A Quick Guide To Moving To University

Moving to university is a major step in many young people’s lives. There are a lot of steps involved in the moving process, which can quickly overwhelm first-time university students, but with a bit of guidance, this process can become faster, easier and more efficient. Below is a quick guide to moving to university with as few hiccups as possible.

Pack Like a Pro

Packing is perhaps the most important and arduous part of moving. It requires planning, patience and organization. Without these things, the process may become time-consuming and stressful. But there are some tips and tricks that could help you pack like a professional. For example:

·         Start packing at least two weeks in advance

·         Create and follow a ‘packing to-do list’ and schedule

·         Scratch things off your to-do list as you complete them

·         Get packing materials

·         Throw away or donate unwanted items first

·         Pack the most difficult items and non-essentials (things you don’t use every day or often) before anything else

·         Some items may be provided by the university or your residence, so only pack the essentials

·         Obtain a list of the items provided, as well as a list of things you should bring

·         Ask friends and/or family to help you with your move

·         Secure a moving van or a car to move your belongings

·         Clean your space and separate your belongings into categories that include 'throw away,' 'leave behind,' 'take,' 'donate,' etc.

·         Label your boxes, don’t overstuff them, use appropriate packing materials (i.e. bubble wrap, packing tape, etc.), especially for fragile items or electronics and pack heavy items on the bottom of boxes

Secure Housing

Finding housing is really the first step in the moving process. It is, of course, also the most important step. But first decide if you want to live in a residence hall or in off-campus student housing. For a comfortable transition into your new housing, look for places that include the following amenities:  

·         A quiet study space, e.g. the library, study lounge or a quiet room

·         Proximity to your campus and/or transit

·         Space for fun and relaxation, such as a games lounge, fitness centre, movie theatre, etc., as well as quick access to neighbourhood amenities

·         A kitchen area or cooking space

·         On-site laundry and parking

·         Storage

·         Reliable Wi-fi

·         A workspace for homework and studying

·         Security and safety equipment and procedures

·         24-hour maintenance

Besides offering student-friendly conveniences, your housing should also be stable, in a safe neighbourhood and secured at least two months before the first semester begins. This will give you time to become familiar and comfortable with the housing facility, neighbourhood and your roommates (if applicable).

Introduce Yourself on Social Media

Social media can introduce you to your university and peers before the school year even begins. It can also offer vital information for navigating the campus, your courses, residence hall and more. Basically, information found on your university’s social media pages can act as a survival guide for your freshman year. Not to mention, social media provides a unique opportunity to connect with your peers, professors and student advisor. In fact, you should connect with your advisor before starting university. An advisor can offer advice on every aspect of university life, including choosing courses, joining student activities, finding a job or housing, making friends and so much more. You can also find ample help and information on campus events at your university’s student union Facebook page or social media groups.

How To Get Back into School Mode

A new school year is approaching, which means it's time to get back into academic mode. A summer full of relaxation, leisure activities and late nights, however, can make it a little difficult for many students to return to a school routine. Check out the following tips and make your transition as streamlined as possible:

Buy Your Textbooks Early

Before the school year begins, choose your first semester courses, create a workable schedule and purchase your textbooks as early as possible. Veteran students know that there’s always a rush to get the highest quality used textbooks at the lowest prices. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes. In fact, many used textbooks sell out in a matter of minutes. High competition can also make it impossible to get a fair price. If you want to save a ton of time and money, purchase your books at least two weeks before the semester begins. Ordering early is also essential if you’re buying your books online and having them shipped instead of buying them at the campus bookstore or ordering e-books. The earlier you order them, the faster you get them. An early purchase will also ensure the lowest price and level of competition.

Buy School Supplies

Buying school supplies can help get your mind back in the mode of going to class. To capitalize on this feeling, purchase your supplies one to two weeks before the semester begins. Make a list of all the essential and additional items you will need for the classroom. Besides plenty of pens, pencils and paper, you should also purchase:

·         Notebooks

·         A planner

·         Erasers

·         A stapler

·         Binders

·         A backpack

·         A calculator (if needed)

·         Highlighters

·         Rulers

·         A zip, USB or flash drive 

Follow a Schedule

Following a schedule is a key component of student life. For many, it’s also vital to success. An unpredictable, disorganized summer can leave you unprepared for a highly organized academic schedule. To get back into a rhythm before the school year begins, break out the old (or new) planner, create and follow a schedule. Doing this at least three weeks before the first semester begins can reduce early burnout and make it easier to adjust to the new school year. Plan your bedtimes, wake ups, meals, exercise, leisure activities and work schedule.  

Systematically Wake Up Earlier

Going to bed late and waking up late can be a difficult habit to break. As soon as you can, begin to systematically wake up and go to bed a little earlier. Go to bed an hour earlier and set your alarm to wake you up an hour earlier each week. To maintain consistency, switch this up every three to five days. The goal is to reach reasonable, fixed times for waking up and going to bed. Eventually, your body will adjust to the new sleep pattern.

Pack Up and Secure Housing

Packing and securing housing can be more complicated than most students anticipate, so choose your university residence as early as possible. This will leave plenty of time for packing and generally organizing your move. If you’re an incoming freshman, this process should be started even earlier.

Before packing, create a list of the items you will need, as well as those provided by the university or housing facility (if moving off-campus). Remember that packing is a process that should be done (ideally) over the course of a few weeks. This way, you will have time to organize your belongings, obtain packing materials, move things to storage, throw away or donate unwanted items and, of course, pack. Thorough planning and organization will help you avoid the frustration and stress associated with packing, especially if you’re a first-time mover. Packing a day or two before the semester begins can quickly become overwhelming, as the process is much more involved than you might imagine.