One more thing to worry about, is their stuff safe? When they were at home, you knew the valuables were safe, but now? Right up there with the call from my college daughter that she lost her phone, keys, student ID, (fill in the blank), is the call you get when they tell you someone took their cell phone, designer bag, or whatever valuable item your child has stolen.

And it has been through tears and yelling about an item of hers being taken, that I find myself, once again, asking if she had kept their dorm door open and her valuables exposed. Freshman year, my daughter shared a room with a very nice girl; I would beg her to still put her valuables away, as her roommate often had friends over.

At times the door was open for all who entered. She was warned many times to never leave her door open when she was not in the room. I have consistently witnessed her forgetting to lock her bedroom doors.  Usually, when I make a mere mention of that fact, I get a sassy response along the lines of “Mom, no one would ever take my stuff.” It is exactly this naiveté that has taught her a painful lesson; not everyone is kind and good and honest. And in my daughter’s particular situation, it was not taken by a roommate, but a visitor to her living space. It is why I have always purchased renter’s insurance for her and a dorm vault.

Put the Stuff In The Vault

Dorm Vault takes up very little space and can be attached either with a security cable or a bolt. It is designed specifically to comply with residence hall and apartment lease regulations which do not allow it to be mounted to the wall or bedposts.  Readers of our blog get a 10% discount. Just use the code HUH10OFF.

Equally as important is having renter’s insurance. If you read your student’s Residence Hall and Furnished Apartments Housing Contract, item # 44, the University does not assume responsibility for any loss or personal property. It is recommended that you maintain public liability insurance coverage as well as renters insurance for your personal property.

For dorms, your homeowner’s policy will most likely cover 10% of the total personal property coverage or up to $1,000, which means an item costing over $1,000 will not be fully covered. For off-campus apartments, renter’s insurance may even be required, especially in the newer luxury apartments. What I like about having renter’s insurance is that it covers personal property and not just the liability insurance that may be required.

You can check with your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if it covers your student or if they offer it but I did shop around, as well as check with some of my friends, and the renter’s insurance companies that many students are using were the following:

• National Student Services, Inc.  800-256-6774
• Nationwide  877-669-6877
• Progressive 855-347-3939
• State Farm 800-732-5246
• Geico 800-207-7847
• GradGuard
• Stillwater Insurance 855-712-4092

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Finding a good place to study is very important for students.

Finding a good place to study on campus is like the ultimate jackpot. While most students love to study at the library, I just can’t get myself to sit at an old wooden chair and stair at dusty books and grey walls, surrounded by my friends chattering. Hey, that works well for some students, but everyone has their own wants and needs when it comes to the perfect study location. I personally love a quiet spot, with good coffee, comfortable chairs, and good scenery.

IU Campus

IU is full of an abundant amount of adorable, hidden little rooms you never even knew existed. There are study areas on campus for literally every type of studier- the dark and quiet, the comfortable, the scenic, the outdoors- you name it, and IU has it.

• Art Museum– Inside the Art Museum also lies a popular cafe that is a great study destination.
• The Luzetta and Del Newkirk Café is a quaint coffee shop that has great beverages- with a way shorter line than Starbucks. It also allows students to study while being surrounded by art which can be a nice view for a change.
• ICTC Building– If you are a late-night studier than this is the spot for you. In-room IT 131- students have 24-hour access- just don’t forget your Crimson card.
• Inlow Hall– If you can get past the hard, wooden chairs- McKinney School of Law has a hall that any IU student is welcome. Not only does the building have its own library, but it has one of the best views on campus overlooking Bloomington’s cityscape.
• Ruth Lilly Medical Library– Every IU student has access to this perfect study destination. It is full of big desks and computers that give each student their privacy.
• University Hall– Although tiny, just as you enter the main entrance, you will find a hidden nook filled with the comfiest, big red chairs with desks attached. When I am studying for hours I definitely look for a big comfy chair that won’t leave my back sore after sitting for hours!
• University Tower- On the 2nd floor you will find a wide, open space filled with comfy couches that are perfect for doing group projects. It is also right around the corner to Tower Den making it the best spot for a study break and snack.

