Move-in day is a whirlwind—equal parts exciting, chaotic, and emotional. Looking back, there are definitely things I wish I had known before that first day on campus. Whether you’re heading off to college soon or helping someone else prepare, here are the things I wish someone had told me:

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1. You Don’t Need to Bring Your Whole Life

It’s easy to overpack. I thought I needed everything from home to feel comfortable—turns out I only used half of it. Focus on essentials: clothes for the current season, bedding, toiletries, a few personal items, and school supplies. You can always grab extras later.

Tip: Target, Walmart, and Amazon exist near most campuses. Save space and stress by buying bulkier items once you arrive.

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2. Label Everything

If you’re moving into a traditional dorm, there will be dozens (maybe hundreds) of people moving in at the same time. Labeled bins and bags help everything get to the right room—and keep your stuff from getting mixed up with someone else’s.

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3. Your Room Will Be Smaller Than You Think

Dorm rooms aren’t exactly spacious. Think vertical storage (stackable drawers, bed risers) and multi-purpose items (a laundry basket that also holds shoes or snacks). You’ll thank yourself when you realize how little space you’re actually working with.

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4. You’ll Be Emotionally All Over the Place

There’s excitement, anxiety, homesickness, and the overwhelming feeling of starting over—all rolled into one day. It’s normal. Let yourself feel it. Say your goodbyes. Take photos. Hug your parents. Then get ready to step into a whole new chapter.

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5. There’s No Perfect Way to Set Up Your Room

You’ll rearrange your stuff at least once. Don’t stress about getting it perfect on day one. You’ll learn what works for your space and routine over the first few weeks.

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6. You’re Not the Only One Nervous

Everyone is faking it a little. That confident-looking person across the hall? They’re just as nervous about meeting new people. Introduce yourself. Keep your door open. Say “yes” to that awkward first-floor meeting or icebreaker activity. It’s worth it.

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7. It’s Okay to Call Home

Calling your family doesn’t mean you’re not independent. It just means you care. And they’ll appreciate hearing from you more than you know—especially in those first few weeks.

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8. Be Flexible

Nothing will go exactly as planned—and that’s okay. Your roommate might show up early, your bed might not fit the way you imagined, or you might forget something important. You’ll adapt. College is full of curveballs, and learning to roll with them starts now.

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Final Thought:

Move-in day is just the beginning. It might feel overwhelming in the moment, but soon your dorm will feel like home. So take a deep breath, stay open-minded, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

You’ve got this.