The thought of going away to college might be scary to some, while others might be filled with the thought that you are finally free from your family. Some are feeling both of those emotions at the same time.

One thing that may be floating around in your head when you are thinking about college, is your living situation for the next year, especially if you are moving away from home. Living in a dorm is one of the biggest decisions you will have to make after deciding upon the school you will be attending. I was told that I would live in the dorm for the first year of school in order to get that college experience and as much as I didn't like that idea, it was one of the best decisions I made. I had a lot of questions and worries, especially, leading up to the day of move in. It was slightly scary, knowing I was so far away from home and I knew nobody at my college. Not to worry though, I was exactly like you going into my first year of college. Searching all over the internet for tips and secrets to successfully living in a dorm with strangers.

So here are a few of the most important things I found to help ease the many thoughts and feelings you have about living in a dorm.

1. Get to know your roommate some before move in day

Getting to know your roommate before move in day allows you to get a general idea of how the year will go. You two will be able to talk and coordinate who will bring what items that way you won't bring two microwaves unless you've agreed on that. Getting to know your roommate might also help relieve some of the stress of all the unknown things you are about to come into contact with.

2. Don't expect to be best friends with your roommate.

I know it seems like you and your new roommate are going to be best friends, but don't go into the year thinking that. If you two are meant to be best friends, then it will happen throughout the year. If you go in with that expectation that your first roommate is going to be your best friend... you may end up with some broken hopes. Just give it time and let the friendship form in its own way.

3. Get to know your neighbors and floor mates.

After getting to know your roommate, spend a little time the first few days getting to know the other people on your floor. Who knows, you might find your best friend just three doors down. It may seem terrifying to spend time getting to know so many people, but those people are the ones willing to take you to Denny's at four in the morning when you're homesick. Those people will have your back no matter what happens that year, and possibly for the rest of your life.

4. Always go to the hall events that your RA puts on

As cheesy as it sounds, these hall events are a great chance to meet your floor mates and it allows you to get out of your room and socialize. You can bond over these activities and sometimes they give out free food and other free things. Who doesn't want free things as a college kid?

5. Do your laundry!

As simple as this sounds, it becomes difficult once the year gets underway. Once you find your friends on campus, then you will want to hang out with them more than doing your laundry. So take that time, when they might be in class, to do your laundry. Take time in the middle of the night or early morning to wash your clothes. Odds are that if you do laundry at weird times in the day it may not be as crowded either. So maybe don't wait until Sunday night to start the laundry. Give yourself plenty of time to make sure you can wash, dry, and put away your clothes because the roommate might not like a pile of clothes sitting in your room for a week.

6. Lastly, make your room homey.

The last thing you want is your room to feel like an empty box. Add some pictures or decorations to the wall. Get a colorful bed spread. Add something from home, whether it be a picture, a pillow, a blanket, or a stuffed animal, you've had your whole life. Make sure you bring a few things that will comfort you when you are homesick. They will make the place feel like home because that's honestly what this place is going to be for the next 10 months.