Off-Campus Study Spots

• Crumble Coffee– If you know you will need some energy throughout your studying- save room for one of there tasty quiches alongside a unique latte while studying away.
• Cup & Kettle Tea- Not only do individuals get their tea shipped from around the world- it has a library-like atmosphere that is wonderful for a quiet study location.
• Hopscotch Coffee– Right off the B-line trail is this great study spot known for its delectable coffee. They have an outdoor patio area and big open tables. Perfect study spot for any coffee lover.
• Rainbow Bakery– Known for their donuts and comfortable environment- this is many students’ favorite study locations.
• The Pour House Cafe– Temporarily closed. Many students’ favorite study spots in Bloomington because of the good vibes, calming atmosphere, amazing tea, and great food.

Chegg Study is also a great tool for help with homework, particularly when you are stuck at home. Learn from step-by-step solutions for 2,500+ textbooks in Math, Science, Engineering, Business, and more. Also, get answers in a pinch from experts and subject enthusiasts for your courses, 24/7. Stay ahead in your classes with Chegg Study for $14.95/month or $99.95/year.

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Move-In Date! Apartments and Dorms

It’s time… move-in dates are set! Your student has been given their move-in date and dorm/residence assignment! Now begins the process of handling what can be a stressful, labor-intensive — and often expensive — process. (Yes, you may start by taking a deep, calming breath…)

Traditionally, female students tend to take a full-on decorating approach complete with wall décor, signs, picture frames, string lights, desk accessories, and more. Sometimes much more. Male students typically do not go quite that all-in. Usually, they just want a comfortable bed, a poster or two, and maybe a rug. It really is quite humorous after each drop-off, whether summer or fall, to see my friends’ postings on Facebook and Instagram. (Yes, dating ourselves we know, but those are the social media that parents are most comfortable with.) Seeing the obvious difference between completed male and female dorm rooms is always good for a LOL.

This whole process may be a sticker-shock moment, having become a BIG business. Back-to-college spending is expected to reach $1,347 this year. College checklists now resemble the lists usually reserved for wedding/bridal and baby shower registries. And if you follow some of those college dorm move-in checklists, you may be faced with a list of items you might have never considered and may not really need. Some items, like gaming systems, seem a bit over-the-top unless your student already owns one. You are not looking to entertain your students for the next four years. The aim is to set up a comfortable room where they can study, relax, and recreate a bit of that “home” feeling they are leaving behind.

Most dorm check-in processes allow you to use their hand truck.  But I still highly recommend bringing your own if you have one, because you may not be able to actually get your hands on one (bad pun intended!) when you need it. Many hand trucks are collapsible, so it took up only a little extra space as we packed the car. I even left it for my daughter to move out at the end of the semester! A move-in bonus, and one that will get a lot of use over the next four years, I promise.

All the stuff, none of the nonsense

If your student is like mine, there just is not enough closet and drawer space to accommodate all of her clothes/shoes/dry goods/toiletries/medicines, etc. (Stuff–that’s the word! And that’s not evening counting her keyboard…the over-large, music-making kind.) With the help of our interns, we’ve also put together a New Student Shopping Guide. And if you’ve made it this far without the information in our Home Sweet Dorm blog, read here.

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How To Be Prepared For Move-In Day.

Whether you are a freshman or a senior, IU’s move-in day is …well… A lot of work. Be prepared for many trips to the car and possibly one or two to the store for the inevitable forgotten or overlooked item (ours was not enough Command hooks).  The heat does not help, but a hand truck and Ikea bags do. Drink plenty of water between trips.  I will not get into the emotional goodbyes at the end of the day but will say that luckily the next day when I flew home, the lady next to me understood my tears as she was leaving a freshman IU student as well.

Dates for move-ins this fall will be posted on the IU website when available, but as of now the official kick-off to Welcome Week is August 19.  Students will need to be present with their school ID to get the key. Then the race begins; a sprint to unload the car as fast as possible due to very short-term parking options. Parking permits on student spots are lifted until Sunday night, but key spots right near dorms are (very) short term. Moving carts are available in the front hall of the individual dorm if you are lucky enough to get a hold of one.

All first-year students are required to attend the Freshman Induction Ceremony which will be held on Wednesday, August 19 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, this commences the first day of welcome week. It is quite a big celebration for students and their families.

For a list of items your student needs. Lastly, if you haven’t yet booked your hotel for move-in, you should do so now. They book up quickly. (Take a look at our blog on IU hotels for ideas.)

