The Do’s and Don’ts of Moving to College

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    The Do’s and Don’ts of Moving to College

    It’s settled, you got that acceptance letter you’ve been waiting on from the University of Miami, and are winding down your last months of high school life. College is one of the most exciting times in a young person’s life, and often the first taste of what adulthood really feels like.

    As you survey your room at home, you should be picking out your must-haves for dorm life. Keep in mind that your space may still be about the same size, but your needs are going to be different. Some of your essentials that you will want to take with you to college may include:

    • Your television
    • Gaming console
    • Lamp
    • Fan
    • Computer or laptop
    • Printer
    • Headphones
    • Bedding
    • Toiletries
    • Alarm clock
    • Clothes hamper
    • Clothes
    • Books

    If you are planning on living on campus, this should cover your basic needs. You might also ask about bringing a microwave or hot plate for any late night meals. For college students who have made arrangements to live off of campus in a private apartment, you’ll need to be thinking bigger, as in furniture, plates, and pots and pans.

    Packing Your Stuff For College

    College dorms are not known for being overly roomy, so you need to think ahead in terms of storage. Trade disposable plastic bags for suitcases to transport clothes, and you won’t have to worry about stowing them under your bed. Use plastic tubs for electronics and books, which make for great small storage once you are moved into your dorm. Another alternative (which also make for great laundry bags) are collapsible duffel bags. You can use these to lug clothes, books and other essentials and then just stuff them inside a drawer once you’ve moved in.

    Other Things You Will Need to Do Before Moving to College:

    • File a change of address form for your banking accounts, cell phone bill and any magazine subscriptions
    • Visit your physician for a pre-college check-up
    • Renew any on-going prescriptions and inform your provider of a change in pharmacy location
    • Order your text books online (used are considerably cheaper)
    • Check that your cell phone plan cover area if you are moving out of state
    • If bringing your car, make sure that you have a tune-up before leaving for school

    If you are lucky enough to be living in an off-campus apartment, and need to bring along everything but the kitchen sink, have a professional moving company bring it all for you. Nothing can put a damper on your first days in a new city faster than a bad moving in experience. At least with a moving company, you know that your stuff is safe and will get to your new college home on time.

    Being nervous about moving away from home is normal, but this will be one of the most memorable moments in your life. Start planning well ahead of time, and you’ll be ready for anything that your new college life throws at you.

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