UM rolls out the welcome mat for newest residents

It’s that time of year again. On August 19 and 20th, about 2,000 new freshman and transfer students will be checking into their new campus digs at the University of Miami. Dozens of University staff will be on hand to help new students and parents with their move. “We recommend to students/families arriving to check-in that they exercise lots of patience, ask questions of our staff, and drink plenty of water,” said Jon Baldessari, Associate Director of Residence Halls. “It also helps to have a little fun along the way and take-in every moment…lots of memories being made.”

As a welcome to the Class of 2013 we found a list of “Dorm Room Dos and Don’ts from aol.com to make the transition to UM a little easier:

(Excerpted from “Dorm Room Dos and Don'ts” by Margaret Bristol)

1. DO Your Research: Shopping for college gear can be tricky. As retailers start promoting merchandise for dorm life, shoppers can get carried away and end up purchasing more than they planned. According to housing experts at several universities, students moving on campus should always check their school's website and find out what they should and shouldn't bring. Every school and dormitory is different, so it's best to do your research before you hit the stores.

2. DO Know the Goods: For example, some dormitories will provide appliances for their students. Some dormitories have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day, so buying a brand new laptop may not be necessary.

3. DON'T Overlook the Land Line: It's also important to check with the university to see if it provides phone service in dorm rooms. Because cellular phones have become so common, some schools, have stopped offering phone service in dormitories, while others, will only offer it if is requested. If land lines aren't provided, it may be time to reevaluate your mobile service plan to make sure students will have plenty of minutes to call home.



4. DO Be Considerate of the Planet: Be sure to coordinate with any roommates to avoid making duplicate purchases and ending up with more than what you need. Thirty percent of all the university's energy bill can be attributed to students in dorms, and simple changes, like purchasing LED lights or using CFL light bulbs can help make a difference.



5. DO Know the Quirks: Most schools provide you with furniture. In recent years, the trend has been to provide modular furniture rather than the kind bolted down to the floor, so students may be able to move items around once they arrive. Parents and students should also be prepared to hunt for Extra Long Twin-sized sheets, since that's the standard in many dorms across the country.


August 18, 2009