College brings some of the best years of your life, creates an enormous amount of memories and builds strong relationships. The first challenge of a college student is tackling Move In Day. Move In Day can be one of the most stressful days of the year for an incoming freshman; from finally leaving home, to arranging your room or leaving your parents. However, these tips will help day run smoothly and reduce stress!

1. Start preparing early! Make a list before you arrive of things you know you will need and check them off when you put them in the vehicle. When you finally arrive and start unloading, make another list of things you forgot and still need to get.
2. Be aware of what you can and cannot bring! This link from the MU website will tell you what you can and cannot bring, room dimensions and hall amenities: https://www.manchester.edu/student-life/student-experience-center/residential-life-home/new-student-information/residence-hall-planning-information
3. Be aware of the schedule! This year, Move In Day is Saturday, August 25 from 8:30a.m.-2:00 p.m. Last names A-M arrive at 8:30 a.m., and L-Z arrive at 9:30 a.m.
4. Dress for the weather! Although it may be tempting to dress fashionably to impress the other first-years, dressing practically will be the best way to stay cool.
5. Pack a drink and a snack for when you get here. The day will be better if you stay full and hydrated!
6. Put trash bags around any hanging clothes. They won’t get dirty on the trip to campus and you won’t have to waste time hanging them back up! Take a trash bag and slide the clothes (while still on the hanger) through the hole. Tie the bag around hangers for easy carrying and storing!
7. Make sure you tape drawers shut on storage bins, nightstands, etc. so they don’t slide open.
8. Pack your items at home the way you’ll want to unpack them at school. It will make the process much quicker and easier.
9. Check your room before moving things in. If you want to rearrange your room, you won’t have anything in your way!
10. Utilize the move-in helpers! They’re there to make the move-in quick and simple.
11. Bring in rugs first! This was a personal mistake that cost me an extra 20 minutes of re-moving items to put the rug down.
12. For mini-fridges and any heavy items, bring a dolly if you have access to one.
13. Plan where you’ll want the TV. If you have a cable cord, make sure your TV will reach the box. This will prevent having to buy a longer cord and/or having to rearrange items.
14. But most of all, have fun and make your room unique to YOU!