Not everyone’s move-in experience will be the same. Some students choose to minimize the amount of belongings they bring while other students want to fit as many things as they can in their dorm room. Some students walk into their room and like it, whereas others walk in and groan. Some already know their roommate, while others exchange awkward “hi’s” and “nice to meet you’s.”

Regardless of what your situation is, moving in is the first step toward college life. Here are some things to expect — and not expect — on move-in day to help you prepare for the big transition:

Expect a lot of people

Unless you are a new student of a living-learning community, all new freshmen and transfer students are expected to move in on the same day. The University is big, so expect lots of traffic as well as frazzled people everywhere. Take this opportunity to meet new people: Say hi to someone in line, help a fellow resident carry something in or introduce yourself to dorm neighbors.

Expect to get sweaty

No matter what the weather is like when you move in, the process of hauling your belongings from the car into your dorm room will be tiring. Don’t be afraid to ask the I-Guide staff for help. I-Guides will be stationed at every residence hall to welcome you to campus and help you move in. Use the moving carts provided by the University so you don’t have to carry everything by hand.

Expect a couple of tears here and there

Saying goodbye to family may be tougher than you thought. Although it’s going to be nice to have more freedom than when you lived at home, you may feel slightly homesick in the beginning. Move-in day is an emotional day for many parents as well; if they shed a couple of tears, just give them a hug and reassure them you’ll have fun and learn lots.

Don’t expect to finish unpacking and organizing in a few hours

Getting everything into your dorm, putting clothes in drawers and organizing your belongings can take longer than you think. You also have to check in and get your keys before moving into your room, so manage your time wisely. Moving in may take more than one day, so don’t be frustrated if you can’t finish by the end of the night. Get the big, important tasks done first (making your bed, getting most of your clothes in drawers), and the rest can be done a little bit at a time.

Don’t expect to feel at home on the first night

Your dorm room will eventually feel like home, but on the first night after a hectic day of moving in, you might feel out of place. Adjusting to a completely new environment, let alone one you have to live in for a year, can be scary. Know in time, your room will be your new home.

Move-in day can be stressful, but try to appreciate it. At the end of the year, this will all be a meaningful memory.

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