5 things to do before you move into college

Move-in day is one of those experiences that can either feel exciting or completely overwhelming. The difference usually comes down to how prepared you are before you show up. Here are five things to knock out before you load up the car.

1. Slide into your roommate’s DMs

Seriously — do not wait until move-in day to meet your roommate for the first time. Most schools release roommate assignments weeks before move-in, and that is your cue to reach out.

• A quick message on Instagram or a text introducing yourself goes a long way.
• Figure out who is bringing what — you probably do not need two mini fridges, two televisions or two sets of Command strips.
• Coordinate the big stuff early and save yourself the awkward “so who’s keeping this” conversation on move-in day.

Getting to know your roommate before you share a room or apartment with them makes the whole transition easier. Starting the conversation early gives you both a head start.

2. Make a packing list

The urge to pack everything you own is real. Resist it.

• Before you start throwing things into boxes, make a list of what you actually need. Clothes for the season, bedding, toiletries, school supplies, a shower caddy and your laptop will get you through the first few weeks. Everything else can wait until you know what your space actually needs.
• UTC students should check the housing website for any prohibited items before you pack. Some residence halls do not allow candles, certain appliances or extra furniture.

A good rule of thumb: if you are not sure whether you need it, you probably do not. You can always have someone bring things later or order what you need once you are settled.

3. Finish your paperwork

This is the least fun item on the list and also the most important. Before move-in day, log into your student portal and make sure everything is complete:

• Immunization records
• Housing contracts
• Financial aid verification
• Emergency contact forms
• Anything else your school requires

Missing paperwork can hold up your check-in, delay your financial aid refund or create headaches with housing.

Set aside an hour before move-in week to go through your email, check your student portal notifications and confirm that everything on your school’s pre-arrival checklist is done. If something is missing or unclear, call the relevant office now — not the week of move-in when everyone else is calling too.

4. Read your move-in instructions

Your school sent you move-in instructions. Read them.

• Move-in day logistics are more involved than most people expect.
• Schools typically assign specific move-in time windows, designated parking areas, designated unloading zones and specific elevator schedules for multi-story residence halls.
• Know your assigned move-in time, where to park, where to check in, what you will receive when you get there and how long you have to unload.
• If your school uses a specific entrance or has a one-way traffic system on move-in day, know that too.

The students who read their instructions are in and out in a couple of hours. The ones who did not are circling the parking lot or waiting at their locked apartment with no key and a truckload of boxes.

5. Map out campus

You’ll get to know campus more every week, but you can get a solid head start before move-in day.

• Pull up your course schedule and find every building where your classes meet. Figure out how long it takes to walk between them, especially if you have back-to-back classes in different parts of campus.
• Find the spots you will actually use: the dining hall, the library, the student health center, the gym, the financial aid office and wherever your academic advisor is located.

Most campuses have a virtual map or a campus tour on their website. Spend 20 minutes with it before you arrive and you will feel a whole lot more confident on day one.

The bottom line

Move-in day is going to be a lot — there is no way around it. If you connect with your roommate, pack smart, complete your paperwork, read your instructions and map your campus before you get there, you’ll hit the ground running instead of playing catch-up.

You’ve got this.