As the Fall semester is rapidly approaching, nerves may begin to settle in for some students and parents. To help ease your transition to college life, University Housing Services wants to share some tips to help you feel at ease and confident as you prepare to move in.
The Move-In Guide
Every year the Move-In guide is updated in the Illinois State mobile app with all the necessary information required for the respective year’s move-in. This app is a one-stop solution to all your important move-in queries. Starting from where to park, where to eat, and how to fix your gadget or internet connections, we have all the latest information updated in the Move-In guide. Download the official Illinois State University app from the iTunes store or Google Play, then search for the Move In 2019 guide.
Follow your assigned Move-In date and time
Each student moving in to University Housing will be assigned a specific time and date to move-in. This time is determined by which housing area and floor the student is on. This will be the same time the student’s keys will be made available to them. As soon as the Move-In schedule is released by University Housing Services, students should circle the date on their calendars and get ready! In mid-July, the Move-In schedule will be available.
We advise students and parents to plan ahead and not wait for the final 30 minutes to arrive for their Move-In time. The next group of students moving in will begin to arrive around that time, making much heavier foot and vehicle traffic.
The more the merrier!
Bring as many people as possible! As soon as your car is parked, our Curb Bird student volunteers will help unload the vehicle, and make sure families get to the right place. Students can move-in even faster off the elevators and into the rooms by having friends and family come along to help the move.
Communication is key
Before students move in, it is important to get in touch with their roommate. Good communication can make your Move-In experience that much better! Contact your roommate to determine what time they plan to move in. Discuss what will work best for the both of you. It could be helpful to move in at the same time to have more hands available, or it may be more beneficial to move in at different times to make sure the room is not too crowded. You will know what is best for you. Not only should you discuss Move-In times, but also talk about what you intend to bring. Are there going to be shared items? Game systems? Televisions? Mini-fridge? Make sure to have a good understanding of what the other person is bringing!
Move-In starts at home
Your Move-In preparation starts with loading the car at home. Make sure to pack your items in boxes, totes, or suit cases that can be easily stacked or placed on a cart. Carts will be available for check out. An ID is required as collateral for each cart checkout. To avoid potential long lines at the cart checkout, feel free to bring your own cart or dolly from home.
Pack smarter, not harder
Bring the things you know you will need at the beginning of the semester. Pack a bulk of your fall clothes but leave your winter clothes at home. You should not need your winter clothes for at least a few months. You will have the opportunity to go home just two weeks into the semester for Labor Day weekend where you get Monday, September 2, off from classes and can bring all of your winter clothes then.
Use your best judgement when packing for University Housing. If you are unsure if you should bring something or not, you probably should not. Do not bring alcohol, bottle or can collections, or anything that gets hot (candles or candle warmers, grills, microwave/toaster oven, coffee maker, etc.). If you have questions about whether something is allowed in University Housing or not, please read the policy and procedures or contact University Housing Services at 309-438-8611 or Housing@IllinoisState.edu.
Finally, pack essential items so they are easily accessible. Imagine if you are preparing for a flight, and you are packing a carry-on bag. This bag might include items such as medication, a pillow, eye care products, hand sanitizer, or a charger for your electronic devices. Before you move, pack a bag with things you may need right away so you do not have to dig through all of your items to find one thing.
Plastic wrap, not just for leftovers
One of the unsung heroes of Move-In is plastic wrap. Once your carts are loaded up our volunteers will be walking around to plastic wrap all of your items to keep them from falling off of the cart. To reduce the impact on the environment, think thoughtfully about how you pack your cart, not every trip may need plastic wrap! The supply is limited, so if you can, consider bringing your own from home. College teaches students to be resourceful; keep any eye out for more household items that can be multipurpose.
Dress for success
Check the Move-In day weather forecast. In Illinois, the weather could be sunny and 85 degrees and then five minutes later be storming and 50 degrees. Plan accordingly. Wear closed-toed shoes and dress comfortably.
Be sure to stay hydrated as well! We will have water stations available for your use!
Pets you pet are not permitted
The only pets allowed in University Housing are fish. Students can bring their gilled friends as long as the fish is housed in a tank smaller than 10 gallons. Feel free to call home and talk to your other animals as often as possible!
Watterson residents, be prepared to get your step count in
Incoming students who will be living in Watterson will have an opportunity other students do not. They will get the chance to climb stairs during Move-In. Watterson Towers is the lone residence hall on campus where the elevator only stops on the third floor of each house. If you are not on the third floor, you will need to climb either up some stairs or down some. For example, if you are in Pickering room 203, take the elevator to the third floor (Level C) of Pickering House and walk down one flight of stairs. Not only will taking the stairs be an awesome workout for you, but it will also help you get more familiar with your surroundings.
We can’t wait to see you for #RedbirdMoveIn 2019!