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Moving out can be almost as hectic as moving into the dorms and apartments. It does not make sense to drag the entire contents of the dorm home for the summer, only to send everything back up in the fall, especially for us, seeing as we live out of state. Many will transport their things home for the summer while even more will rent an air-conditioned storage unit.  (Sharing a unit is recommended to keep the cost down and air-conditioning is key). You may be lucky in that your student may have a friend that will let them store their belongings in their apartment, but that is unusual.

Some students are able to move their belongings into storage themselves by packing boxes in between studying for finals.  At move-in, you can actually break down some of the boxes and leave them flat under their beds throughout the school year so they are able to re-use them, rather than hunt down boxes. Giant, sturdy garbage bags work well too. There were items that they no longer needed (nor did we want). Most dorms collect these items in a common area and donate them to a local community collection organization.

Some students can recruit friends to help them move. You may want to go up yourself if they are moving out of a dorm and you feel they will need the additional help. Remember they are packing up to leave at the same time as studying and taking finals. This includes having an RA come and inspect the room for damages once it is empty and returning their keys.

There are also moving companies that will pack, move, and store items for your student. This is a great alternative given the time crunch during finals. Below is a list of a few companies in the area that do just that as well as storage units throughout IU and local moving companies. While their rates vary throughout the year, many facilities offer a number of attractive deals for students.

• Bloomington Affordable Self Storage’s – Located just north of IU’s campus, its name lives up to its reputation.
• Soft Touch Moving and Storage on South Walnut Street. While it specializes in moving, it offers the ultimate deal for students: the Dorm In a Box Moving Special. They will move your belongings out before they are stored at the facility for three and a half months. Come August, they will then move your stuff into your new living quarters for a reasonable fee.
•  Storage Express is another option. Assistance is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week with three locations in Bloomington.

Apartments?

If your student is moving out of an apartment or subletting their apartment, you may need to pay a moving company if the furniture is involved. This is, by far, the more expensive way to go (and one of the reasons I recommend renting furnished apartments). Recommended moving companies are as follows:

• A Better Way Moving & Storage – Located on West Vernal Pike
• Busy Bee Movers – Located on South Belmont Avenue
• College Movers & Junk Hauling  – Located on North Walnut Street 370
• Guys and Dollies – They are located on South Old State Road 37 and have partnered with IU to offer more moving options.
• Soft Touch Moving and Storage – Located on South Walnut Street
• Two Men and a Truck Bloomington – Located on Yost Avenue

When moving out take note of these few pointers to avoid damage fees. Take pictures of everything as you leave so they cannot tell you something was damaged when it was not. Yes, it happens. As a matter of fact, hopefully, you took pictures upon move in too. If not, do it next time.

Make a run to Lowes and find paint that matches the interior of the living room and individual bedrooms. This can be split among the roommates and usually going over little holes or chips will save you some damage charges. If there are any damages in the common area, they equally charge all residents and bill them for cleaning or repairs regardless of who did it.

Do not leave anything behind. Even if you think you are being nice by leaving that extra chair or end table, residents often get charged for leaving behind personal items. Consider cleaning really well or hiring someone to do it when your apartment is empty. Many apartment complexes will charge to clean even though they technically have to clean for the next tenant. We recommend several cleaning companies.

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Off-Campus living, after only one year in the dorm, your student may drop this on you. It happens before you know it. Literally. Unless your student is planning on living in a sorority or fraternity house, by mid-January of your student’s freshman year, they will most likely tell you that they want to move off-campus the next year and that they have to sign a lease in the next few weeks.  I know you have just about adjusted to having them leave and getting them settled in the dorm, but the good ones go fast and sign-ups really do work this way.

There are many apartment complexes that cater to students; some within walking distance of campus and others on the outskirts of town. Although there is an efficient local bus system, many of the students living off-campus have their own transportation.  Living off-campus does give the flexibility to stay in your apartment or house during IU breaks, the option to cook your own meals, and split costs with roommates.

There are luxury apartment complexes ranging from upwards of $1200 per month to budget studios and charming old homes subdivided into apartments that meet a budget in between. Check out liveInBtown for lots of great housing options. When looking for off-campus housing, you may want to start with an internet search. Many apartment complexes and rental companies have online reviews, so you can read about the experience of previous tenants.

Most apartment leases start after August 1st and go through July 31st of the following year. The leases are based on 12 months (even though your student isn’t always living there for 12 months) but many students are only in Bloomington for two semesters. This means your student will either have to pay for the summer months or they can sublet. Some students charge for others to use their specific room to store.

