6 Tips for a Smooth College Move-In Day
Looking back on my first move-in day at The Ohio State University, I remember all the excitement my family, new roommate, and I felt! However, it was also a day filled with a lot of hard work and planning. Not to worry, though— your experienced friend at The Dorm List is here to provide all the advice you need to make your move-in day as smooth as possible! Check out my list of tips for your college move-in day below.
Plan Ahead
Start preparing for move-in day at least four to six weeks in advance to ease some of the stress of college move-in day. This will allow you plenty of time to become familiar with your college’s move-in process, find the layout of your room online, and figure out what dorm items you need to pack. For an easy and convenient tool to make a checklist of all your dorm room essentials, I recommend checking out The Dorm List mobile app!
Coordinate with Your Roommate
If you can get in touch with your roommate ahead of moving day, reach out and discuss your move-in plans together. Coordinate dates and times, meeting spots, packing techniques, and who will be bringing what shared dorm items. Before moving into my freshman dorm, I created a group message with my roommate, her mother, my mother, and myself to share our packing lists and dorm essentials. Our communication in this group decreased our stress levels and ensured we would both have the items we needed for our dorm room!
Pack Strategically
Efficiently packing your college dorm essentials is one of the best ways to guarantee an easy and stress-free move-in day! Pack your clothing in suitcases and other belongings in labeled boxes or bins, making it easier to find what you need when you’re unpacking. These suitcases and bins can also be stored away under a lofted bed or inside a closet until needed for later use, like packing for winter break or moving out of your dorm.
Arrive on Time
Every college campus is different, but most have structured move-in day plans unique to each dorm. Therefore, it’s important to arrive at your dorm on time to ensure the process runs smoothly for you and others around you. At Ohio State, each student must schedule a move-in time prior to the first week of classes, so remember to check your emails or your college’s online resources to make sure you don’t miss any important instructions from your dorm!
Dress Comfortably
One of my most vivid memories of moving into my first college dorm room was the large amount of walking, kneeling, and carrying heavy items in the heat of Ohio August. Make sure you dress for physical activity and according to the weather report! I recommend wearing supportive athletic shoes, non-restrictive clothing, and layers in case of changing temperatures. As long as you are comfortable, the workload of college move-in day will feel much lighter for you and your loved ones.
Get to Know Your Dorm
After you’ve unpacked all of your dorm items, take a walk around to get a feel for your environment. After all, your dorm will be your home for the entire school year! I recommend searching for all the important common areas, such as the bathroom, laundry room, trash disposal area, and study spaces. Becoming familiar with your dorm will encourage confidence in your living situation and help you feel more comfortable overall. Plus, you may even meet a new friend while you explore!
Happy Moving with The Dorm List
The idea of moving into a new space as a first-year college student can be overwhelming to many. This is a very common feeling, but we at The Dorm List are here to ensure that it's possible to have a fun and efficient college move-in day! By following the tips above, you’ll be ready to master move-in day and start your college career on a high note.
Need any more tips on navigating life as a first-year college student? Check out more from The Dorm List! And, check out The Dorm List Mobile App! Get the annual subscription or try the freemium version to get started. www.thedormlist.com
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