Ah move in day. The most exciting and nerve-wracking day for any freshman’s life. Move in day comes with so many emotions and even a few tears. I’ve done move in day twice and believe me, they both went pretty smooth. We figured out exactly how we were going to move in and went from there. Take it from someone who has moved in twice, there is a way that move in day can be a piece of cake. Now if you are an athlete, band member, or anything that requires early move in, you are already lucky. Moving in early is one of the best things! Not only do you have the whole building to yourself, but you don’t have to wait for the elevator or furniture carts! 

 

Move in Early (if you can)

If you can move in early, PLEASE DO. I moved in a day early and it helped so much. You usually have to pay for however many extra days you are in the dorm, but it is so worth it. Moving in a day early allowed us access to furniture carts and so many other things. We didn’t have to worry about being in the way of others and people being in the way of us. We moved everything inside on the first day and then spent the night in a hotel, we then went and finished putting up pictures and the last minute touches. We then were able to walk around campus for a little bit and say goodbye. The only downside to moving in early is it can cost you a bit extra. I moved in a day early and I think it was $120. They charge it to your student account so you don’t have to worry about paying it that day. If you can move in a day or two early DO IT. So tip #1: If you can move in early, please do!

 

Move Large Furniture in First

Most of the large furniture is already inside (like beds and dressers) but bring in your extra furniture in first. Many people bring futons or a lounge chair, so bring those in and assemble them first before you bring in your comforters and pictures. I had a white lounge chair, a side table, a mini fridge, and my storage containers. If you have those, move the biggest things in first, and then go smaller. Before however you move in the furniture. Get your bed the height you want and where you want it. Plan out your furniture location when you get there. It will save you so much time and energy. To wrap it up tip #2: Plan your furniture arrangement and move large stuff in first!

 

Disinfect and Clean Your Room

In tandem with my last tip, before you move in your furniture, clean and disinfect your room. I have heard from previous RA’s that they clean when you move out and that’s it. Do you know how much dust and bacteria can set in the course of 3 months in an untouched room? Surprisingly a lot. Before we moved in we cleaned the furniture and mattress as well as the bathroom and windows. Make sure to bring a multipurpose cleaner, a window cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and lysol wipes. Not only will your room smell delicious, but be sparkling too. Tip #3: Clean your room BEFORE moving everything in.

 

Pack Things in Your Storage Containers to Save Time and Space

My mom thought of this idea when we were packing, and it saved us so much time and space. We packed my bedding in one unit and snacks and random stuff in one bin. When we moved in, all we had to do was bring in those two storage containers and a lot of the stuff I had was done then. When you pack stuff also remember to take off all packaging to items that don’t need them. You will save SO MUCH SPACE. Sooooo, Tip #4: Pack Things Into Storage Containers.

 

Wear Comfortable and Practical Clothes for Move in Day

Since move in day is usually in middle to late August, it can get HOT! I understand you may want to look cute and impress your new friends, but you may regret doing so. Now there are ways to look comfy and cute, with sporty looks like running shorts, a cute tee and a hat, but once you move in feel free to get cute. If you took any of my tips from above, you aren’t going to want to carry heavy furniture or dust in your cute clothes, so Tip #5: Wear Practical Clothes While Moving, You can Look Cute After!

 

Bring Snacks and Beverages

Unless you plan on eating at one of the dining halls with your family, bring some snacks. You will get hungry and want to take breaks. I had 6 people with my on move in day so it didn’t take long at all, but we still wanted something to drink. Many people won’t have 6 people with them, and it will more than likely just be your mom and dad and maybe your siblings. So pack a few sandwiches, some water and you will be good to go. Some families reward themselves with a last night together dinner out (like we did), and that is a-ok too. You may be so excited, but believe it or not, you will miss your family. So Tip #6: Bring Snacks and Beverages, You Won’t Regret it! Plus if you don’t eat them that day, you can have a sandwich the next day in your dorm.

 

THESE LAST TWO TIPS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ONES SO YOU BETTER LISTEN UP!!!

