Move-in day, whether it is into a dorm or off-campus housing, can be exciting but chaotic. As students move into their spaces, upperclassmen, along with the move-in crew, offer tips on how to move in efficiently and how to decorate spaces to feel like a home.
Many Bobcats have already moved into their new dorms and housing. Some students filled out an early arrival application to move in on August 15. Hearing from those who have experience in the OU move-in process provides insight into what to expect for future move-ins and move-outs.
Joy Hudson, a sophomore studying psychology, shared some of her experience along with things to avoid in the moving process.
“I had a lot of family members that helped me move in, and I would probably argue too many,” Hudson said. “I think sometimes if you have too many people helping you, and … if you have a roommate or multiple roommates that are also moving in at the same time, having too many people can be a little bit overwhelming and stressful.”
Limiting the amount of helpers on move-in day is something Hudson prioritized this year, bringing only one person to support her.
In the dorms, space can be filled quickly between people and moving bags. Hudson added that she learned packing light is most efficient when it comes to living in the dorms.
“I made a deal with myself essentially that if I couldn't fit it in my car, then it couldn't come,” Hudson said. “Because that's about the amount of space that you'll have living in a dorm, or to live in it comfortably.”
Additionally, Hudson recommended purchasing storage containers and IKEA packing bags when moving into a dorm, especially if the dorm hall lacks an elevator. She also said being organized in her packing made unpacking much less overwhelming.
Before moving into your living space, it is recommended to take some steps in your packing along with staying organized to ensure that the moving process goes smoothly.
Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications for Housing and Residence Life Ally Schatzer shared her tips from the move-in crew via email.
Before unloading the vehicle, Schatzer recommended removing all items from their packaging to save space and limit trips to the dumpster.
When arriving on campus, other students moving in can turn the activity hectic. Schatzer shares that organization and planning can decrease the stress of arrival.
“When your vehicle is in the unloading zone, we recommend the student have their OHIO ID and phone ready and head inside to check in. While the student completes the check-in process, family and friends can begin unloading the car.”
Following this, Schatzer said coordinating different times with your roommates to move in during your moving-in block can decrease traffic within your room. A dolly can make lifting and transporting items easier, Hudson added.
After move-in is complete, students are finally settled on campus; some away from home for the first time. Decorating the new space with photos, lights and other personal items can make it feel more comfortable.
If students find they didn’t purchase enough decorations, Walmart and Marshalls are a quick ten-minute drive from campus to find more accessories.
Students who do not have access to a car can always order whatever they need online.
This year, Ohio University updated mailing addresses for dorm halls. Rather than using one’s residence hall, Bobcats will now address all mail and packages to their mail room. This is to prevent confusion with delivery and to ensure all packages and mail reach the intended student.
East Green mail room is located in Jefferson Hall, West Green mailroom is located in Ryors Hall parking garage and South Green mailroom is located in Nelson Commons.
For upperclassmen, move-in day tends to look a little different. Following dorm life, the jump to apartments or a house can bring some new living changes.
Maddie Saiter, a junior studying marketing, discussed her new living situation and some tips to make it feel like home. Moving into an apartment rather than a dorm has been a different situation for Saiter so far.
With a lot of space, decorating can become expensive. Saiter shares some tips on how she makes her space a home within a budget.
“We decided to go the thrifting route and thrift a lot of our stuff because it’s so cheap, it’s so unique, a lot of it’s one-of-a-kind sometimes,” Saiter said.
Saiter mentioned the thrift store Little Wing Curiosity Shoppe & Thrift Store, located at 1006 E. State St., offers local pieces. She said one can do a lot with command hooks and some guidance from a hardware store worker.
“I go to the local hardware store, and I find the nearest person and ask, ‘Hey, if I'm wanting to hang up something on my wall that's this big and this weight, what do I need to do that?’” Saiter said. “And then they'll take you right over to the nails.”
Overall, move-in day provides students the opportunity to create a new space to be comfortable throughout the transition back to school.
Schatzer shares a piece of advice directed to new students but can be applied to all those going through move-in.
“Make your space yours, but don’t forget to pause and enjoy the moment,” Schatzer said. “If you have family or friends with you, take the pictures, share the meal and soak it all in together.”
