Tips for Move-In Day

College move-in day is an exciting time, marking the official start of your college journey. But it’s also normal to feel a little nervous about a new beginning. After all, it’s likely the first time you’re living away from home. In today’s blog, we go over some Move-In Day tips to help reduce stress and prepare for the big day.

What to Pack

• Pack the essentials. You’ll want to be sure you have bedding, towels, toiletries, clothing, a shower curtain, and anything else you may need daily. 
• Decorate! Bring rugs, photos, posters, or small house plants to spruce up your room. This space will be your home for the next several months, so you’ll want to add personal touches to make it yours. Before you pack, take time to review our list of what to bring and what to leave at home.

Packing Tips

• Label boxes that aren’t see-through. You don’t want to go through a dozen boxes looking for one item!
• Pack cleaning supplies on top. No matter how clean the housekeeping staff makes your room, many families like to do a touch-up cleaning before unpacking.
• If possible, bring a hand truck or something with wheels on it for moving boxes and big items. Even though the College loans hand trucks, it seems like there are never enough of them to go around.
• Consider packing a smaller, accessible bag for easy-grab items like a change of clothes, a rain jacket, a water bottle, pens, and more. Move-In Day can be hot, and going to Orientation sessions in a sweaty shirt may not be ideal.

Before You Arrive

• Eat breakfast. Everyone may be nervous about the big day, but moving in is a big process that takes lots of energy.
• Show your school pride. Many students and their families wear Meredith College shirts during Move-In, which adds to the fun of the day. Decorating your car to show school spirit is also popular!
• Know where you’ll be living, both the building and room number. You’ll need this information once you get to campus. Your arrival time is also based on your building and floor number. Note for families: Keep a copy of this information at home so you’ll be able to send mail and care packages.
• Pay attention to where students are instructed to pick up their keys and complete paperwork. New students who are living on campus check in at the first-floor parlor of their assigned residence hall.

Lastly, enjoy the day! Although it may be challenging to start a new chapter, know that the Meredith community is here to support you on this day and beyond.