Everyone knows your first move in day is something to remember. Whether you are going to university or to your first apartment, this is the time for you to spread your roots and live on your own for a while. Here are a few tips on how to survive your first move in without all the hair pulling and mind losing.
1. Be nice to your roommate.
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Trust me, this is important. You will be seeing your roommate multiple times a day, many days a week, for the next nine months. Get to know her/him and befriend each other. You'll thank yourself later for allowing yourself to make friends with one of the closest stranger-turned-friend you'll ever meet.
2. Bring your dad. Just bring him.
You'll want your dad for all your heavy lifting. When I moved in, my dad lugged my huge bean bag chair up through my dorm with no elevator and built a media table for me and such all in one day.
3. Meet as many people in your hall as you can, whether you want to or not.
One of my friends suggested bringing a set of notecards to write your neighbors a note saying you'd love to meet them. The first few days, your hall will either be completely empty or completely full with girls. Try to keep your door open whenever your home, you'll meet so many people that way and it's actually super fun!
4. Get there super early.
Trust me, being there before your roommate, whether you know them or not, is always better. It's a little bit more relaxing being able to space out your stuff and organize it before they even arrive and then having your side set up so your room isn't complete chaos. Plus, you get to see the whole day unfold; you're there when your roommate arrives when your neighbors move in and introduce themselves, and you meet even more people.
5. Bring your neighbors food.
This is easy to explain, you will simply be loved by all if you bring food for your neighbors.
6. Just breathe and relax.
This is a hard time to go through, whether you'll admit to it or not. You're going off on your own for the first time, and it's scary for everyone. Before this point, you've always had your parents or guardians to rely on, and you still will, it'll just be very limited from this point on.
7. Be kind to your parents.
I know this day is stressful and you may be excited to get your life on the road, but it's super important to be kind to your parents throughout the day. Chances are they paid for most of the dorm things you're setting up and most likely even your tuition too. Make sure you're kind to them today, they're just "embarrassing" you because they love you and are going to miss you.
8. Let your mom cry.
This is the most important of all. Let your mom cry. She has been through a lot, and now she's dropping her baby off at college or even just to an apartment on your own now. Sure, you may think that it's overrated and that she's just overreacting, but you've been under her roof for 18+ years and this is quite a change.
Overall, you're going to have an amazing time starting your life, just remember that you've got ones already there who love you and want to stay in your life. Have fun in college, make friends, and be the best version of you possible. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey!
