It is beginning to look a lot like dorm season, all through out the stores. With the beginning of school quickly approaching, freshmen are getting their hall placements and everything is starting to be a blur. You start thinking what the year will be like, and what kind of memories you will make. As I approach my junior year, and third year living in the residence halls, there are a few things that I wish I would have known before my first year.

1. You don't need to buy everything before you move in.

Although Target may be running an amazing deal on what they classify as everything you necessary for college, you don't need it all. I made the major mistake of overbuying for my first year. I bought anything and everything that was labeled "dorm room." I would suggest buying the essentials: bedding, towels, a lamp and anything you use on a daily basis currently. Get the stuff you think you need as you need it. Trust me, it all goes on major sale in September.

2. Look up your school's allowed items.

There is nothing worse than buying something that you can not bring in to the halls. Make sure you know the type of items you can have and in what quantities. Most schools will not allow you to have two mini-fridges in your room.

3. Communicate with your future roommate(s).

Before you move in is the time to talk with your roommate. Talk about who is going to bring the fridge and who is going to bring the microwave. Again, you can't have doubles of these items at most universities. Also, start getting to know each other! There is nothing worse than moving in to a room where you feel like you don't know what the other person is like. Add them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and Instagram, and call them. If they are making a move, make the first move at least a few weeks before move in.

4. Your roommate does not have to be your best friend.

I've learned this from first-hand experience, trust me. You don't have to be best friends. Sometimes the best roommates are the ones that you have mutual respect with. To treat each other equally, and to not have problems. Yes, sometimes people meet their best friends by having them as a roommate. Or some might meet their best friend because she/he lives next door. I met one of my best friends because she lived next door too me, and we lived together our sophomore year.

5. Talk to your RA!

Now I am not just saying this because I am an RA (Resident Assistant) myself. As RA's, we have a lot of resources to help you in any situation. If you are having a roommate issue, you and your significant other just broke up or you just want to talk, we are there. We love when you stop by our rooms just to talk to us once in a while. We like to think we are pretty cool people, and we look forward to meeting each and every one of you. I don't think I would have made it through my first year if it wasn't for my RA and the other RA's in the building.