August is approaching and we all know what that means; increased shopping trips to Target and Bath and Body Works buying the latest dorm room accessories and decorations. Get excited for dorm life! Whether you’re rooming with a high school friend or going pot luck, it can be nerve-racking thinking about your first semester away from home in a small space with a bunch of guys and girls you don’t know. But good news – all the other guys and gals on your halls feel the exact same way! Here are some things we think will get you excited and prepare you for your year in the dorms.

1. Leaving the door open

The best way to get to know other freshmen on your hall (which will make you feel more at home) is propping your door open when you’re inside watching TV or just hanging out with your roommate. Trust us, it may feel uncomfortable at first but it’s the best way to make new friends with those who you will see every single day! (For the record, we aren’t suggesting you leave your door open while you’re gone. Definitely guard your things!)

2. Utilize your CA

Every dorm floor has a CA, community adviser, whose sole purpose is to support and help their freshmen neighbors. They are all upper-classmen and have tips and advice if you just ask. They were all in your shoes at one point and want to help in any way possible! (WHAT MORE COULD I ADD TO THIS haha)

3. Establish rules

Whenever you move in make sure you have a chat with your roommate about what you are comfortable and uncomfortable with. Chances are you all filled out a form when applying for the dorms that included a questionnaire about your living and study habits so they could pair you with a similar student. Don’t be afraid to tell your roommate you don’t like loud music, the TV turned on in the middle of the night and anything else you think is relevant to dorm life. It will make life much easier for y’all in the long run and help you become even better friends!

4. Something else?

Texas Tech dorm life is awesome. You will have some of the best times of your college career because you’ll live in close contact with your friends for an entire year. Plus, you’re on campus so you don’t have to wake up super early before class, which is always a plus.