August 21, 2019  

5 Tips for Moving Into a College Dorm

Whether you’re moving to college for the first time or returning for another year, we know it can be an exciting yet stressful process. Fo...

Whether you’re moving to college for the first time or returning for another year, we know it can be an exciting yet stressful process. Fortunately, we’re here to help make the experience an easy one. Moving into a college dorm room often comes with a long list of packing to-dos. Not to mention, every college has its own rules and requirements regarding the move-in and move-out process. While much of the overall moving experience will be affected by your college’s moving policies, there are several things you can do to make the process run more smoothly. These 10 tips will help ensure that your college move starts off on the right foot. Best of luck and happy moving! 

Helpful Tips When Moving to College

1. Obtain a list of needs from the college and pack accordingly
   Before the school year begins, colleges should provide all students who are moving into student housing with a checklist of necessary items to bring. In addition, the college should provide you with a list of items that are already in the dorm room to prevent you from over packing. For instance, dorm rooms typically come furnished with a bed, mattress, dresser, desk and chair. Oftentimes, a dorm room also comes furnished with a mini-fridge and bookshelf. The college should send around a list of specific items that you’ll need such as twin sheets (many dorm room beds require extra long twin sheets), laundry essentials, bathroom essentials and more. For a look at what to bring when moving into a college dorm room, check here.
2. Contact your roommate to discuss who will bring what
   Haven’t met your future roomie? The college should provide you with the roommate’s contact information. You may want to reach out before the move to establish who is bringing what. Not only will this help lighten your load, but it will also make the moving experience easier overall. For instance, both of you do not need to bring kitchen supplies and utensils. Contacting your roommate before the move is also a good idea if you want to coordinate décor and furnishings. For instance, one of you brings a floor lamp while the other brings a set of curtains.
3. Read over the college’s Housing and Residence Life guidelines
   Your college should provide you with plenty of details about how to move into your college dorm as well as what to expect on moving day. Important guidelines may include when and where to check in on move-in day, how to register, where to park, who to ask for assistance, etc. The college’s Housing and Residence Life guidelines may also provide you with a list of forms to bring and/or sign once you move in.
4. Bring a toolkit with you
   From hanging curtains and assembling furniture to fixing loose screws and placing art on the walls, you’re going to need tools to help you fix and build things in your college dorm room. In addition to being absolutely essential on move-in day, this toolkit will prove handy throughout the entire school year. Make sure to purchase a small toolkit that fits easily under your bed. The toolkit should come outfitted with all basic tools as well as picture hanging hardware.
5. Dress appropriately
   Move-in day is not the time for high heels and tight clothing. Trust us when we say that you will want to be comfortable when walking up and down multiple flights of stairs, lifting heavy boxes and assembling dorm room items. We recommend sticking with comfortable shoes (preferably sneakers), socks and lightweight clothing to avoid overheating. Dressing for an active move will not only increase your efficiency, but also your level of comfort throughout the day.