Winter [Dorm Storage] is Coming – How to Avoid the Stress

Making decisions can be hard, especially with the stress of finals and moving out of the dorms for the Winter. Luckily, we can help make those decisions during the moving process a little easier – no need to call mom on this one!

First off, what do you need stored? Go through your belongings and decide what needs to go into storage and what needs to just go. This means throwing out anything you won’t be needing for the new year.

Once you know what needs to go into storage, you can decide which storage option is best for you. At Door To Dorm we offer several boxed storage options. Cue James Corden and Justin Bieber – big box, little box, cardboard box. You can choose from four large boxes, baby humongous, or our most popular storage option, humongous box. We can hook you up with sturdy and durable boxes.

We are also able to store much more than boxes, like Door To Dorm refrigerators and microwaves. But wait, there’s more!  We store  miscellaneous items like luggage, furniture, different sized plastic containers, beds and futons, rugs, and TV’s too!.

Our goal is to make your life as easy as possible, which is why we offer FREE packaging materials including labels, tape, pick up, local storage and return delivery to your desired location.

See? Packing and storing with Door To Dorm is seriously so easy!

Packing 101

Take it from the pro’s, one of the most common mistakes when getting ready to leave for break is rushing during the packing process. We get it, you’ve been there for a few months and are ready to go home, but you don’t want anything to get lost or broken right?

A few things to remember when packing is to be mindful of what you’re putting inside of each box. You want to make sure everything is secure..

*Quick Tip*

You can use other items of yours as “fillers” such as clothing, towels, blankets, or even just some crushed newspaper or bubble wrap to ensure your things don’t shift around. This is perfect for your fragile belongings, and boxes with these items should be labeled as so!

Click here to order extra packing materials to keep your belongings safe and secure. 

Secondly, when are you returning? If you’ll be back by spring, you might just need our 30-day storage option. Otherwise, we offer long-term storage for those who might be studying abroad for the semester, or aren’t returning until a later date.

We all know that East Coast weather can be brutal during winter. But rest easy knowing your belongings are safe and sound in our climate controlled warehouse, waiting patiently for your return.

Click here to order your storage for the winter break. 

Moving In? Moving Out?

If you’re done with school, (Whoo hoo! You’re done!) you’ll probably want to get your stuff back home or even to your new home. We can get your belongings to your desired location without you having to lift a finger – you’ve worked hard enough!

Our shipping services are also great for new students starting in the spring. We’ll get your stuff right up to your dorm room, so you can focus on other things when you arrive.

Click here to check out our shipping services for both moving in and out of your dorm room or apartment. The bottom line is Door To Dorm has all of the bases covered when it comes to packing, storing and shipping. Learn more about our services and don’t be afraid to get in touch with any questions you may have for us!

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5 Apps You Need When Studying Abroad

Traveling has never been easier than it is now. Gone are the days of MapQuest and struggling in with the travel apps. When they said “There’s an app for everything,” they weren’t kidding. This generation of travelers want the hottest deals and the lowest prices when roaming the globe – especially if they’re taking a semester abroad. If you’re planning on taking an international trip in the near future, we’ll break down five must-have travel apps to download before your new adventure begins!

1. Hopper


If you’re a millennial, you’ll most likely be traveling by air. We all know that plane tickets aren’t always cheap, and that’s why Hopper is a great help in airfare price-watching. With the slogan “Predict. Watch. Buy. Fly.”, Hopper makes booking flights that easy. If you know when you will be going, you can just punch in the dates, and let the app do the rest.

2. Maps.Me

Because you might not always be able to connect to WiFi when you’re abroad, this app is a serious life saver. With Maps. Me you’re able to look at maps of the country you’re in without an internet connection. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or driving, Maps.Me will help get you there fast, and for free.

3. Hostelworld

When it comes to studying abroad, you’re probably not going to stay in the same place for long. On the days you’re not working on academics, you might explore other nearby places. Whether that’s hopping on a boat or train to another country, or just visiting a different city, you’ll need a place to sleep. Hostelworld let’s you find and book different hostels worldwide. Rated with nearly 5 stars, it’s secure, convenient, and perfect at fulfilling that feeling of wanderlust. It’s no wonder Huffington Post’s round up featured Hostelworld as one of the best travel apps.

4. Foursquare

Online reviews are a beautiful thing. Picking a place to eat, drink and be merry is so easy with apps like Foursquare. You can read reviews on restaurants, coffee shops, and night-life in the area so you don’t have to go in blind. Foursquare makes it easy for you and your friends to discover hidden gems globally, which is perfect for those who are traveling abroad to unfamiliar destinations.