 

Arrive Early on Move in Day

If you aren’t moving in a day or two early, this is one of the best pieces of advice I can give you. At UND we have over 15,000 students, and about 5-8 thousand stay on campus in some way. Whether you are moving into a dorm, greek housing, university apartments, or any other living situation, GET THERE AS SOON AS THEY OPEN. So many people will have the same idea as you so the earlier you leave the better. One of my friends got to campus at 6 AM and had breakfast, so they would be one of the first ones in the dorm. This point ties into my first point. If you move in right away in the morning you can get carts, elevators, hallways, and stairs to yourself. Have you ever been in a dorm where 10 families are all trying to bring futons up the stairs? It’s a nightmare. As I said previously I moved in a day early and it was wonderful! By moving in a day early I had everything done except for hanging pictures. By moving in a day early, I also was able to go to Target without an onslaught of people trying to wheel around me. So Tip #8: Arrive As Early as Possible on Move in Day. Now this last tip, is the most important of all.

 

Let Your Parents Help You Move In

You may be saying that this is obvious but let me explain. When I moved into my dorm, it was the first time I have ever moved, EVER. I was so nervous and excited and had so many different emotions. This day can be a bit nerve wracking for your parents as well. They may joke about how excited they are for you to finally leave their house, but if your parents are anything like mine. They will miss you. They are just as excited and nervous as you are. 18 years of watching you grow and learn, all in the hopes of becoming a good human. I had my mom and dad, my little sister, my older brother and his wife, and my nephew there. I was so happy to be surrounded by family during one of the most important days of my life. My family made the transition so easy for me, and I was also able to bring some stuff from home to make it feel more like home. I mean, I am living here for the next 9 months! I remember the relief of getting all the furniture in, getting my key and seeing my room. We got everything in in one day, it was an amazing feeling. All we had left to do was last minute touches. I remember my mom asking me if I wanted to stay at my dorm for the first night, and then they would come by in the morning. I really pondered on it and decided I would go back to the hotel with them. I am so glad I did that. Not only was I able to spend time with my family but I went with my brother and sister to the mall to see what was there and also drove around for a bit, just to discover the town. I remember trying to sleep that night, and I couldn’t sleep a wink. The next day we went to my dorm to hand pictures. My mom helped me with that and my dad made sure everything was safe. Today was the first day of my new life. It didn’t hit me until that moment. I remember taking pictures in my dorm with everyone and it was wonderful. My dad asked me if there was anything else we needed or if I wanted my fridge there for sure. I know he was asking just because he was concerned. My mom made sure my pictures were level and that everything looked great. If anyone knows me, I have a super close relationship to my mom and I almost cried taking a picture with her. See that little unicorn on the nightstand in my dorm? My sister surprised me with that the day I moved in. (she was 9 or 10 when I moved in). That unicorn was her favorite stuffed animal and she gave it to me so I would never forget her. Now, cue the waterworks. When we went and toured the first time, we stopped at the mall and I got us these sister necklaces. I gave that to her right after and told her to grab it if she missed me and I would feel it. Oh man, the water works are coming again right now. I saw my dad cry and my mom started to cry and of man I knew I was going to miss them. We said our goodbyes and then I wandered around campus for a bit. I felt lost but I found all my classes. I remember the first night there. Knowing my mom wouldn’t kiss me goodnight, and my little sister wouldn’t annoy me. It was just silence. A calming silence. If you are a freshman reading this, I promise it gets better and you are about to have the time of your life. Mom and dad if you’re reading this, I miss you! I can’t wait to come home! Now that I am done on my tangent the last tip, Tip #8: Let Your Parents Help You Move In. You will not regret it. 
I hope these tips have helped you in some way and I know that you will have a wonderful time! We are 10 days from starting school so hold your family tight and tell them you love them. I will be posting everyday up until the end of the first week of school. Are you ready and packed? Need some advice? Feel free to email me sunshineandseasoning@gmail.com or send me a message on instagram @sunshineandseasoning. Thanks for reading everyone, and I will see you tomorrow.