Flickr user Nathan O’Nions
The week before your first year at college can be extremely stressful. After all, it’s a life changing move! On top of that, you have plenty to do before you’re ready for your move-in day. Here are a few things you should be doing the week prior to heading to your new college.
Read the College’s Move In Policies
Every college has different move in policies, which are usually displayed on their website. A major must know is parking. Specific areas of the campus may be designated solely for freshman, their families, and their welcome to campus. Your school may also require you be ready and moved in by a certain time. On the other hand, you don’t want to show up too early and be stuck waiting outside.
The website will also give you the opportunity to check for banned items and make sure you’re leaving those at home.
Whittle Down Your Packing List
You probably have a ton of items you want to bring to your dorm room. Remember though, space isn’t infinite. Many dorm rooms are small and give you just enough space to be comfortable. Most likely, you will also have a roommate. You’ll want to pack accordingly.
If you want to bring your Playstation and Xbox, you might want to consider bringing only one. Will your desk really have the room? And will you have the time to play both on top of classes, studying, and homework? Try thinking about what you’ll have time for and what matters to you when you create a packing list, especially when it comes to free time.
After you finished making the packing list, work your way down and check off the necessities. Strike out the items you can live without. If you go to school close to your parents, you can always pick up items you decide you need down the road! Over the year, you will learn exactly what items you need most, what things you didn’t really use, and what you missed.
Start Packing the Week Before
There’s no doubt, even with the necessities, you’ll have a lot to pack! You don’t want to let it all sit until last minute. Start packing up the things you won’t need over the next week, such as your books, school supplies, and extra sheets, blankets, and other bedding.
As it gets closer to the move in date, keep up with it. This way, you’ll have very little to pack the night before or the next day. You don’t want to be scrambling to get out the door or be worrying you forgot something! Refer to your list and check items off as you pack them.
Leaving packing or checking the college’s moving policies should never wait until last minute. Doing so can be a recipe for disaster and leave you and your family stressed. Taking care of things ahead of time can help ensure you have smooth sailing to the start of your college career.
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