Pro Tip: Hanging posters in your dorm room is a low-key fantastic way to form connections and forge friendships. If someone comments on your Mitski poster saying that they, too, have seen her in concert at least seven times, you’ve just formed an amazing connection right there! Or if someone sees your Chagall painting, and they too can’t get enough of his art, there’s a probable pal. Infusing some culture in your room can lead to fine conversations that you’d never have otherwise.