Tips to Reduce College Move-In Day Stress

Move-In Day is an exciting day that can also be stressful for first-year college students and their families. Meredith College Director of Residence Life Heidi LeCount offers her top tips to help reduce the stress level on Move-In Day.

• Enjoy the day! First-year student Move-In Day is one of the best days of the year for the residence life staff and for the campus. It’s the beginning of a new year and the campus community is so glad you are here!
• Show your school pride!  It’s delightful to see parents and students wearing Meredith College shirts during move-in.
• Bring a hand truck or something with wheels on it for moving boxes and big items. Even if the college loans hand trucks, there are never enough to go around.
• Know where you’ll be living, both the building and room number. You’ll need this information once you get to campus. Parent/Guardian note: 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 to pick up their keys and complete paperwork. First-year students at Meredith check in in the first floor parlor of their assigned residence hall.
• Pack cleaning supplies on top. No matter how clean the housekeeping staff makes the student’s room, many families like to do a touch-up cleaning before getting everything in the room.
• Label boxes that aren’t see-through. You don’t want to go through a dozen boxes looking for one item.
• Eat breakfast. Everyone may be nervous about the big day, but moving in is a big process, which takes lots of energy.
• Drink plenty of water. In North Carolina, it is always hot during move-in days. Meredith provides a drink station that everyone is encouraged to utilize. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water because you’ll be on the verge of dehydration when you start to feel thirsty.
• Consider bringing an extra set of clothes to change into after unpacking.  Move in day can be hot and going to Orientation sessions in a sweaty shirt may not be ideal.
• Be aware of when activities for the day begin. Orientation begins on move-in day, and it is important that students make it to their sessions. Meredith College Orientation begins at 1 p.m.
• For the parents and families: Enjoy this day with your student. Although it may be difficult to leave at the end of the day, know that your student has started her college journey and is in good hands to start the year off right.

Move-In Day 2017 for incoming freshmen will be held at Meredith on Saturday, August 19 beginning at 8 a.m.

Learn more about Orientation for new students