College Move-In Day Tips From Montclair State University: How To Plan, Pack And Say Goodbye

Press release from Montclair State University:

Sarah Potter vividly recalls the mix of excitement, jitters and stress of moving into a Montclair State University residence hall. Now, just a year later as a Rez Life Community Assistant, she’s one of the pros helping new students unpack both their belongings and emotions during the move-in process.

Over five days from August 26-30, 5,000 students will move into Montclair’s residential halls, many leaving home for the first time. The University’s Residential Life team has compiled tips to help make the transition into campus life easier.

For Students: Peer-to-Peer Advice

“Freshman year had its struggles,” admits Potter, a Social Media and Public Relations major. “It’s hard to let go of the comfort and security of having your family close by, and that first night without them felt strange and lonely. Saying goodbye to my family was tough, but over time, FaceTiming every weekend helped.”

For Parents: How to Say Goodbye

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to dealing with the high school-to-college transition. It varies depending on the student’s cultural background and on each individual family’s needs and dynamics, says Dr. Sudha M. Wadhwani, a staff psychologist on Montclair’s counseling team and mother of two college students.

“Each student has their level of readiness depending on how the high school years have gone, depending on whether they may have mental health concerns, whether they may have a peer-support system or already have built certain skills,” she says.

“It’s all about finding that balance of how much to support and guide your student and how much to let go and empower them to learn to adult.”

On the Big Day, ID is a Must-Have

Something Montclair students notice immediately is that their ID card is used for just about everything on campus, including accessing the residence halls, vending machines and meal plans.

What else you’ll need:

And while moving in 5,000 students seems daunting, Rez Life has it down to a science – with help from Montclair’s village, including Facilities and Housekeeping, the Office of Student Belonging, Enrollment Management and University Police.

The Move-In Process

Set Up Shop: The Essential Checklist

Whether it’s your first year away at school or you’re moving back to campus, make sure you have the essentials.

“It’s okay to miss home, and it’s okay to reach out for support as you adjust,” Potter says. “Eventually, you find a new rhythm and learn to cherish the connections you have with your hometown family and friends, while also building your independence and creating new relationships. It’s a big adjustment, but also an incredible opportunity for personal growth.”

Check out photos from our 2023 move-in day to see more of what you can expect.

This press release was produced by Montclair State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.