Navigating the Rollercoaster of Emotions on Move-In Day
It’s hard to leave the pets at home!
As summer winds down, the excitement and anticipation of starting college begin to crescendo for many students. However, alongside the thrill of embarking on a new chapter, move-in day often brings a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from excitement to anxiety and everything in between.
One of the most prevalent emotions on move-in day is undoubtedly excitement. The prospect of meeting new people, exploring campus, and diving into academic pursuits can fill students with a contagious energy. Embrace this excitement and channel it into connecting with roommates, neighbors, and classmates. Remember that everyone is in the same boat, looking to establish friendships and find their place within the college community.
Walking down a college hall during move-in is a surreal experience. The hallway pulses with energy as students and parents bustle about. Amidst the throng, you catch glimpses of unfamiliar faces, a sea of diverse expressions and personalities that reflect the college community. Boxes and trash litter the hallway, and students just try to stay calm as they survey the kids around them, wondering if they will be their lifelong friends.
However, excitement often shares the stage with nerves and anxiety. The unfamiliarity of a new environment and the pressure to make a good impression and adapt to college life can be overwhelming. Then you walk into a shoebox of a room, and parents and students are ALL there assembling stuff and trying their best to get things settled. Each student reacts differently, and I have personally experienced the gamut of emotions with my children.
A Few Items to Remember for Move-In
Snacks and a cooler with cold water
Extra bins and baskets to store the weird items that you can’t fit anywhere
Wall mounting putty, tape, scissors, and a tool kit to help put things together
A mallet because you will have to use it to move the bed up and down
The infamous blue bags from IKEA hold everything neatly as you are carrying items up several flights of stairs
Remember to be patient as the move-in day unfolds and emotions ebb and flow. It’s the beginning of an exciting journey filled with many emotions. Embrace the highs and lows, knowing they are all part of the transformative college experience, and take before and after pictures!!! You will be proud of the transformation of the space.
