Move-in Tips From A Resident Advisor

Brianna Aku ’24 has been a Resident Advisor (RA) since she was a sophomore, so as an incoming senior, she’s a move-in pro. Here are some of her top tips for move in.

It’s better to be early than late.

Aku recommends arriving as early as your move-in appointment allows. The earlier you start moving in, the sooner you can get out of the heat.

Less is more.

Aku suggests not bringing your entire closet from home. Residence halls have limited space, so try to pack on the light side. You can always make a trip home if you decide you need a little more than what you originally brought.

Be willing to put yourself out there.

Use the time before classes start to meet people on your floor and in your hall. Utilize floor group chats and Residence Life events to make new friends. Aku met her best friend in her first year of being an RA when they lived across the hall from each other. “A lot of the times you’ll meet your closest friends just living with someone because you’re going through those experiences together,” Aku said.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your RA.

Resident advisors are there to help during move in and beyond. During move in, RAs will be walking through the halls introducing themselves and be able to help with any small issues that might need to be fixed. “Helping students is more than ‘it’s my job.’ It is my joy,” said Aku.

She also has some advice to offer parents who might be moving their first new student to college.

Take this new season as it comes.

Be present in the moment and make move-in weekend something that will be a fun memory to look back on. To reduce move-in stress, be organized, have a list and don’t sweat the small stuff. Things can always be adjusted later if anything in the space needs to be changed.

What does the actual process of move-in look like?

During your assigned move-in time, park in designated unloading zones outside of your residence hall. Only the student needs to go into pick up keys and check in. At check-in RAs will answer any questions and check out equipment like dollies or mallets. After checking in, you are free to take your time moving. Once your car is unloaded, please be respectful and move your car out of the unloading zone to allow other families to use the space.

For more information about move-in visit Resident Life’s website.