Kathi’s expert advice has been featured in national media outlets including Oprah Magazine, Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes and Gardens, Entrepreneur Magazine, and more. As the author of 2 books, Kathi has also developed several online courses to help clients get better organized and energized in all areas of their home, life, and business.
Check out all of the systems you can use here

Kathi’s expert advice has been featured in national media outlets including Oprah Magazine, Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes and Gardens, Entrepreneur Magazine, and more. 

As the author of 2 books, Kathi has also developed several online courses to help clients get better organized and energized in all areas of their home, life, and business.
Check out more systems you can use here

Kathi’s expert advice has been featured in national media outlets including Oprah Magazine, Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes and Gardens, Entrepreneur Magazine, and more. 

As the author of 2 books, Kathi has also developed several online courses to help clients get better organized and energized in all areas of their home, life, and business.
Check out all of the systems you can use here

Sept 3, 2008
By Maria Connor – Featuring tips from Kathi Burns
published in the La Jolla Light

Going away to college is a chance for new grads to savor independence and broaden their experiences, but it’s also a time that requires some adjustment.

“There’s a whole education that goes on for the student outside of the classroom,” said Pat Danylyshyn-Adams, resident dean of John Muir College at UCSD.

Much of that education comes through living away from home. No longer are living quarters called dorms; now they’re residence halls or just plain apartments.

In the past, university officials paired up based on interests.

Now, Danylyshyn-Adams said many colleges have gone to a computerized system, while others allow students to choose their own roommates.

Adjustment period
Most residence halls open to incoming students a few days before classes begin.

“We want you here as early as you can get here,” Danylyshyn-Adams said, adding that it’s usually best if parents help their child move in, take them out for a nice lunch and then hit the road.

“Students are concerned about making friends, belonging. If you have a parent hanging around, that’s really hard for them to do.”

Most rooms provide the basics: bed, closet, desk and chair, chest of drawers and bookshelves. More and more universities are also including hook-ups for cable and Internet.

A pre-move-in visit to the residence hall, if it can be worked out, will give students an idea of how much space is available and if extra supplies – a reading lamp, storage bins, etc.- are needed.

To provide all the comforts of home, many students bring TVs, mini-refrigerators and microwaves.

Communicating beforehand with a new roommate can help to plan who is bringing what and can save some money.

Comfort a good thing
Choosing a few personal items to help students feel comfortable in their new surroundings often helps. Photos, one item from a treasured collection or a handmade quilt will transform the dorm room into their room.

“We want them to be comfortable; we want them to be successful,” Danylyshyn-Adams said.

Overpacking is a common mistake, said professional organizer Kathi Burns of add Space To Your Life!

“(Students) don’t really understand how small a space they have,” she said. “I think a good rule of thumb is to take what you need up to winter break.”

Both Burns and Danylyshyn-Adams recommended that students bring a footlocker or storage bin that can be secured to stow valuables such as computers, jewelry and personal papers.

While a roommate may be trustworthy, his study partners or new friends may not be, Danylyshyn-Adams said.

Avoiding clutter
Staying organized is one of the biggest challenges for many young adults living away from home for the first time, noted Burns.

Providing a daily planner, file folders, a bulletin or message board, and address book with important phone numbers will help students stay on top of their busy schedules.

Frequently overlooked supplies
– printer
– surge protector
– office supplies
– iron or steamer
– alarm clock
– flashlight
– first aid kit
– removable hooks
– sewing kit
– clothes hamper or laundry basket

Maria Connor
To make comments about articles, contact [email protected].

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