What to Expect on your College Move-In Day

College move-in day is officially here, and it is a crazy time! This is an uncertain time for most college kids, filled with boxes, endless dorm shopping, teary goodbyes, and new beginnings. It’s just the beginning of your newfound independence and the life most of us have been eagerly awaiting since we were 12. You get to meet new people, decorate a whole new room, participate in all sorts of activities as a new student, and more! This is an exciting time, and hopefully the guide below will ease your nerves and make the moving in process just a little bit easier.

ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN

This is where the nerves start to kick in: you walk into your new dorm building for the first time and head to the desk  to check in. Upon your arrival, they will hand you the keys to your dorm, maybe have you sign a few forms, and give you the 411 on how move-in day works. Then they will typically point you in the direction of some carts or dollies to make moving in heavier boxes and bigger items that much easier. Be sure to arrive at the time you have selected. Arriving later than you should might slow things down for the people working at the check-in desk. If you do have a roommate for the fall and you are able to contact them, be sure to set up staggered times for both of your families to be in the dorms and unpack in peace without too much stuffiness.

UNLOADING

After checking in, it is now up to you and your family to unload your belongings into your dorm. Some buildings will have volunteers and other staff members to help you out, but many don’t. So prepare for a long and tiring day of heavy lifting and running around. The best way to do this is to get a cart or dolly to move things around on, and while waiting for those, move in smaller items such as clothes or decorations that do not require much effort. Once you are able to get a cart, move in your bigger items. Do this slowly and have someone in the dorm to unpack and set up as more items are brought inside. Once everything is inside, designate your family members into unpacking what you need them to, and do what you can with their help. Your family won’t be sticking around all day, so do the harder things like setting up your mattress topper and bed sheets or putting together furniture while they are still there. You can do all the rearranging, reorganizing, and redecorating once they head out and you have the space to yourself.

ORIENTATION

Once you are finally settled in, most colleges organize all sorts of exciting activities and events for the first week of school or the days leading up to it. If you are a freshman, you are likely going to participate in all sorts of freshman orientation activities and games to get to know the people in your class and to get a better feel for your campus! Your RA (residential advisor) for your dorm floor will also organize activities to allow them to meet you and everyone else on your floor. They are students just like you, only a few years older, and are great for providing guidance and help during those early transition days.

EXPLORE CAMPUS AND YOUR DORM

Once you’ve said your goodbyes to mom and dad, take some time to explore the campus. After all, this is your new home for the next four years. Get familiar with the locations of the major dining halls, libraries, and student spaces. Walk your schedule a day or so before classes start so you know exactly where to head to on the day of, and you won’t be walking around like a flustered freshman! Participate in whatever pre-school activities they host to get a good feel for what your life will be looking like for the next few years.

THE ADJUSTMENT PERIOD

Lastly, after all is said and done, college move-in day is not just a single day, but a whole era in your life that marks a major transition. It is completely normal to feel excited and nervous and scared all at the same time. Give yourself some time to adjust, and seek support from friends, your roommate, your RA, and anyone else around to lend you a helping hand! Remember that you are not alone, and most of the people around you are going through the exact same transitions and the exact same changes, and it is scary for everyone!