Moving into a dorm
Not a regular move — the dorm-specific stuff: a roommate, shared bathrooms, what's already provided versus what to bring. The list adapts to whether you have a roommate or a room to yourself.

[ ] Check what the room already provides
    A bed, desk and closet are often included by default — get the dorm's exact list before buying duplicates.
[ ] Read the dorm's rules in advance
    Quiet hours, guest policy, banned appliances — rules differ far more between dorms than you'd expect.
[ ] Reach out to your roommate ahead of time
    Who's bringing the fridge or the rug so you don't duplicate, and talk through sleep schedules — before move-in, not on the first night.
[ ] Agree on basic shared-room rules
    Guests, cleaning, evening noise — one conversation in the first week saves months of awkwardness later.
[ ] Get a shower caddy for the communal bathroom
    If the bathroom is shared down the hall, a portable caddy beats carrying everything by hand each trip.
[ ] Pack flip-flops for the shared shower
    Hygiene in a shared bathroom isn't something to skip in the first week.
[ ] Check insurance for personal belongings
    The dorm usually isn't liable for lost or damaged personal items — check whether a parent's policy covers it or you need your own.
[ ] Find out how laundry works
    Paid or free, first-come or scheduled, whether you need a mesh bag for delicates — better learned in advance than on the first laundry day.
[ ] Learn the mailing address and package pickup process
    Your room number or the dorm's mailroom — get the exact address format before ordering anything or updating official mail.
[ ] Bring a surge-protected power strip
    Rooms usually have fewer outlets than one student's gadgets need, let alone two.
[ ] Check the list of banned items
    Space heaters, open-coil kettles, candles — common fire-safety bans, worth checking before packing them at all.
[ ] Bring an extra lock for valuables
    A lockable drawer or case for documents, electronics and cash — a dorm room sees more foot traffic than a private one.
[ ] Sort out food: a meal plan or cooking yourself
    Whether there's a floor kitchen, what's allowed to cook in-room, and whether the dining hall schedule actually matches yours.
[ ] Save the resident advisor and security contacts
    For a maintenance issue, a conflict, or an emergency — saved from day one, not looked up when you already need it.
[ ] Check room dimensions before buying anything bulky
    The room is usually smaller than the website photos suggest — measure before hauling in a big rug or dresser.
[ ] Bring something familiar from home
    A photo, a favorite blanket, a small familiar object — genuinely helps through the first anxious weeks away from home.
[ ] Update your address where it matters
    Bank, doctor, important subscriptions — the dorm address, if you plan to receive mail there directly.
[ ] Learn the campus layout and route to classes
    Walk the route ahead of time rather than hunting for a classroom late on the first morning.

Checklist from Unload: https://unloads.me/c/dorm-move-in