With college move-in day just around the corner, students are carefully mulling over what campus essentials to bring with them and what to leave at home — a few key tips can help make their arrival and transition to residence hall life successful.
Mary Janz, senior director of housing and residence life, says, “If your school allows for an ‘early drop off,’ meaning bring your belongings to your room prior to your scheduled move-in time, take advantage of that. It saves everyone’s nerves on that first day. If mom or dad wants to help you set up your room, let them. It may be as hard for them to leave you as it is for you to leave home.”
Janz shares more tips to make move-in day as smooth as possible.
1. Review all information sent from the university before move-in day
Read any e-mails from the university, check university websites or any physical U.S. mail sent to the students’ home. Information to look for includes names of roommate(s) and contact information, items to bring and items that should stay at home, check-in hours, and other move-in processes.
2. Pack your patience
“Elevator lines may be long, or check-in stations may take time,” Janz says. “Move-in day essentials include your student ID, items for setting up your room, classroom items such as books, computers, notebooks, writing instruments, and pictures from home.”
3. Be organized
The more organized you are, the less likely you will forget important items. It’s also helpful if a bed can be lofted or bunked to create more floor space to store or place items. Be sure to communicate with your roommate(s) about who will bring shared items. That way, students will not have duplicates in the limited space given to them.
4. Preparing your closet
Remember, don’t bring your entire wardrobe. Bring clothes for the current season and during school breaks, bring different seasonal clothes and switch out your dorm room closet. Students should have a mix of workout, casual and a few nicer clothing items to choose from.
5. Absolute must-haves
Be sure to bring a laptop, bedding, towels and sentimental items to make the dorm feel like home. A small refrigerator and/or microwave are handy for small meals or snacks.
6. Toiletries
A list of bathroom and hygiene items that every student should have includes: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, deodorant, hair products, ibuprofen and contact solution, if needed. Most universities only provide handwashing soap in shared residence hall bathrooms.
7. Most forgotten items
It’s easy to forget a few things when packing for college move-in day. Janz says some of the most common forgotten items are an HDMI cable, a surge protector, and Command strips to hang prints and pictures. Many universities do not allow nails in the wall. Also, don’t forget laundry detergent, dryer sheets and a laundry basket.
8. Campus forecast calls for 100% chance of fun
There’s no guarantee that move-in day will be sunny and 70. That’s why it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast for Milwaukee. Be sure to wear weather appropriate clothes and stay hydrated. It’s not unusual for students to feel nervous about leaving home for the first time. Janz recommends students take part in orientation activities, meet their resident assistant and get involved with campus activities.
“Don’t stay in your room,” Janz says. “In no time, your residence hall room will feel like a home away from home.”
About the expert:
Mary Janz is the senior director of housing and residence life at Marquette University, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience in residential learning environments and campus living frameworks since joining the university in 1993. She specializes in fostering student growth in interaction and communication, and developing students’ interpersonal, leadership and problem-solving skills via community engagement.