5. WhatsApp

Data charges are ridiculous when you’re studying abroad in a different country. WhatsApp is a necessity when it comes to keeping in touch with friends and family back home in the United States. Here’s the breakdown: both you and your loved one will need to download the app. It can work as a text messenger, or you can make a call, as long as you both have an internet connection. That’s basically it, it’s simple, secure and reliable. Say goodbye to outrageous data charges and homesickness. Thanks WhatsApp!

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Fuel Up for Those Midterms

October is spooky, and we’re not just talking about Halloween. You know what we’re talking about – it’s midterm season. Most college students dread this part of the semester. Your week might be filled with sleepless nights, followed by upset stomachs from all the junk you’ve been munching on during study hours. Unfortunately, most students mistakenly eat or drink the wrong foods during midterms. Sweet and salty treats will usually lead to stomach issues, especially if over-eaten. We’re here to help you find the best snacks and meals to properly fuel you and your brain up for midterms!

Did you know that certain foods can affect your exam performance? Your brain literally needs vitamin-dense foods to create the energy that will make your work more efficient. Eating the right food for your brain will decrease fogginess and fatigue. According to the BBC, eating a balanced diet can help you focus, which will lead to more efficient studying, and overall academic performance.

Click here to read more from BBC on which foods can have a positive affect on your brain. Aside from food, it’s also important to give your body plenty of rest and hydrate with lots of H20.

So, what foods you should try to stay away from?

  • Sugars
  • Processed foods (chips, fast food, frozen foods, etc.)
  • Caffeine (soda, energy drinks, coffee, etc.)

We know it seems impossible to make gourmet inspired meals in a dorm room, let alone tasty ones. Luckily, with the help of your MicroChill®, you’ll be able to accept the challenge!

Morning

If your exam is in the morning, you’ll want a yummy breakfast filled with slow releasing carbs which can be found in whole grains. Our go to would be granola or oatmeal, which can be made right in your microwave! Here’s a tasty recipe for a homemade granola from Real Mom Kitchen. We love this recipe because it can be eaten with milk or yogurt as a breakfast, or eaten by itself as a healthy snack on the go. Perfect for those college students running late to an exam, just toss some in your backpack and snack on the way!

Night

If your exam is at night, we have the perfect pre-exam dinner option for you: Salmon. Fish is jam packed with Omega-3’s and protein which is amazing for brain health and concentration. This recipe from Healthy Aperture should do the trick, complete this tasty dish with some steamed broccoli or carrots and you’ve got yourself a healthy meal filled with iron and fibre. The great thing about all of these dishes is they can all be made right in the comfort of your dorm room!

Snacks

Here are two great snack you can prep for the week of mid-terms.

Kale Chips 

Don’t be afraid of vegetables! Kale is a super food you’ll want to incorporate into your diet, and this leafy green tastes even better crispy! Here’s a quick and easy recipe you’ve got to try.

Dark Chocolate Bark with cranberry, pistachios and pecans. 

Not only does dark chocolate taste delicious, but it also has many benefits including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants. Adding nuts and dried fruit is a great and healthy addition. Here’s the recipe!

 

 

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Earn Extra Cash By Becoming a Student Ambassador

Being a college student is a tough job in itself, for some it’s hard to have any time to pick up a part time job on the side. So, what can you do to make some money while in college? We have the perfect solution, an easy and fun way for you to earn some extra cash to fill up your pockets this semester: become a student Ambassador for Door To Dorm.

Nobody can tell the Door To Dorm story better than the students who use our services. Send your friends a 10% off Door To Dorm coupon and earn $20 for each one that signs up to use Door To Dorm’s service.

How it works:

We pick six students per university. We supply you with everything you need – flyers and digital graphics. We’ll even drop off printed promotional material to you so you don’t have to print it out yourself! You become the expert on our services, and encourage your friends to use Door To Dorm.

Feel free to get creative by making YouTube videos, sharing Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram posts, and any other ways you think you’ll be able to connect with your friends. Some of the most creative Ambassadors also have a chance to be featured on our social media pages and/website!

Earn extra cash in three easy steps:

Step 1 – Tell your friends about Door To Dorm. You get credit for all orders coming from your claimed dorm.

Step 2 – Your friend signs up and receives a 10% Door To Dorm coupon.

Step 3 – You earn $20 as soon as your friend spends at least $100. Refer 10 friends & receive your next storage or rental from Door To Dorm for free!

Need extra information? Contact us, we’ll be more than happy to talk you through the process and get you signed up! Call us on our toll free number: 1-800-883-8281 or shoot us an email us at orders@doortodorm.com.

Click here to apply for your student ambassador position.

