I know for a fact that move-in day is a hectic, bittersweet, overwhelming day. Between trying to arrange your furniture in a way that everything fits nicely with a "feng shui," and saying goodbye to your loved ones, there is so much going on. Trust me, I know... I literally did this last week.
1. Take a small entourage
The thought of having a lot of people in your tiny dorm can be stressful, but there are benefits to having a few people helping you move in. I had my mom and my aunt helping move furniture where we planned it, and then my dad, my sister, and I were carrying stuff in from the car. This way we were moving everything in, but still getting things organized. Having a room layout in mind is also SUPER helpful.
2. Take advantage of your football players
Most colleges have the football players help move furniture and large items up and down the stairs. If you can't lift it, please ask for help. They are literally only there to help you, and what's better than organizing while a football player carries all of your stuff for you.
3. Make sure everything in your dorm is functioning
The college/university has lots of things to worry about and sometime the little details in dorms get pushed to the side. Make sure that all of your outlets and lights work, check that your drawers open properly and that your door unlocks and locks. Make a note of everything that doesn't work properly; otherwise there is a chance you'll get charged for it. Go tell your resident adviser (RA) about the problems or submit them online to a dorm help section of the website.
4. Move your beds first
You have lots of things coming7. into your room, but the largest pieces of furniture are the beds. Once those are where you want them, everything will start to fall into place.
5. Organize your own personal space
Dorms are small, and there is a lot of space that you will have to share with your roommates, but make sure you both have your own spaces as well. Not everyone wants to spend every second and every inch of space with each other.
6. Meet your RA
Once you get settled and things are starting to calm down, go introduce yourself to your RA. They are there to help you through your freshman year, and it's important that they can put a face with a name. It would be kind of weird if you walked into their room one day crying about being homesick and they said "Umm, are you in this hall?"
7. Leave your door open
So many people will be circling about your hall, getting everything settled and by keeping your door open, you look more social. You also give people access to see your super cute dorm that you just decorated. Most times they will stop in and compliment your design, and then you've just made friends with your neighbors.
There are obviously so many more secrets to moving-in than this, but this is just what I found the most helpful. For moving into my first dorm room, and utilizing these tips, I have already met so many people and have most of my belongings organized.
