How to Move Home for Summer From College:
By: Samantha Metz

You have spent about 9 months in your dorm room and by now it looks fantastic; decorated just the way you want. Unfortunately, the school year is over and you have to move out. Next school year you'll be living somewhere else, maybe an apartment on campus; maybe off campus. If you're lucky and loved dorm living, you get to stay in the campus dorms but you'll have a different room. The Greek organization you pledged with might have an open room for you.
Regardless, after your first year on campus (at least at Ole Miss) you have to move all of your stuff out because you'll be living somewhere else in the Fall.
Here are some tips to getting packed up so you can head home for the summer.

​Storage units tend to rent quickly so don't wait until the last minute to find one. New storage unit companies are being built as I write this but there is still seems to be a shortage and space can get expensive. Consider a unit toward Batesville, MS or other out lying areas of town for a lower cost.  Consider whether you need climate control for the summer months.
Here are a few companies to choose from: Note that Oxford Mississippi Life has no relationship with these companies and does not endorse any. This list is for your convenience and there may be more listed online. Try www.selfstorage.com for more options.
 

• Your Extra Closet: Rates starting at $39
• Oxford Climate Safe Storage
• University Avenue Storage
• Magnolia Mini Storage: Rates starting at $40
• My Oxford Storage: Offers multi-unit discounts
• North Lamar Mini Storage
• 3 Men Moving and Storage

What you REALLY need in your college dorm room freshman year
By: Samantha Metz
 
I am currently a sophomore at Ole Miss and have lived in the campus dorms for the past 2 years. I like to think I know a thing or two about what to really bring to college since I’ve done two rounds of move ins and move outs. I would say that one of the biggest focuses of a dorm room for everyone is how to make that small plain room feel like home without breaking the bank (or your back on move in day).

​You can decorate like crazy or keep your room minimal and less distracting. But, regardless of the decor there are some things you can't live without.  Here is my list of 10 necessities that every freshman should definitely bring:

1. A handheld vacuum: Number one rule of living with a roommate: Your room will always be way dirtier than you want it to be. And the truth is, you either won’t have time or won’t feel like pulling out a clunky vacuum and plugging it in. That’s why the handheld vacuum has been my friend.
2. Alarm clock with battery backup: If the power goes out in the middle of the night, it’s always reassuring to know that your alarm clock won’t go out with it. I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me from missing classes.
3. A mini fridge: This might seem to break the bank, but it is definitely worth the investment. But think of it this way, spending $2 for a cold drink at the machine down the hall can add up fast can’t it?  If you know your roommate ahead of time, consider splitting the cost so you don't have to find room for 2 mini refrigerators.
4. Microwave: While some dorms come equipped with a microwave nowadays, others still do not and it is a necessity to consider. An in-room microwave will save you from taking campus-wide walks just to get a meal when the weather is terrible or you are feeling sick. It also comes in handy for those late night study sessions when all the restaurants are closed.
5. Shower shoes: It blows my mind how some people forget these until they set foot in their residence halls on move in day. Trust me, you’re definitely gonna want these when you set foot in those community showers. Bring a few pairs.
6. Attachable bedside table: I have chosen to bunk my bed for the last two years to gain more space, and one of my necessities for making this hassle free was an attachable, bedside table. Basically, you need somewhere to put your alarm clock, phone, drink, etc. while you’re laying in bed.
7. Laundry hamper with wheels: If you are someone like me who likes to stay busy, laundry can pile up quickly. It’s nice to be able to wheel that large load down the hall instead of breaking your back while carrying it.
8. First Aid Kit: Homemade or store bought, it has saved me from having to make a trip to Walgreens every time I get a cut or an allergy flare up.
9. Printer for your room: Printing can get very expensive at some universities, and it’s nice to have one in your room in case you can't get to the printing center. I’ve even split the cost of ink with roommates in the past in exchange for letting them use the printer.
10. Folding-ironing board and iron: There’s nothing worse than not being able to wear a cute top because it has wrinkles. Most refuse to bring the ironing board to college because of how much space they take up. However, I’ve found a foldable one to be convenient and quick to use!

 I hope you find this list of items to be useful for your transition to college dorm living! Happy Move In!