Move in and start college

Overview

Move-in and first days. You're starting college. Take a deep breath and embrace the journey.

The Big Day

Arriving at Campus

• Check in at designated location
• Receive keys and materials
• Meet RA or dorm staff
• Quick room inventory

Settling In

• Unpack essentials
• Make bed
• Organize room
• Personalize space

Saying Goodbye

• Family time together
• Photos and memories
• Final conversations
• Parting moment

Day 1

Room Setup

• Organize belongings
• Decorate
• Find storage solutions
• Set up study area

Meeting Roommate

• Introductory conversation
• Room agreement
• First meal together
• Building relationship

Campus Exploration

• Find main buildings
• Locate dining halls
• Visit library
• Explore student center

Welcome Events

• Attend orientation
• Meet classmates
• Join activities
• Build community

Emotional Adjustment

Normal Feelings

• Excitement
• Anxiety
• Homesickness
• Overwhelm
• Hope
• Loneliness

Self-Compassion

• It's OK to feel mixed emotions
• Processing takes time
• Everyone adjusts at own pace
• Professional support available

When to Reach Out

• Persistent sadness
• Inability to function
• Suicidal thoughts
• Eating/sleeping issues

First Week Routine

Morning

• Wake up on schedule
• Breakfast in dining hall
• Check email
• Morning class (if Monday)

Class Attendance

• Show up on time
• Take notes
• Participate appropriately
• Meet classmates

Lunch Hour

• Eat with classmates
• Build connections
• Try different dining halls

Afternoon

• Attend afternoon class
• Study hours
• Exercise
• Activities

Evening

• Dinner with friends
• Homework
• Social events
• Sleep preparation

Night

• Wind down
• Prepare for next day
• 7-9 hours sleep

Building Community

Open Attitude

• Say yes to events
• Meet many people
• Be kind and curious
• Don't judge quickly

Intentional Friendships

• Look for compatibility
• Value quality over quantity
• Invest time in relationships
• Be a good friend yourself

Group Formation

• Study groups
• Interest-based
• Cultural groups
• Identity groups

Academic Engagement

Show Up

• Attend every class
• Be on time
• Prepared with materials
• Participate as appropriate

Take Notes

• Handwritten or typed
• Organized system
• Review after class
• Ask when confused

Ask Questions

• In class
• Office hours
• Email
• Study groups

Time Management

• Weekly planning
• Daily prioritization
• Avoid procrastination
• Use breaks effectively

Physical Health

Sleep

• 7-9 hours nightly
• Consistent schedule
• Napping if needed
• Bed routine

Nutrition

• Three meals daily
• Healthy snacks
• Hydration
• Limited junk food

Exercise

• 3-5x per week
• Find enjoyable activities
• Use campus gym
• Take walks

Rest

• Downtime matters
• Reading for pleasure
• Quiet time
• Self-care

Mental Health

Daily Practices

• Mindfulness or meditation
• Gratitude practice
• Journaling
• Limit social media

Weekly Practices

• Therapy appointment
• Call family
• Creative outlet
• Fun activity

Crisis Resources

• Campus counseling center
• 24/7 hotline
• Trusted adult
• Mental health app

Family Connection

Regular Communication

• Weekly calls with family
• Daily texts if desired
• Visits when possible
• Share updates

Independence

• Make own decisions
• Handle own challenges
• Grow into yourself
• Call home from space of strength

Managing Homesickness

• Normal for first year
• Reduces over time
• Home is always home
• Visit when possible

Social Life

Start Slow

• First weeks are overwhelming
• Meet people incrementally
• Don't force connections
• Quality over quantity

Explore Identity

• New freedom
• Who are you?
• Try new things
• Stay safe

Substance Use

• Many students drink
• Know your limits
• Don't feel pressured
• Legal and health risks

Dating

• New freedom
• Be intentional
• Respectful of others
• Safe practices

Study Strategy

Syllabi Review

• Understand expectations
• Note due dates
• Plan accordingly
• Ask questions

Reading

• Do all assigned reading
• Take notes
• Discuss in groups
• Apply to discussions

Writing

• Start papers early
• Visit writing center
• Revise thoughtfully
• Submit on time

Exams

• Review regularly
• Study consistently
• Ask questions
• Practice tests

Problem-Solving

Academic

• Talk to professor
• Get tutoring
• Join study group
• Use resources

Personal

• Counseling
• Resident advisor
• Trusted friend
• Family

Crisis

• Campus security
• Counseling center
• Hospital
• Emergency services

Discovery

Your Interests

• What excites you?
• What bores you?
• What do you want to explore?
• What do you want to leave behind?

Your Major

• Take intro courses
• Talk to upperclassmen
• Explore related fields
• Stay flexible

Your Goals

• Academic achievements
• Personal growth
• Career direction
• Life vision

Your People

• Who makes you better?
• Who shares your values?
• Who challenges you?
• Who supports you?

The Long Game

College Experience

• 4 years of growth
• Academic learning
• Social development
• Career preparation

Life Skills

• Independence
• Time management
• Self-advocacy
• Resilience

Relationships

• Lifelong friendships possible
• Professional network forming
• Mentors appearing
• Romantic relationships

Future Vision

• Graduate school
• Career
• Family
• Life contribution

Celebrate the Start

You made it. You're here. You're starting college. Embrace it all.