We recommend limiting that to those they know as you do not want to put yourself in a position of being responsible should something happen to another person’s belongings. Also, note that new residents (not renewals remaining in the same apartment) do not move in until anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after leaving a gap in where to store their belongings. The rationale is that the management company needs to clean the apartment. And, a note of caution, while some apartments let you move in early “as-is,” we strongly discourage you from doing this as the condition of the apartment may not be in great shape.

To Each Their Own

Beyond the price shocker, I was also surprised when my daughter showed me pictures and the layout of the apartment she was interested in renting.  I was being silly apparently, having lived in an off-campus house with four other girls and sharing one bathroom and thinking we had it pretty nice; I assumed there would be two girls in each room. She laughed. Not only do they each get their own room and bathroom, but the leases are divided that way. There is a lease per occupant, not per apartment. And yes, you will most likely have to co-sign via email, fax, or scan.

Then there was the moment we toured one of the new apartment complexes – also one student per room and bathroom – to find brand new stainless steel appliances and a washer/dryer, granite countertops, a faux-leather couch and chair, a TV and locks on every bedroom door. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the beautiful view of the pool, the study rooms, luxurious common areas, and the fabulous fitness center in the building.  College living has definitely changed from my perspective.

How much do these apartments cost? The range is vast, when you and your student evaluate your own financial needs you can decide on luxury living or a modest off-campus house or apartment. Generally, they range from $675 -$1300 a month for 12 months (Check sublet policies for summers. Be sure to check if parking is extra and how many spots each apartment gets. If your student is planning on having a pet, they should check the rules on that too. Yes, in this day and age, pets are allowed with some frequency.

Some apartments come furnished, but some do not. If not, seniors often sell off their furniture upon graduation. The problem is storing it all summer until the lease begins which is usually mid-August. This storage thing may also come into play if they should decide to change apartments the next year as this can lead to a gap in the leases. Finding a storage unit for the short term is difficult, not impossible, but if you can avoid it, that is best. Remind your student to inspect everything upon moving in and take pictures of any damage so they are not fined for it later.

Get an understanding of what utilities will cost for the apartment. Most places do not include utilities in the rent.  It is then your responsibility to collect everyone’s portion from the roommates. We find this is easiest to organize via Venmo. Worth repeating- Take 100 pictures, then take 20 more time-stamped. You could be charged for damages to the apartment. If you have not documented everything, prepare for those charges.

Tips to remember when looking for an off-campus home:

• Shop around and compare prices.
• Check the deposit policy to see if it is refundable.
• Check the lease duration. If you are not going to be in Bloomington for 12 months, try to find a lease for shorter than 12 months. If you cannot find a shorter lease, plan to sublet (privately lease from another person) during the months that you will be in Bloomington.
• Ask questions of former and current tenants if possible.
• Get everything you agree upon in writing.
• Read the entire lease before you sign it.
• Follow all terms of the contract you sign.

Do not:

• Sign a lease until you have inspected the apartment, house, or room in person.
• Sign a lease if you do not agree with all the terms.
• Insure It.

Find out about renters’ insurance. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may not cover them while they are living off-campus (many will cover if they are living in an on-campus residence at no extra cost).  Check the terms of your home insurance policy. Most of the large insurance companies offer separate renters policies at a reasonable rate.

Finally, be aware that utilities are generally not included so one of the roommates will have to put the utilities in his/her name and collect money for bills monthly or they can pay on their own, which can be more costly. Ask the leasing office which options they offer.

Also, consider the option of sorority or fraternity living if your son or daughter is a member of one. I am a big proponent of sorority house living as it can be more affordable, comes with a house mother, meal plan, doesn’t allow boys in their rooms (old-fashioned, I know) and comes with a bunch of sisters there at all times. Fraternity houses, well let’s just say that is a whole different story. Sometimes, for either, if your student holds a board position, living in the house may be a requirement.

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Pets bring so much love and joy to our lives, and there’s nothing like a good facetime with your dog when you’re missing home while in college. My mom constantly sends me videos of my dog running around the backyard and rolling in the grass. Those videos put me right back at home, and dissipate any homesickness I was feeling. There’s also nothing better than the family dog with a Hoosier bandana on so you can really represent. Clearly, I am a dog person and, while many individuals think it’s totally wrong for students to get pets, I think it truly depends on the person. Animals create so much happiness and if a student is aware of the work, and wants to add a member to their family, who am I to discourage them?

