We’re closing in on the last weeks of Summer, and that means one thing: move-in day is just around the corner.
Students are getting their things packed up and ready to go, and it’s about time to get situated for another fantastic semester.
But before you get excited, here are 10 important tips to get ahead of the move-in game and guide you through your first week:
1. Get to campus early
When move-in day finally arrives, the best thing to do is get started early. Students tend to move in the afternoon, so the earlier you can get moved in, the easier it will be.
Housing & Residence Life states that the busiest moving times are between 9am-1pm. After all, the residence halls only have so many carts, and if you have a lot of stuff to move in, you’ll probably need one.
Aim for the 9am slot for an easier move. Also, there will be Welcome Crew volunteers in purple T-shirts to help with parking, checking into your room and moving your stuff. Don’t be shy, and ask for help if you need it!
Janae Mann ’20
2. Find your room first
When you arrive to your assigned residence hall, the first thing to do is get your keys and go check out your new room.
This way, you can figure out how to maneuver everything to the room, and where the best place to put things will be. Also, there’s a chance your roommate may also have already moved in, which means there’s someone who can help you with your things.
Housing & Residence Life suggests allowing at least two hours to check in your room and get settled.
Janae Mann ’20
3. As tiring as it sounds, carry the larger things to your room first
Always bring the big things up first. Fridges, futons, furniture, TVs, and other large items should go up before any of the small stuff, like clothes or posters.
This lets you lay out the room how you want it from the get go, and then, as you move the small things in, you can get everything organized at a steady rate.
Speaking of large things, before you start packing your room full of your belongings, you and your roommate should assemble your lofts/organize your beds first! That always helps to get that done and out of the way.
Janae Mann ’20
4. Decorate
After you’ve organized and put away the bulk of your things, decorate your room a bit and make it feel like yours! You’re going to be living there for the next two semesters, so you’ll want to feel comfortable.
What better way to get your comfy on than making the room feel like your own?
Movie posters are great, as are pictures of friends and small trinkets. Anything that gives the room some personality is a good thing to add.
Janae Mann ’20
5. Socialize
Now that you’ve got your room feeling like yours, and not like an unfamiliar dorm room, it’s time to meet the people you’ll be seeing every day for the next 8 months.
Walk around your floor and see who’s moved in, strike up some conversation, hang out in each other’s newly-decorated rooms. If anyone needs help moving in or organizing stuff, offer some assistance.
Starting some friendships early will only make the semester that much easier.
Janae Mann 20
6. Sort out your schedule
When you get a break from all the socializing, it’s time to sort out your schedule. Log in with your StarID to find your personalized Orientation Week schedule so you don’t miss anything. Then, check out your class schedule on eServices and go find the academic buildings where your classes will be held.
Figure out when you’ll have to be, where you’ll have to be and how long you’ll have to get to your classes. Don’t forget to pencil in some down time, because the first few weeks are a doozy.
Janae Mann ’20
7. Explore
This is my favorite part. Get out of that room of yours and go outside! Take this chance to walk around campus and find where all your classes will be the following week, and figure out how long it takes you to go from your dorm to each building.
This way, you can easily get from place to place with no worries about being late to anything. Also, floating around the campus lets you get a lay of the land and opens up possibilities for meeting some new people. All of the activities planned during Welcome Week will also help you get out and about!
Janae Mann ’20
8. Eat
Don’t forget to find some time to eat while you’re moving in. The cafeteria is open for dinner on move-in day, so if you have a meal plan, feel free to use it!
There are also plenty of really good restaurants around town, especially if you like burritos. Also, don’t be afraid to invite people you meet during move-in day to eat with you! Nothing is better than bonding over food.
Janae Mann ’20
9. Head back to your room for relaxation
End the day back at your room for some nice end-of-day chilling. See what everyone on your floor is up to, and maybe take some time to hang out with new friends.
Movies and videos games are always good choices for relaxation.
Just don’t forget to leave your door open while you’re there. An open door policy is a great way to start some conversation with people walking by, and trying to be social is always the best idea.
Emily Becker ’21
10. Sleep
Get some rest! Your room is comfortable, all your things have been moved in, you’ve met some new peeps…all that’s left is to break in the new bed.
So get some sleep, and get ready for a week full of activities and a great fall semester!
Emily Becker ’21
Updated by Janae Mann on Aug 19, 2019