Moving to College

Nuffield College by SBA73 (CC BY 2.0)

It’s that time of year again! As summer starts to fade and the temperature cools time, it’s time for kids to get moving to college! It’s an exciting time to say the least! From meeting your new roommate to living on your own for the first time, there are plenty of things to worry about while transitioning and moving to college. While it is easy to get swept away in the chaos of moving to college, remember to make the most of your moving to college experience!

Moving to college is a big step for both the students and their family. The college experience is a whole new world! Don’t limit yourself, and make moving to college a great experience with these tips.

How to Transition Smoothly to College

  1. Plan ahead. There is a lot of planning that goes into moving to a dorm or an apartment. Be aware of what will be provided for you and what you are allowed to bring. See if it’s possible to contact your roommate prior to meeting them in person. (Roommate Tip: Set rules at the beginning of your dorm or apartment stay to avoid future conflicts.)

    Roommates
    Having a roommate is part of the college experience! (Photo by Tulane Public Relations)
  2. Packing. It’s important to keep space in mind when packing. Ask yourself, “Do I really need that?” Rather than bringing an armful of childhood memories, just bring a touch of home. A picture of your friends and family, a favorite blanket or toy, and maybe one painting that you cannot live without. Personalize your space by using a theme color to stand out with all of your belongings. Leave the rest of your dorm or apartment open and blank. Let you and your room be open to the new experiences that await you at college!

    Dorm room
    Keep your dorm room blank, and fill it with your new college experience! (Photo by Anne-Lise Heinrichs)
  3. Organization. Moving into a dorm  or a tiny apartment requires a lot of organization. Functional furniture helps maintain a clean space. Over the door organizers can keep your apartment or dorm open. Once you’re moved in, organizing your time is key. Between making friends, joining clubs on campus, and schoolwork, it’s important to organize your time and figure out what works best for you.

    organized dorm room
    An organized dorm room makes life easier when moving to college. (Photo by yujean park)
  4. Stay Positive! Moving to college is an adventure!  While it is important to make the grade, it’s also important to make the most of your college experience. Join clubs, find new friends, and have new experiences that make moving to college worth it. Living and moving on your own means that you decide how your time is most wisely spent whether that be studying at home, moving in Los Angeles with friends, or visiting home.

Moving to college is exciting and frightening all at the same time. Just keep a positive attitude about your college experience, and get involved! This is your time to go out and get moving! I hope these tips help you while you’re moving to college. If you’re having trouble with the moving into your dorm aspect, I know of a moving company that’d love to help!