College is a time where many individuals feel lonely; a dog definitely makes you feel loved each and every day. Yes, a dog is an insane amount of work, but students are smart and I believe can make a smart decision. Most students will not take on a living animal if they do not think they can handle it. I am keenly aware of the work that goes into training a pet and the expenses that come along with their lovability.  If students truly think they can maintain the floppy ears and wagging tails while also getting straight As, I say let them.

If a student does decide to adopt a pet during college, they should first check the rules for where they will live. When searching for an apartment, it is easy enough to find out which are pet friendly. Some apartment complexes have separate leases for pets. It is vital for students to inspect everything upon moving in and take pictures of any damage so that their new four-legged friends cannot be blamed for it and consequently, not fined for it. It happens. It is rather important they live in a place that is pet-friendly.

If a student is interested in getting their own adorable puppy, I personally recommend putting them to the challenge to see if they can handle it. The Bloomington Humane Society constantly has homeless puppies that are in desperate need of a loving home until they are old enough to get adopted. Throughout the foster program, students can take care of loving puppies before they get adopted. I fostered three dogs in college, and although it was an abundant amount of work, it really taught me diligence and honestly how to be a better person. I also loved waking up to an adorable Aussie fluff ball in my face every morning. The humane society often provides individuals with dog food bowls, dog beds, a crazy amount of toys, and well plenty of puppy love.

If you do end up with a puppy of your own, you may want to add some IU gear to the wish list. There are all kinds of fun leashes, collars, toys, and jerseys for our newest, furry fans.

Fostering a puppy truly is one of my best memories in college; there was also never a time where friends were not over tiring out the little pup! Not only are students saving dog’s lives by fostering them, but it is also a great way to see if they can really take on all the responsibilities of a newborn! There are a number of animal adoption centers in the area: Bloomington Animal Shelter, Heartland Adoption Agency, Scaly Tailz, and Monroe County Humane Associate.

If you decide to adopt a pet while at college, make sure you check the rules for where they are permitted. The only pets allowed in the dorms and on-campus apartments are fish in up to a 10 gallon or less tank. Considering this, if you are looking to have any other type of pet, you must look into off-campus options that permit pets. If you live in an off-campus house, all pets are welcome. In addition to houses in the area, there are many apartment buildings that allow pets. Make sure to look into the specifics because some apartments charge extra fees for pets and have limits on how many you can have.

If your intention is to request an Emotional Support or Assistance Animal, there is documentation you will need to provide to the Accessibility and Disability Service including registering in person.

Dog Parks in the area: 

Ferguson Dog Park

Four Paws Dog Park

Karst Dog Park 

Monroe County Parks

Switchyard Park

Winslow Woods Par

Pets Get Sick Too

Of course, if students do decide to have a pet, it is important to know that there are quite a few animal hospitals nearby; Bloomington Veterinary Hospital, Arlington Heights Vet, College Mall vet, Furry Friends Vet, and several others. We highly recommend having their pet chipped in case they get lost. If a lost pet is brought to an animal hospital they can be scanned and find the owner easily.

When You Have to go Away

Hopefully, when you have to be away, you can get a friend to watch your pet, but for those times that you can’t be sure to find a reliable place to board Rover or Daisy. There are a few near IU- Dog House, Bloomington Paws, and Wayport Pet Resort. Be sure to book early for popular times like Thanksgiving or winter break.

Dog-friendly Restaurants

Anatolia

Blooming Foods

Brusters Ice Cream

Buffa Louie’s

Cabin Restaurant

Farm Bloomington

Hopscotch Coffee

Malibu Grill

Nick’s English Hut

Runcible Spoon Restaurant

Smokin Jacks Rib Shack

The Tap 

Upland Brewing 

Walnut Street Inn

Dog-friendly Hotels

Candlewood Suites 

Century Suites Hotel

Comfort Inn Bloomington

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Hampton Inn

Holiday Inn

Hyatt Place Bloomington

TownePlace Suites by Marriot

Travelodge by Wyndham

Be sure, when making reservations, you tell them you are traveling with a pet. Some have fees.

