Tips for Move-In Day

It’s almost time to welcome incoming students to campus! We know how excited you likely are to move in and officially start your college career. You may also feel a little nervous about this new beginning and that’s perfectly normal. In today’s blog, we go over some tips for Move-In Day, which will hopefully reduce some stress and prepare you for the big day.

Before You Arrive:

• Eat breakfast. Everyone may be nervous about the big day, but moving in is a big process, which 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 in the first-floor parlor of their assigned residence hall.

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.

During Move-In:

• Drink plenty of water. Here in Raleigh, it is usually hot on Move-In Day. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water because you could be on the verge of dehydration by that point. There’ll be water available at the check-in tents at each residence hall.
• Move-In Day is Saturday, August 17, and Orientation begins on the same day. These sessions are important, so be aware of when events begin.
• For families: Enjoy this day with your student! Although it may be difficult to leave at the end of the day, know that your student’s college journey has started and that they are in good hands to start the year off right.