I moved into college for the very first time this week, and boy was that an experience. I moved in early for a program, so I can't even imagine the chaos on everyone else's move in day. Here are ten thoughts I, and probably all of you, had on move in day.
1. Why is this line moving so slowly?
Even though we got here fairly early, I stood in line to receive my room keys for almost a half an hour. The sun was hot, of course, and the line stretched clear out of the building.
2. How am I supposed to find my dorm room?
Yes, there are people to help direct you around campus. However, it is really easy to get turned around in a place you don't know. That's exactly what happened to me. We drove around in circles for close to ten minutes before we finally found the right place.
3. How could two people possibly move in at the same time?
Like I said earlier, I moved in early, so my roommate wasn't there. My stuff hit that dorm room and exploded everywhere. How do people move in at the same time?
4. Did I bring too much stuff?
This feels like a lot of boxes to carry into the room. Did I really bring just the essentials, or did I overpack?
5. Did I bring enough stuff?
As I began to unpack, it seemed like I had a lot of extra storage space, which made me wonder if I had brought everything I needed. I started panicking a little bit. What if I forgot something really important at home?
6. Are you sure I really need that?
My family and I ran to Wal-Mart for some last minute items. My parents kept thinking of things I would need, like cleaning supplies, snacks, and a mattress protector. I kept wondering if the stuff was really necessary. Spoiler alert: It was.
7. Are you sure you have to leave?
It came to that point in the day where my family would depart on their three hour journey home and I wouldn't. Suddenly I wasn't so sure moving away for college was such a great idea. I really wanted them to stay in my dorm room. After all, I had an extra bed for a few days.
8. Can you come back?
Shockingly, they declined my offer of sharing the twin XL bed between the three of them, and then it was just me. Alone. In a new place. Where I didn't know anybody. I wanted my family to come back and get me, even though I knew I made the right choice in my college journey.
9. Now what?
After my family departed, I wasn't sure what to do with myself. Do I unpack the rest of my stuff? Go out and mingle? How do you even mingle? Do I walk around campus? What if I get lost? Maybe I should just become a hermit and never leave my room.
10. Let's do this.
Yes, I missed my family, friends, and home, but this is the start of an amazing journey, and I'm absolutely ready for it.