Surviving College Move-In Day: A Comprehensive Guide with Checklist

college move-in day
Master college move-in day with our comprehensive guide, tips, checklist, and must-have dorm essentials.

Surviving College Move-In Day: A Comprehensive Guide with Checklist

Published July 2, 2023

Master college move-in day with our comprehensive guide, tips, checklist, and must-have dorm essentials.
college move-in day

Transitioning into college life often involves moving into a new environment, and this shift can be quite daunting for both parents and students. One crucial aspect of this transition is college move-in day, a day filled with excitement, anticipation, and yes, a bit of stress.

To help manage the chaos of this milestone, we’ve compiled a list of college move-in tips and a comprehensive college move-in checklist. But we don’t stop there; we also include must-have college dorm essentials.

Introduction to College Move-In Day: What to Expect 

Unlike the free-for-all most of us experienced, move-in day is now a well-organized affair with assigned arrival times. If your teen receives an afternoon assignment, expect that he’ll have less storage, the lumpier bunk and the desk with the wobbly chair.

Don’t stress. Remember, dorm life is about learning to share space and get along with someone new.

Colleges don’t like parents to stick around. Basically, it’ll take you half a day to unpack the car, shop for forgotten items, get something to eat, stroll around campus, give those hugs and kisses and say goodbye. Then it’s time to start the next phase of all your lives.

Top Things to Bring to College Move-in Day

To help manage the chaos of this milestone, we’ve compiled a list of college move-in tips and a comprehensive college move-in checklist. But we don’t stop there; we also include must-have college dorm essentials and a handy college packing list.

Multi-Tool Set: A College Move-In Checklist Essential

When it comes to your college move-in checklist, never underestimate the power of a multi-tool set. From assembling furniture to opening packages, these versatile tools can come to your rescue. Owning a multi-tool set can save you countless trips to the hardware store, making it an unquestionable addition to your college dorm essentials.

Power Up Your Dorm: The Importance of Power Strips and Extension Cords

With the myriad of gadgets students use today, ensuring there are enough outlets for everyone’s devices is vital. Adding power strips and extension cords to your college packing list will ensure that you’re always powered up and ready to tackle any academic challenge.

 

First Aid Kit: A Must-Have for Your College Packing List

A First Aid kit is another non-negotiable when it comes to college move-in day. Whether it’s a minor cut, a headache, or a sudden cold, a well-stocked first aid kit can be a lifesaver.

 

Beat the Heat: Why a Fan Is a College Dorm Essential”

Depending on the climate of your college town and the cooling system in your dorm, a fan can be an essential item to add to your college packing list. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to ensure comfort during those intense study sessions.

 

Command Hooks and Strips: A Top College Move-In Tip for Easy Organization

Command hooks and strips make decorating and organizing your dorm room a breeze. They leave no residue or damage, ensuring you keep the walls of your college abode in top shape. These space savers are a must-have on any college dorm essentials list.

 

Maintaining Cleanliness: Wipes and Cleaning Supplies for Your College Dorm

Having wipes and cleaning supplies on your college packing list can greatly improve your living conditions. From wiping surfaces to cleaning up spills, these items can help maintain a clean and healthy living environment.

 

Duct Tape: A College Move-In Checklist Staple

Duct tape has countless uses and should be added to your college move-in checklist. Whether it’s for a quick fix or a creative DIY project, this versatile item can often come in handy.

 

Snacks: An Essential Addition to Your College Packing List

Adding a variety of snacks to your college packing list is a great way to stay energized during late-night study sessions. These will also come in handy when you’re too busy to visit the dining hall.

 

Improve Your Sleep with a Mattress Topper: A Key College Dorm Essential

Comfort is key to a good night’s sleep. Adding a mattress topper to your college dorm essentials can greatly improve the comfort of your college-provided mattress, ensuring you wake up refreshed every morning.

 

Shared Bathroom Essentials: Shower Shoes and Caddy for College Move-In Day

Shower shoes and a caddy are essentials for anyone using shared bathrooms. These items can make your showering experience more hygienic and convenient, making them must-adds to your college move-in checklist.

