Freshman year can feel overwhelming once the excitement of move-in fades and āreal lifeā kicks in. Between classes, clubs, roommates, and trying to stay sane, it helps to have a few survival strategies (and cozy dorm upgrades) on your side.
Hereās our ultimate First Semester Survival Kitāa mix of habits and helpful dorm finds that will keep you thriving all semester long.
Write. It. Down.
Classes, club sign-ups, group projects, coffee catch-upsā¦ your brain will not remember it all. A planner or calendar is your best friend for staying on top of things.
Guard Your Sleep
Dorm life = noise at all hours. Earplugs, eye masks, or a bedtime routine can save your sanity. Learning when to say ānoā to late-night hangouts or one more scroll makes a huge difference.
Find Your āAnchorā People
Roommates, a study buddy, or that group who always grabs the same table in the dining hallāfinding your people makes campus life feel like home.
Create a cozy hangout spot in your room with soft blankets so it becomes the place everyone gravitates to.
āØ The Real Must-Haves
At the end of the day, the real freshman survival kit isnāt just about stuffāitās about building habits. Writing things down, protecting your rest, and surrounding yourself with the right people will carry you further than anything on a checklist.
But hey, making your dorm cozy + cute never hurts. š