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Freshman Year Checklist

 

  1. Books – Sometimes the campus bookstore can be a bit pricey, try to shop around first and remember that you also have to option to rent. Try Chegg, Amazon or Slug Books!
  2. Scholarships – To try and avoid student loans, look for scholarships first. Scholarships can also help cut costs on your books and living arrangements. Here’s a list of a few websites that might help you find the perfect scholarship to apply for:
  1. Dorm Necessities – A mini fridge will help save your dorm life & don’t forget to stock it up with plenty of water, and healthy foods.
  2. Sleep Gear – Comfy pillows/sheets/favorite stuffed animal – Whatever will help catch those extra z’s at night, you’ll need as many as you can get!
  3. Map of Campus – and any other paperwork you’ll need to help you find your classes, offices, student resources, etc.
  4. School Supplies – Don’t overdo it. Look at your syllabi and only get the required supplies.
  5. Memories – Because you’ll be moving into a dorm room, you can’t take all your belongings from home. Maybe pick 5 of your favorite memories to keep from cluttering. Perhaps pictures of friends/family back home to start off?
  6. Clothes – Only pack what you’ll need for the fall semester. You can swap clothes for spring when you go back home!
  7. Bathroom – Because you’ll probably have to share a bathroom, a bathroom caddy helps keep all your bathroom items organized and together.
  8. Dry erase board/calendar – This will help you stay organized and keep track of your classes and times.
  9. Headphones – So you won’t disturb your roomie when you’re listening to your heavy rock, rap, or whatever music you like. They’re also great for watching your favorite movie late at night.
  10. Alarm Clock – DON’T rely on your cell phone to be your alarm. There are too many possibilities of it not working and you risking the chance to miss that 8am class isn’t worth it!
  11. Organization – Living in a dorm room is all about organization. Invest in several plastic bins, vacuum seal bags or any other items you can use to help organize all your belongings.
  12. Establish a Monthly Budget – Take a look at all your expenses for the month and try to organize a monthly budget to help you distribute your funds accurately. This is very helpful if you have a part time job or are only living off of your loans, financial aid or scholarship income.
  13. Monetary – University college card/ID, bank card/credit card. Although credit cards can be dangerous, they are great for emergencies. You just have to be responsible and only use for emergencies. (Unfortunately, burritos at 2AM doesn’t count as an emergency)!
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5 Things You’ll Miss Now That You’re in College

Brace yourselves: college is coming. So what does that mean for you, an incoming freshman? This means that you should enjoy your summer vacation and current lifestyle. Take in what it’s like to live at home, because sooner or later you’re going to miss it.

Things you’ll miss now that you’re in college:

  1. Mom’s cooking, or direct access to food in general — i.e. the kitchen just down the hall from your room. Enjoy all those warm home cooked meals now, and show gratitude to mom for serving you dinner AND dessert. It may not seem like a big deal now, but dessert in college is a bag of M&M’s you bought from a vending machine with change you managed to scrounge up… Luckily, Collegiate offers combo packages for fridge and microwave rentals. You can make some pretty tasty dorm room meals with these fun recipes. Your new roommate will definitely be impressed!
  2. Fresh Laundry. Now is a good time to learn how to do laundry. Once you go off to college there won’t be VIP laundry services available in your dorm room. No more arriving to your room with freshly folded clothes sitting atop your perfectly made bed. On that same note, you might want to start saving those quarters!
  3. Privacy (if you don’t have siblings, then you know what this word is). For those of us who have any privacy back home, enjoy it while it lasts. Depending on the size of your dorm room, you’re going to have to share all that space with your roommate. You might want to invest in a room divider, or try making one yourself! As for the bathroom situation, don’t get us started…
  4. Multi-Tasking. If you think high school was busy, you haven’t seen anything yet. Between going to class, homework, clubs and organizations, sleep and friends, you’ll definitely have to learn how to prioritize your time. Say goodbye to the days where you could fit everything into one day. We’ll just leave this right here… Obviously you should select the two more important choices.
  5. The sweet, unconditional love you receive from your pet(s). Be sure to soak up all the fuzzy cuddles, sloppy kisses and playtime sessions from your beloved pets now. You might not get any of that for a few solid months, but don’t fret. Your furry pal will be just as happy to see you when winter break comes!

Okay, we realize that you’re probably traumatized by now, and possibly dreading the fall semester.  But it’s not all that bad. In fact, it’s actually going to be one of the BEST experiences of your life. And although you might miss a few things from back home, you’re going to gain a whole lot more than the five listed above. You should probably still go give mom (and pet) a big hug right now anyway!

