So, the day has finally arrived. The car is loaded, the journey has been planned by the Satnav, and you’re ready to go embark upon this brand-new chapter. It can be a daunting experience but it should also feel exciting – you’ve done it! You’re making your first step into a life of independence today and furthering your academic career at a place you’ve, hopefully, had your sights set on for a long time. Everybody’s move in day experience will be different, but there are a few things I would recommend you doing to get off on the right foot!
Make time for traffic. It’s not just move in day for you, it’s also move in day for the rest of the first-year students at your uni, and no doubt students at other uni’s around the country too. Set off half an hour earlier than you need to. It’s better be to early than it is to be late, especially if you’ve been allocated a set time frame to move all your stuff in.
Allocate jobs. You no doubt have a herd of family members coming along to say goodbye, so they might as well make themselves useful! There are lots of jobs to get done, as I’ll now list below.
First things first, unpack. The sooner you can get your bedroom set up, the better. Claim your cupboard and your fridge shelf, have somebody empty your kitchenware into those while you start filling up your bedroom - and if you have one more helper, they can work on the bathroom for you!
Try to do something nice with your family. Once you’re moved in and all set up, go out for lunch or tea if they have time. Have a wander round your new city and feel the buzz of it all. On my move in day me and my family went up to see Lincoln Cathedral, had lunch at the top of the hill, and took lots of photos – it’s embarrassing and a bit cringe, but you’ll be glad to have that memory once they’re gone.
Nip to the shops and get yourself some essentials. Milk, bread, butter, alcohol, snacks. Whatever you’re going to need for the first few days, go and get it while your parents are still there and then they can help you transport it all back to your new flat.
Set up the Wifi, make sure your TV works if you’ve brought one, check all the lights and make sure you know how to turn the shower and hob on!
Introduce yourself to your new flatmates. Everybody will be coming and going at the same time, but once you’ve managed to say hello and establish that their parents are going to be departing soon, give your parents the nod that it might also be time for them to leave so you can get to know your new roommates.
Knock on next door and find out who your neighbours are. Try to integrate as a large group, maybe take one of your flatmates over if you’re a bit too nervous to go alone. If you’re not very lucky with who’s in your flat and have to go alone, you might be luckier with your neighbours. Just remember that there are so many new people to meet and now is the time to put yourself out there!
Discuss the plan for the night. Which club do you all want to go to, how are you going to get there, where are pre-drinks being held, do you have your tickets yet? Get it all sorted out. While getting ready it's a nice idea to wedge your doors open so you can mingle and chat. If you don't want to go out, still try to make an effort to go to pre's and say hi.
Give your parents a call before heading out. They're no doubt feeling very lost as they sit at home and know you're now miles away. Tell them your plans and then go and have fun with all the new people you have met. Oh, and put some paracetamol and a bottle of water out on your bedside table for the morning.
Be brave, take it all in your stride and enjoy this experience - you won't ever get a first day of uni again!
Thank you for reading, I hope this post has provided you with a potential schedule for your move in day. Please feel free to subscribe (scroll right to the very bottom) if you want updates on my future posts! I upload on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's. My blog has had a bit of a face lift over the weekend, I'm hoping it's a little easier to navigate now! If you have any requests for future posts then you can message me via the About page, or on my social media platforms (links are in the top right hand corner) please do get in touch! I'll be back Wednesday with another Freshers Week related post!