Freshman move-in (or really just move in day in general) can be a hard adjustment for anyone, especially someone who is moving away from home for the first time. While you're getting ready to start a whole new journey, the grueling process of moving your old things into your new life begins. While you're unpacking and freaking out about forgetting things, just know that if anything, you probably brought one thing too many and that everything is going to be just fine... And that most of the people living in your hall are repeating this same dialogue in their head.
1. Did I over pack?
This is probably going to be the number one concern for everyone on move-in day. Bringing in trunk loads of stuff and comparing it to what everyone else is carrying in causes an unnecessary panic attack. You will fit everything.
2. I'm so far away from everything.
Usually seeing your class schedule and then knowing you're going to endure a miserable walk to class (i.e. Cannon Hall to everywhere) causes some major strife that literally nothing but a nap will fix.
3. Are the volunteer movers going to hate me?
With as many heavy articles as some people bring, I promise they have seen worse and are only trying to be helpful to you and get you in and out as quick as possible.
4. Oh god, how am I going to make friends here?
One of the hardest parts about dorm life is accepting and getting to know other people and their weird living styles. You will adjust and end up loving the people you live with... Or just spending your time somewhere else.
5. There's no air-conditioning.
Most dorms won't have air and the struggle will be so real. Just know that Boone gets cold and you won't even remember that you ever wished for air!
6. I'm terrified of starting over.
Living away from home, friends and family is a tough venture at first that starts out with a lot of tears but ends in happy reunion. Your family is going to be upset and your life is going to change completely, but only in the best possible way.
7. I'm exhausted.
Between moving furniture around, getting stuff dragged out of boxes, and having to hang things up just for them to fall back down again, it takes a certain amount of patience. Being ready to except the fact move-in day is usually draining is just preparing you for the worst.
8. Will I like my roommate?
For us who don't know our roommates, it can be pretty awkward to meet someone for the first time and have to introduce ourselves to the person we're already agreed to live with for a year... Especially if you're not good at remembering names.
9. I look terrible.
This one really doesn't matter much, but it kind of runs through our head. Sweats and gym shorts for life, because let's just accept the reality that this soon will become attire for not just a day but rather daily.
10. How does one "adult?"
Honestly, all these new found responsibilities can be pretty overwhelming. Trying to stay calm all while simultaneously thinking about the fact you're finally on your own and have to take care of yourself completely is a hard thing to do at first. Like, where are your parents when you need them?
11. I'm going to love it here.
Like they say, college is going to be some of the best years of your life. Open yourself up to the challenge and get excited, this is only day one!
So despite all the trials and tribulations of move-in day, you'll begin to discover that college is a step up from anything you could have ever experienced in high school. There are so many great opportunities awaiting you, and getting settled in almost makes it impossible for you to want to leave. So get comfy with your hall-mates, and begin to have the best four years of your life! Syllabus week is an excuse to just let loose and get to know everyone before classes start.