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Life After Graduation: Head Home or Strike Out on Your Own

So you’ve moved your tassel from the right side to the left, you’ve sold back as many textbooks as you can, and your dorm room is all packed up and cleaned out (Maybe with some help from Door To Dorm). Now what? You can decide to move back home to your parents house or stay near campus in an apartment with your friends. There is no right or wrong when deciding what to do after you graduate, but here are some tips to help you on your way.

If you haven’t spent the last few summers gaining experience in your field, more and more students are finding their way into an internship after graduation before landing that full time job. This is typically a more realistic option if you are going back home to live rent-free for a while. Getting an internship may not give you a paycheck, but it will give you essential work experience that you will take with you throughout your career. There are plenty of online job sites that post internships in New York City and beyond. Internships.com and Wayup.com are good places to start your search. If you play your cards right, you could turn your internship into a full time job. Employers pay attention to interns who work hard and are passionate about what they do. TheBalance.com gives some helpful hints in securing permanent employment from that golden internship.

Moving back with mom and dad may not be in the cards for you. It can be tough to imagine yourself back at home after a four-year taste of sweet freedom. So, you and your friends may decide to get an apartment or a house share. You know what that means… time to get a job! While it’s always a good idea to look for a job in your field of interest, you will likely need to grab any job just to pay the bills while you work on getting the dream job. Waiting tables or tending bar are typically readily available for a quick paycheck – especially if you are in a creative field like theater or music where the number of applicants outweighs available openings. There is no shame in taking a nannying or retail job while you are seeking your dream job. Being on your own is a huge responsibility so make sure you are covering all your bases. Don’t forget, every work experience is valuable. Networking is crucial; you never know what will pop up!

The best advice is to follow your gut and make your own way. And if neither of those options feel right, consider this: Many graduates decide to take a gap year to travel. It is totally worth it to enjoy a break from your difficult college years. The reality is that all the “typical” post-college options might not be your path, and that’s ok. As long as you moves for the right reasons, your life will shape up the way it’s meant to be.

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What I Really Learned In College

You learn a lot within the four (or maybe more) years of college. Transition is inevitable, no matter what school you go to or who you choose to socialize with. People say the majority of what you learn in college is outside of the classroom, and they’re not wrong. Here are a few of those lessons that I learned in college.

How to Balance It All

When you start off in college, there are so many new things going on. It can be hard to choose between going to a football game with your friends, or staying in to study. If you decide to join intermural sports or a student organization, balancing that with academic work while still trying to have a life outside the classroom can be pretty hard to manage at times – whether it is spending time with friends, nurturing a creative hobby, or exercising. Learning how to prioritize is one of the most important lessons to take away from college life. It is a skill you will take with you as you enter in to a work environment, and even beyond that.

Hard Work Really Does Pay Off

There is nothing you can’t accomplish with a little hard work. When you set a goal for yourself, you are fully capable of making it happen. It may take sleepless nights, blood, sweat, and probably a few tears, but if you work hard enough you’ll accomplish what you set your sights on during your college tenure. It can sometimes be hard to see past the now of a situation, but shifting your mind to see the full picture is what is going to keep you motivated and your head held high. In the end, you’ll be able to take pride in yourself, not only for reaching your destination, but for the journey it took to get there.

Anything is Possible

There are opportunities around every corner while you’re in college. Whether it’s studying abroad for a semester, or landing an internship in the city of your dreams – anything is possible when you are both determined to make it happen and put a carefully laid out plan in place to move towards your goal. College is the one time in your life where you’re main goal is to learn about the world, about yourself, and figure out what will be important to you as you enter the “adult world.”

Put it Into Perspective

Realize that what is important to you now, as a college student, is not likely to be as important to you as you experience new events in your life. If you think something is must-have-can’t-live-without-not-going-to-change-your-mind, then take a minute to read this great post on Quora about “What is the single insight that most changed your life?”. This type of perspective is important to keep in mind. You’ll need to continue to reassess what’s important to you in life as things like career, family, and children enter the picture.

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How to Land a Summer Internship

Spring Break is upon us, which means Summer vacation is coming up quickly! No matter if you’re a freshman or a senior, if you haven’t had an internship yet, there’s no better time than now. Getting a degree is critical, but having experience in your field of study ranks pretty high on the importance scale as well. Internships show future employers that you’ve had real-world experience and also prove that you have put in the effort it takes to seek out, apply and complete an internship. Summer internship can be some of the best experiences of your life, so here are a few tips to assist in your summer internship venture!

