Quick answer: Coordinate the one-per-room items before anyone shops: mini fridge, microwave, vacuum, TV, rug and any shared decor. Decide who owns each item, not just who pays, so nothing gets awkward at year-end move-out.
A short conversation before everyone shops can save money, space and an impressive number of duplicate appliances.
Start with the shared-space basics
Talk about who is bringing:
- Rug
- TV
- Vacuum or broom
- Trash can
- Cleaning supplies
- Shared bathroom supplies if applicable
- Microwave or refrigerator if permitted and not provided
- Coffee maker if permitted
- Any shared seating or larger decor
Once you've split up who's bringing what, browse Dorm Essentials by category for the shared items you're each responsible for.
Decide ownership, not just cost
Splitting everything 50/50 sounds fair until move-out day and you're negotiating custody of a $40 vacuum.
A simpler approach is often: one person owns the vacuum, the other owns the rug. Keep a note of who owns what.
Talk about the room vibe
You don't need matching bedding, but it's helpful to know if one person is planning maximalist pink decor while the other is picturing a minimalist cave.
Discuss colors, rug preferences, large decor and anything that takes up shared space.
Talk about practical habits
You don't need a roommate contract before saying hello, but a few expectations are worth discussing:
- Typical sleep schedule
- Morning alarms
- Guests
- Studying in the room
- Temperature preferences
- Cleaning expectations
- Food sharing
- Borrowing things
Save the deeper conversation for when you actually live together. The goal before move-in is avoiding obvious surprises.
Don't coordinate personal essentials
Each person should have their own towels, bedding, toiletries, medications, chargers and other personal necessities. Sharing a vacuum is practical. Sharing one phone charger because someone forgot theirs is a Tuesday night problem waiting to happen.
Make one shared list
Instead of coordinating through 47 texts, keep a shared list with:
- Item
- Who is bringing it
- Already purchased?
- Needs verification?
- School rule checked?
This is exactly the kind of chaos DormHQ is meant to eliminate.
Share your DormHQ list and divide shared items.
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