Jack Gentul, dean of student services at NJIT says that organizing a room well at the start of a new school year is always a good way to insure that you’ll  get off to a good start. “We haven't done a formal study on the subject, but I believe that the less time a student takes to find an item, the more time he has to work on academics and enjoy a social life.”

Gentul suggests the following ten tips for organizing a new residence hall room to ensure a productive academic year:

• Send all boxes home once you have unpacked.

• Bring crates (found in home stores like Linens 'n Things) to stack for extra storage.

• Purchase closet organizers—shoe racks, extra shelves, etc.

• Do not bring everything with you when you arrive in August. Leave home non-seasonal clothing. Pick up seasonal items during a visit home.

• Raise your bed (most beds are capable of adjusting) to store items underneath.

• Bunk the beds.

• Throw out garbage daily.

• Put the bureau or dresser in the closet.

• Use a laundry bag and clean dirty clothing weekly.

• Pick up clothing, file papers and sort mail daily.