OK, OK! It's one of the biggest days of your life: Move-in day. You're trying your best to contain your excitement but it's just not possible. Ahhh, move-in day. Every freshman's favorite day. The first day you get to experience college life in all of its entirety. How does move in day at Rutgers work exactly? Well, I'm glad you asked.
1. The volunteer move-in team is there for you
Please do not feel embarrassed to ask for help. There's only so much you can do by yourself, which is why the volunteer team is ready to help. Usually, when you arrive at your residence building, the team will be ready for you with red bins. They will put all your stuff in these bins and then take them to your room. If your building was anything like mine (no elevators and on the highest floor), this might take longer than usual. Just pray that your residence situation is nothing like mine.
2. The PAL Building is your best friend
If you have any problem at all with your room or roommate, do not hesitate to go to your PAL (Postal, Administration, and Laundry) Building. They will be available for you if you have any questions at all. You will pick up and drop off your keys at the end of the year here as well.
3. Time to meet your floormates
Once you're all moved in, your RA will direct you to a room for a floor meeting. In this meeting, your RA(s) will introduce him or herself along with go over important rules and guidelines. Please pay attention to these rules because you may need them in the future. Use this meeting as an opportunity to meet your other floormates and others who live in your building.
4. RA? More like your new bestie
Make sure you become familiar with your RA. This is very important. Your RA will help you a lot throughout the semester. If you have any questions or need any advice at all, be sure to contact your RA! They will be your guide through this entire year. Who knows? Maybe you will become really good friends with your RA even after you move out at the end of freshman year.
5. Police at Rutgers
It's very important to turn on notifications from the RUPD or enable text messages from them. If classes are ever canceled due to bad weather or there's been an accident on a busy road, the RUPD will be the first ones to tell you. Your RA will also go over this in your floor meeting on the first day, so be sure to pay special attention.
6. Attend events
Your first week at Rutgers will be full of welcoming events. Be sure to attend as many events as you can because it will be beneficial to you. You'll be able to adjust to the Rutgers lifestyle a lot more quickly and you'll make more friends too. The events are a great way to be more social and also get free stuff! Be sure to attend the Involvement Fair happening this year on September 3rd from 3-6 p.m. on College Ave. You get your first opportunity at signing up for clubs and other activities happening on campus.
7. Welcome to Rutgers! You're going to have the best year ever
I know college seems intimidating but once you get used to it, I promise you're going to have a blast. The first couple of weeks and months will be full of excitement so be sure to enjoy this new experience as much as you can.
