Moving Tips for the New College Student

If it’s your first time moving for college, follow these moving tips to help make this important transition as smooth and successful as possible!

Plan Your Move

Figure out your housing arrangements first. Will you be living in a dorm, other on-campus housing or a non-campus sponsored housing facility (apartments)? Each housing arrangement will dictate what items you will need to bring. Most dorms and on-campus housing facilities will already be furnished with the essentials such as a bed, desk, and closet. Check with your housing management to confirm what furniture will be included.

Next, if you are going to have roommates, try and get their contact information before the move. This will let you coordinate moving times, who is bringing what additional furniture (you bring the microwave and your roommate brings a TV) and discuss any special concerns you might have.

Make a checklist, and write down all the items you will be bringing.

The Packing List

If you are staying at a dorm, your space will be limited, so it is important to plan accordingly. Aside from the basics of clothes and toiletry, some items that might come in handy (if your dorm room does not include these already):

• Microwave
• TV/VCR and/or DVD player
• Small refrigerator
• Phone
• Computer/laptop
• Alarm clock
• Radio/stereo
• Extension cords, power strips, surge protectors
• Laundry items (basket/bag/pop up hamper, detergent, clothes rack, quarters, hangers)
• Shower related items (towels, shower caddy, flip flops, robe)
• Bed linens/sheets
• Desk lamp
• Trash can
• Mounting items (tape, putty, squares) for your decorations
• Space saving items (bed risers, over the door hooks)
• Medication, first aid kit
• Dry-erase board or cork board
• A small set of multifunctional tools
• Plastic plates and utensils

The biggest part of starting your new college life is adjusting to transition- from living at home to being on your own,  from hanging out with old friends to meeting new friends, from high school life to college life, and even to living in a new location. Items that you can bring to help with the transition and personalize your dorm room:

• Photos
• Hobbies (guitar, bike, game consoles, music/DVD collection, etc )
• Posters
• Small trinkets from home
• Plants (bamboo or cacti do well in small, indoor spaces and require little maintenance)

Be sure to get a list from your housing department of items you cannot bring. Usually these include space heaters, candles, weapons, pets, air conditioning, etc.

Pack, Label, Move

Tips for the actual move:

1. Pack early. Pack the items first that you do not use very often, but are still necessary. As the move date gets closer, pack boxes accordingly.
2. Label the boxes by room or content. As you unload, it will be easier to place each box in the corresponding room.
3. Ask for moving help from your friends or family in advance.
4. Bring a handtruck and bungee cords for easy transportation (especially if you have a lot of ground to cover from the parking lot to your new residence).
5. Small boxes should hold heavy items while larger boxes should hold lighter items.
6. Don’t forget your tool kit should you need to set up furniture.

Moving away to college can be hectic, but with the right organization tips, it might make it a little less stressful.