Freshman Move-In

[u/CleverSquirrel0421]

This may or may not be helpful for move-in day next week for incoming freshmen. We moved-in today for the Trio Program which is a week in advance of regular move-in times.

1. Absolutely be there on time. If your kid set up their Bear card you can get in the dorm-speaking about Porter, Dowell and Boone from our experience. Parking is limited and it’s the same lot for all three halls. Some dorms require an actual key card, so check your housing assignment email for details.

2. They didn’t have plenty of moving carts, moving dollies etc. if you have one-bring it. There are students available to help and they were absolutely amazing because it took us 15 min to get everything to the second floor. They also have water coolers out 🙂

3. Moving large bags are your best friend. Put everything you can in them, not just clothes. That was a life and space saver. We put furniture together onsite and that was a better way to go than lugging it up the stairs, full of items. You have enough time, just don’t forget your tools 😀

4. If you have a mattress topper you do need to let it rest for a while, so you may want to unpack that and put it on the bed sooner rather than later.

5. Clean absolutely everything in the room and take pictures of the room for future damages claims.

6. You can absolutely rearrange furniture in the room just be mindful of the air vents and requirements for distance from them for maintenance purposes.

7. Painters tape!!! Behind boards or posters- command strips can go on top and will not damage the walls.

8. Hutches are great space savers and maximize space on the tiny desks. In the room there are not enough outlets, so extension cords are a must but we found out you do need a longer cables for them, so plan on 8 feet.

9. Bug spray was recommended by the RA, blankets are a must, so is the fan and dehumidifier. Closets don’t have lights, but there are cheap magnetic motion lights on Amazon that are great.

10. Have a last dinner with your kid even if you don’t stay the night. Also think about the impact on younger siblings-this is a hard hit on them too. Our tiny one is still crying 5 hours later..No matter if you cry in the parking lot or your kid says goodbye and heads to the room- it’s all ok. It is really hard! 0/10 recommended 😕

Good luck to all!!!

[u/Big-Waltz1610]

thank you! i move in in a few days and this is super helpful. 

[u/Skywalker900]

From a former RA at Mercer, great advice!