1. Unfortunately, you can’t fit your whole life in your parents’ SUV.
I hate to break it to you, but every little thing you own cannot go with you to college. As stressful as it is, you have to pick and choose what gets to tag along and what gets the cut.
2. Coordinate what to bring for the dorm with your roommate.
I know you may not know him/her yet, but communicating with them about what each of you is bringing to the table is important. This way, you can live on with the comfort of knowing you will have a microwave on days when dining hall food just isn’t working for you. So make the potentially awkward call and don’t wait until August!
3. Check in on move-in day as soon as possible because unpacking and settling in takes longer than you’d think.
You don’t want the stress of making your dorm room feel like home to mix with the stress of starting college classes. To avoid this catastrophe, get to move-in day early and get to work right away. Piles of boxes quickly fill up that tiny new space called home. I know it’s tough and tedious to unpack for hours, but trust me, you’ll be so happy you finished it in one day.
4. Make it homey.
Remember, this little cube is going to be your home for the year. Fill it with familiar things that make you feel comfortable. Some examples are pictures of family and friends, decorations that represent your hometown/state, and cards or letters from loved ones. There’s no place like home, but this will do for the year!
5. Let your parents help you.
It’s hard to know where to start when it comes to moving in. If your parents are the ones driving you to school and they’re kind enough to offer help, accept and appreciate it. Parents know so much more about these “adulthood” and “independence” things than we do. Not that you aren’t capable of hooking up your own TV and cable, but it might be a tad more difficult to do alone.
6. Don’t let the whole thing overwhelm you.
Anxiety levels will be high, and you’ll be eager to know what it’s going to be like here. Don’t let the stress of moving in trump your excitement for this huge, awesome stage of life.
7. Don’t be shy with your hall mates.
Introduce yourself! You’re going to get to know each other really well this year. It’s not unusual to find your college best friends in your freshman hall.
8. Enjoy it.
You’re always going to remember the day you moved in and it was just the start of an unforgettable four years.