 

Stay Connected: Why a Smartphone Charger Belongs on Your College Packing List”

Don’t forget to pack an extra smartphone charger. It’s easy to lose or forget yours during the chaos of college move-in day, and having a spare ensures that you stay connected.

 

Laundry Bag: A Practical College Dorm Essential

A laundry bag is an essential item for your college move-in checklist. Opt for a sturdy, large bag with dividers to separate light and dark clothes, helping to prevent color bleeding. This practical tool not only simplifies your laundry routine, but also aids in keeping your dorm room tidy by housing dirty clothes.

 
 

Advice About Dorm Shopping and Move-In Day

  • There will always be the minimalists when it comes to dorm shopping. Those of us who decorate and buy in bulk will never convert them. Don’t try.
  • What you buy will depend on whether or not your student has a car on campus, how often they will come home, how much spending money they will have.
  • Do not think your student can buy everything and anything on campus. Yes it might be available on campus but it will cost three times as much. And it might not be there when your student needs it. Last year there was not a single cold medicine to be found on my son’s campus for several weeks. He could have sold his meds at a large profit. School supplies on campus are a joke, unless again you think a paper folder is worth $2. Seriously, go to the dollar store to get these supplies.
  • Do not buy your child something to start using that they don’t already use at home. If they don’t iron their shirts now they usually don’t start in college. Yes. Kids do iron in school. I have two of them.
  • Don’t assume your student is going to have a bunch of friends willing to drive them to the store. Yes they will be able to hitch rides, but it’s really really stressful on them that first month when they don’t have friends yet and no one offers. Make sure they have everything they need for the first month or two.
  • Check the school’s housing page for guidelines before you buy decor. Some schools don’t allow twinkle lights, tapestries, cooking appliances etc.
  • Plan on buying command hooks, but stress to your student do not throw them away. You can inexpensively buy refill packs of adhesive. Also, pack rubbing alcohol for putting them up. It really helps.
  • Please pack cold medicine. No one wants to go to store when they are sick. Seriously. I often hear parents suggest students can order this on Amazon, but have you looked at those prices? I went into sticker shock when my daughter ran out. Also, who wants to feel like crap for two days waiting for your Amazon package (even if it ships Prime).
  • Speaking of Amazon Prime, my kids did not get packages every day. Prime ensures that it gets to campus in 2 days by 8pm. It could be one to two additional days before it actually gets to your student!
  • If you plan on just buying items when you get to campus and your student is moving in during regular freshman move-in, make sure you have time. My daughter only had 3 hours to move in before she started orientation. If there are stores close by, they are usually packed during move-in day. So beware.

Good luck moving your child to college and remember, most of all, to enjoy the ride.

Other Articles You Might Like:

College Dorm Checklist: Full List and Advice for Parents of Incoming Freshmen

A Practical Packing List of Things to Bring to College

Supporting College Student Mental Health

 

CONNECT WITH OTHER PARENTS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE

JOIN ONE OF OUR FACEBOOK GROUPS:

PAYING FOR COLLEGE 101

HOW TO FIND MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

In this article:

Upcoming Events

Similar Articles for You

Parents Share The Ugly Truth of College Waitlists—And How To Handle It

Advice

Parents Share The Ugly Truth of College Waitlists—And How To Handle It

Ugh, the dreaded waitlist. If there’s one thing that drives students and parents crazy, it’s ending up on a college’s...

Colleges Offering Merit Aid to 95%+ of Students Without Need

College Financial Aid Costs and Stats

Colleges Offering Merit Aid to 95%+ of Students Without Need

If you’re a family that won’t qualify for need-based aid, it’s time to start looking for merit scholarships. What Are...

Six Key Strategies to Lower Your EFC/SAI

Fall

Six Key Strategies to Lower Your EFC/SAI

Colleges use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for financial aid grants and loans. The...

Tools & Services Recommended for You

There may come a time when you realize you can’t do it all alone. Use any of the many tools in our toolbox to assist you on the road to college.

Become a Member

At Road2College you’ll find everything you need to make the admissions and paying for college process less stressful and more transparent.

TOOLS

Explore R2C Insights™ — your source for finding affordable colleges and merit scholarships.

Coaching

Get coaching on admissions and college financing.

Community

Join Road2College where parents and experts work together to inform and inspire college-bound families.