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They’re going to be some of those days when you just aren’t in the mood to make the trek across campus to class. Bloomington does get hot in the fall so with a heavy, huge backpack, as you arrive to class sweating bullets, you’re definitely going to look into the IU bus system. It can also be tiring and time-consuming to find parking around campus, but IU offers free student transit options that allow individuals to get to and from campus and their housing.

When I arrived at IU, I was nervous to take the bus. I wasn’t coming from a big city where it was normal to take the bus so I did not know what to expect. Once I tried it for the first time, all of my fears went away. The IU bus goes all over campus and only accepts IU students, so make sure you have your crimson card. If you don’t know the nearest stop on campus, all you have to do is check the live bus tracking.

There is no need for a car on the IU campus because the bus route goes all over campus, including the dorms! The bus runs every single day, including weekends which gives you a quick ride to campus if you want to study in the library, catch a football game, or enjoy any other campus activities. Monday-Thursday the bus runs from 7:30 am-12 am and 7:30 am-3 am on Fridays. On Saturdays the service operates from 10 am-3 am and on Sundays from 12 pm-10 pm. Next time you decide to take an uber downtown, check to see if the buses are still running, take it to campus and do the short walk from there!

At IU, almost all students ride the bus and I honestly have met a few friends throughout the years during my rides. It can be very stressful driving around campus for hours to try to find parking whereas the total trip of a bus ride only takes minutes, so that’s just a bonus. I completely recommend taking advantage of the transit system right when you get to IU, when you are running 15 minutes late to class, I promise it will be your saving grace!

NOTE: As a result of COVID-19 there are adjusted bus schedules. A route will no longer operate and E route will only run Monday- Saturday. All busses currently have 10 passengers.

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You might want to consider a sublease…HaveUHeard that when a student moves into an off-campus apartment, they generally sign a lease for twelve months? (It is actually a 10-month lease that apartments prorate so it gets paid over 12 months). Most leases run mid to late August through – July 31/Aug 1. Unlike most dorms, students are responsible for the entire year, even if they do not intend to stay for the summer. However, most apartment complexes will allow students to sublet their apartments. You will, nevertheless, have to jump through a few hoops to make it happen. Keep in mind that we say generally speaking leases are for twelve months but there are more and more options available these days for varying time frames.

To find a sublessor for the summer, it is best to start looking at the semester before (in the fall). It may seem a bit early, but there are usually more available apartments looking for sublessors than there are people looking to sublet. Post on Facebook pages and begin asking around in December. If you are in a sorority or fraternity or involved any sort of club gets the word out there. If you can make an arrangement with someone you trust early; take it. Do not count on getting your full rent covered. Most people tend to give up their summer leases, so finding someone to take over your lease in the summer can be tricky.

More Details

If you are looking for someone to take over for the fall semester, try looking at the summer before. Many people sign a lease and find options that better suit them last minute. If you are looking for a spring sublease, this may be a bit tough since most people have already signed year leases. Definitely start posting in the fall semester (around October/November). There are students that decide to take a semester off or go abroad and are committed to a year’s lease. Finding one of these with roommates that you will be happy to live with can get complicated, but it is definitely possible.

Some apartment complexes charge a sublet fee. Most all require signed forms with complete information on your sublessor. It is to your advantage to play by the rules and be sure all forms and fees are taken care of because, without them, you (the original renter) are responsible for any damage that may occur in your absence…and it happens. As a matter of fact, all renters may be responsible if they cannot be sure who caused the damage. My daughter and all her roommates were charged for a broken freezer after she left for the summer but since her name is still on the lease…

Depending on how much you will be getting for the sublet, once the fees are paid, you may also want to consider the cost of storing your student’s belongings during the duration of the sublet. Check out our blog on Storage. Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

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Dorm rooms, ho-hum boring. You may be surprised at how one can transition a mass-produced, industrial-looking dorm room into a warm and inviting room-suite. And there is plenty of help out there to spur ideas and help you organize. Organization is a primary concern because if your kids are anything like mine, they will take enough stuff from home to settle them in as though there are no laundry facilities or stores in the vicinity and, if like us you are flying that can be a challenge. I will say Southwest Airlines made the challenge easier than expected. I gave my daughter a weight limit for the airplane and it was a challenge, but we did it!!

