Move in time!

The next few weeks are some of the most exciting on a college campus...move in time! The energy on campus is elevated, the streets are busier and everyone seems excited to be part of the campus community. I've been on "the other side" of move in for the past 10 years helping others successfully maneuver the process, but I remember the feelings my first year. The excitement started months before the big day. I made lists of what I needed, I pictured myself in a small room with a roommate and I got excited over the little things (like having my OWN bottle of shampoo and tube of toothpaste, not having to use whatever was bought for our family home). I remember packing up the truck the night before the big move. It'd been talked about for so long, but the eve of departure had arrived. Looking back, my actual move-in day seems like a blur. I confidently walked up to pick up the key to my room as my parents began loading up the hand-truck for the first load (by the way, great thing to bring with you to save trips to your room). As we finished unloading, the excitement of setting up my new space probably overshadowed the need to properly say "goodbye" to my parents. As they left it sunk in that I was "on my own."

The move in process really is an exciting time, but can also be stressful. Planning ahead, but also being flexible during the process are some of the keys to making the day both a functional and an emotional success. For lots more tips, tricks and advice, be sure to check out Chapters 3-5 in the book. Happy moving to all!