Coeds everywhere are busy preparing to move back to campus in August. It feels like an overwhelming process for many, but UNC Greensboro is here to help. The staff at Housing and Residence Life (HRL) has advice to remove students’ summer stress with move-in hacks and tips.
“At HRL, we understand that a good move-in experience puts students in the right frame of mind for the whole semester,” explains Mary Steele, assistant director of marketing and communications for HRL at UNCG. “We’ve set up several processes to make moving in easier – like renting a mini fridge so it’s delivered to your room or submitting your id photo online so you don’t have to wait in line for your Spartan ID on move-in day. We want all students to have a good experience and contact us with any specific questions they have.”
STOP, DROP, AND ROLL SIMPLIFIES MOVE-IN
Perhaps the best insider tip for moving to UNCG is to sign up for Stop, Drop, and Roll appointments available July 26 through August 4, so you can set up your room early.
Stop, Drop, and Roll dates vary by residence hall. All students living on campus should have received an email that prompts them to sign up for a one-hour block to bring their belongings and set up their rooms, rather than bringing everything when they move in August 14-19.
Lee, Lexington, Haywood, and Phillips-Hawkins residence halls are used for summer programs and do not participate in Stop, Drop, and Roll, but if you are assigned to these halls you can sign up for early move-in (on August 8,9,12, or 13) at no extra charge.
Stop, Drop, and Roll is the perfect time to:
- move larger items into your room
- decorate your space
- inspect your room and furniture and place maintenance requests if needed
- set up electronics with new Wi-Fi settings before your hall is full of others trying to do the same
- get a feel for your new living space before move-in day
Stop, Drop, and Roll appointments were enacted during times of social distancing but became permanent when everyone realized how much stress it removed from students before their classes began. “Make that extra trip to Greensboro and you’ll have greater access to move-in carts, time to put in maintenance requests, and an early opportunity to get excited about your room,” reminds Steele. “It’ll make your First Week at the G so much easier.”
DON’T BE AN OVERPACKER!
A classic move-in mistake made by first-year students is packing more than they need. Overpacking generally stems from overthinking. HRL encourages students to be organized, without trying to anticipate every need that may arise over the semester.
“We have seen students who move in using U-Haul trucks,” Steele reveals. “Much of what they’ve brought is unnecessary.” She encourages students to curb their tendency to pack too much by learning from those who have overpacked before them.
5 Things Not to Pack for College:
- Refrigerator
Before you disregard the rest of this list, rest assured that every student absolutely needs a mini fridge for their room. We are simply suggesting that you don’t pack it! Instead, rent a mini fridge. For a rental fee, the fridge will be waiting in the room for you upon move-in and you can leave it when you move out. If you order it by August 1, you can skip the extra hauling in favor of convenience.
- Items that will get you fined
Lots of the items on HRL’s Do Not Pack list are common sense no-no’s like weapons, drug paraphernalia, and fire hazards. Review the list and be warned that there will be health and safety checks where your contraband can be confiscated. Also avoid items like LED light strips and nails to hang pictures, which are prohibited in your residence hall. Anything that will damage the walls will lead to a hefty fine when you move out.
- Furniture
All residence hall rooms are equipped with the furniture you need and space for extra items is minimal. Furniture cannot be removed from the rooms. Use what is provided and focus your attention on decorative items to personalize your room and organizers to maximize the space and storage for your needs.
- Duplicates of stuff your roommate is bringing
Maximize space in your room and minimize your packing list by comparing notes with your roommate. One roommate brings a microwave, the other a TV. Items like mirrors or coffee makers are often duplicated and cleaning supplies can be shared. It’s a simple conversation that will save you headaches on move-in day.
- Valuables
Consider leaving irreplaceable valuables at home – and certainly don’t bring valuables or perishables to Stop, Drop & Roll before you officially move into your room. If you are concerned about electronics or jewelry, think about purchasing an insurance policy that will protect your belongings from loss or theft. HRL does recommend that you bring your bike to Stop, Drop & Roll, but make sure to secure it to a bike rack near your residence hall with a lock.
SHOW OFF YOUR SPACE
When students avoid common move-in mistakes, they can focus on making their rooms comfortable and uplifting environments for the new academic year. HRL encourages all students to celebrate their creativity and show off practical space hacks by entering the Best Dressed Room contest by September 15. It’s been a UNCG tradition for over 15 years, and this year, up to $650 in merchandise will be awarded to top winners.
“We hope to receive over 300 submissions this year so we can top last year’s participation,” says Steele, who organizes the contest. “To incentivize our students, we’ve added more ways to win like the UNCG Spirit Award and Director’s Choice Award. We are also encouraging students to submit videos and compete for a $250 prize for the Best Room Tour Video.”
In general, HRL advises students not to sweat it! Taking advantage of packing tips and processes like Stop, Drop, and Roll should keep move-in day fun and exciting for all.
If you are a student preparing for your move to UNCG, consult HRL’s Move-In webpage for answers to questions and helpful links. And always, email hrl@uncg.edu with any specific questions you have along the way. We can’t wait to see you at the G!
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications.