Pinterest alone has enough ideas to make your head spin.  Of course, decorating for a girl’s room is drastically different from a boy, but both will need a little extra organization. Either way, check the size bed their dorm will provide. They are usually those extra-long twin beds and many stores start selling these sheet sets over the summer just for this purpose. The bed-in-a-bag can be a great choice as it provides many pieces at once – and they all match.

In addition, though, we highly recommend a mattress encasement. It protects from bugs, allergies, and who knows what else. Some kids appreciate a mattress topper of some sort; remember this is where they will be living (and sleeping) for months at a time. A fun throw pillow or two is always nice.  Boys aren’t always interested in throw pillows, but school blankets and posters help to dress up their rooms too.

Consider buying bed risers as they can give students extra storage space under their bed (perhaps an under-the-bed box or some plastic drawers at the least). Some kids like to put a mini-fridge under there too. Check to see if their dorm provides one. Some students (well, their parents who hate seeing the clutter under the bed) will use Dorm Room Bed Skirt Panels which are long and can cover all the junk that ends up getting stored below the bed.

There are fun ottomans that provide both storage and extra seating space for when their friends come to hang out. Some dorms provide a hutch over the desk, but if not, they can easily be bought.  They will need a place for their books, a printer, a desk lamp, and possibly a microwave or coffee maker. There are clever little shelves that attach to the side of the bed that are rather useful to hold their phone, glasses, drinks, etc.

Clever and Cute

There are so many clever things to help organize these days. Most girls really like to jazz it up and why not? If possible suggest they check with their roommate before you begin multiple trips to Bed Bath and Beyond, etc. Did I mention that you should start collecting those coupons now? Sign up for their emails too.  They will send you a 20% off entire purchase coupon one time a year. You could also become a Beyond+ member for $29 per year and get 20% off the entire purchase and free shipping so you do not need to carry your stack of coupons around. It’s not always the same time of year, but it is coveted by many college moms. Together they may decide on specific colors or a theme.

My daughter has turned to Etsy to purchase many of her dorm decor Etsy is a great place to shop as many items are more reasonably priced than the national retailers and they have unique items. Simply search dorm decor and start your search. Lately, covering the walls in big tapestries is the rage. It is actually a great idea because, in some of the older dorms, there are cinder block walls. HaveUHeard has teamed up with TapestryGirls to bring you great options at reasonable prices. Just use code  HAVEUHEARD at check out for an additional $5 off your order.

It can be difficult to hang things because they will have to sign something after the move-in inspection, but no worries; because Command hooks and strips have you covered and come in pretty and functional, as well as clear forms. HaveUHeard that you need to apply rubbing alcohol first before hanging the command strip or it won’t adhere? Candles are not allowed in the dorms, but there are so many cute LED candles out there now.  Area rugs also warm up a room, particularly since the floors are all cold tile.

Another popular item is string lights. My favorite is the ones that have clips to hold photos too. It is even possible to buy headboards, which look pretty, but before you purchase this, be sure your daughter and her roommate don’t intend to bunk the beds or put them on risers. Girls always seem to need a long mirror. Check out the ones that open to store jewelry and/or accessories. If they know their roommate’s name, a custom dorm room sign is a great way to make them feel at home.

There are YouTube videos for those of you that are feeling creative. My daughter is pretty crafty, so this one gave us some good inspiration. There are different kinds of dorms throughout campus ranging from suite to corridor to apartment-style. Some dorms can fit desks in the bedrooms; others have to keep them in the common area of their suite.  When you find out which dorm your student will be living in you can check out the floorplans as well as get an idea of what IU Housing supplies are needed.

Don’t forget to read our blog An Insider’s Guide to Campus Dorm Living at IU.

The Guys

I haven’t forgotten about the boys; there just isn’t as much to say, other than it will be much easier. Dormify introduced a guy’s collection which is worth checking out. Basically, they will need the same essentials, but as far as décor goes, most boys are happy with a poster or two and possibly a flag or banner. Hoosier paraphernalia is usually a hit too and Etsy has some great items including a rustic wood wall sign. We know the guys will love some of the IU decor from Bed, Bath & Beyond including this recycled metal wall sign.

My only other advice is to start shopping early, remember hooks to hang the shower curtain (and be sure at least one person brings one) have items on hold to pick up at local Bloomington stores if possible and bring tools and double-sided tape. Want to know more details about everything from the mattress size to what furniture comes in each room to carpeting, click here for all the FAQs. For our complete list of the top items they need for college, check out our New Student Shopping Guide.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

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