For many young adults, the move to college is the first time they will have spent an extended period away from the safety of home and the comfort of their own bedroom. A college or university dorm should be a safe and comfortable haven where they can focus on their studies, rest, relax and emerge refreshed and ready for whatever each new day brings.

To help facilitate the best possible experience it’s a good idea to carefully review any checklists provided by the school to be clear on what is and is not provided along with what sorts of things might be restricted or prohibited. It’s also important to fully understand the dormitory layout – some older dorms still feature a bathroom down the hall while new dorms tend to be laid out like a series of small apartments, each with a common living area, shared bath and kitchen. The requirements vary greatly and will have a lot to do with sorting out what is and is not needed.

Roommates are another factor – it’s good to coordinate as much as possible in advance of arrival to agree on general décor and avoid duplication of efforts and equipment. One roommate may envision a coordinated suite with luxury bath and bedding items worthy of a home decor magazine spread while another may be prepared for something far more basic; it’s best to get on the same page before you get to the school.

A good way to work is with digital checklists which lend themselves easily to email and social media – this makes it easy for parents and kids to weigh in and collaborate on outfitting any dorm room.