Choose a City

There are so many internship opportunities it might be hard to narrow it down! If you’re finding it difficult to sort through options, I suggest choosing a city you would like to live in for a summer. It is a great way to test the waters for some place you’re considering moving to permanently after graduation. Also consider that depending on your area of study, some places might have better opportunities than others. New York is great for finance, advertising, or theater internships. Nashville is where you want to be if you’re thinking about the music industry. Los Angeles is home to numerous internships for film and television. Washington DC is ideal for gaining experience with non-profits or the government. Keep it local, travel to a place you’ve enjoyed before, or try out somewhere new you’ve never been to before but curious to explore. The possibilities really are endless!

Do Your Research

Once you’ve chosen a city, it’s time to do your research. Look at places that have what you’re interested and don’t be afraid to reach out companies that may be a good fit for you. Some companies have internship tabs on their website, while others may not. Regardless, almost everywhere has contact information and it doesn’t hurt to shoot them an email letting them know you’re interested in a summer internship. If you don’t find internships listed on the company’s website, check out Indeed.com. Also, many university’s Career Centers receive solicitations from company’s seeking internships. Making a good connection at your school’s Career Center can go a long way in getting a solid recommendation or first dibs at a new opportunity. If reaching out to a company directly to inquire about internships, send a brief email with your resume. Be more concise in order to be respectful of the HR Manager’s time. And, it is always better to have your resume as a link rather than an attachment. Don’t forget to have your LinkedIn profile filled in completely and highlight skills relevant to the internship you want. This helps build the picture of who you are and how you can contribute to the company you approach.

Don’t be Afraid of Rejection

Sometimes companies really don’t have a spot available, are only looking for particular qualifications, or if it’s with a larger company, can have a lot of applicants. Whatever the reason, if you’re not getting the responses you want, don’t worry! It only takes one yes for you to get that summer internship. So continue to apply know that your yes is right around the corner!

Companies will be impressed by your persistence and dedication. Hard work really does pay off, and that’s something that people will recognize. Once you’ve landed your summer internship, be prepared to treat it like a job and try to soak up as much knowledge as you can. If that means staying a little later, or offering to assist with a new project, putting in the extra effort will benefit you in the long run!

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Spring Break on a Budget

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the winter coats have been packed away. Spring is right around the corner! This means one thing to most college students… Spring Break!  It’s the coveted week off from your second semester where you toss the books on your desk and check out for a glorious 9 days. Can’t afford that overpriced trip to Cancun? Don’t feel like dumping all your cash into a week in Daytona? There are tons of ways to get creative and break away from the typical spring breakers and save yourself some money while you are at it.

Road Trippin’

My favorite Spring Break experience was when 6 of my closest friends and I borrowed a van and took a road trip all over Arizona. The biggest expense of that trip was the plane ticket out West. We were able to a good deal by using kayak.com. We couldn’t wait to check out the vastness of the Grand Canyon and the tranquility of the Red Rocks in Sedona. These National Parks and monuments are free so that will leave you wiggle room for a hotel room or a classy Airbnb. We even camped out a few nights, sleeping under the big western sky. Road trips are a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones and experiencing the unique things that the country has to offer. Don’t forget to make a killer playlist before you leave! Use this map to find a National Park that interests you.

Airbnb

On the note of Airbnb, I have had some great experiences with it. This amazing company can provide you with cute, off-the-beaten-path housing for a minimum cost. Always wanted to sleep in an RV by a lake? No problem. Have you dreamed of a swanky London loft? You got it. The world is your oyster with this amazing app. You can plan an entire European vacation and never step foot in a hotel. Make sure you read the reviews on each listing and start a dialogue with your host. Airbnb does their best to insure the safety of their clients, but it’s always the best idea to use common sense.

Do your homework!

The key to planning any vacation is to DO YOUR RESEARCH! There are so many resources available to those looking to travel on a budget. You can visit Groupon for endless all inclusive travel packages. I have my eye on the 8 day trip to Italy for $700! If you still want to make it to Cancun, here is an amazing deal from Travelzoo for $800. You also may want to check out StudentCity, there are some great deals there for all the usual Spring Break hot spots. Just make sure you do your homework. Look online for discounts and coupons. Read reviews and make sure that your location is right for you.

Staycation?

You may decide to stay in the Big Apple for Spring Break. Luckily, there is an endless amount of activities in New York City to keep you busy during your vacation. This would be a great opportunity for you to check out all the typical tourist attractions that make New York unique. You could spend a day on Gallery Row, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, explore Central Park and visit the museums. There are plenty of concerts and plays and special events. If you need to get out of the city, hop in the car for an hour or two and head up to the mountains for a hike or a camping trip.

When it comes to Spring Break, the world is your oyster. Make sure you take the time to properly plan so you can get the best out of your budget. If you have your whole week organized there should be few financial surprises.

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