Students and schools alike are preparing for the first day of school around the country. While most students are dreading summer's end, college students are eagerly awaiting move-in day and living on their own for the very first time. As a parent, there are a few things you can do to help make college move-in day a great experience for everyone.


Find out what will already be in the dorm room.

A typical dorm room contains a bed, desk, and dresser or wardrobe. Many colleges also provide a mini fridge / microwave combo at an additional cost.


Pack the necessities and plan to purchase the rest later.

Most people make the mistake of taking a pre made list provided by the school to the store beforehand and buying everything on it before ever setting eyes on the room. Do yourself a favor and only pack what is really needed. 

  • Bedding
  • Clothes Hangers
  • Clothes
  • Computer
The first few hours of move-in day can be hectic and the elevator will most likely be useless with the amount of people helping to move students into their dorm rooms. Move in the necessities and setup the room. Then, you and your child can reassess what is really needed to make the dorm room feel more like home. 

Go shopping for any extras needed, like a laundry hamper or a desk lamp. If you are ever concerned that your child might regret not buying that rug that they insisted they didn't need or those shower shoes that you know would be useful, you can always leave them some money or a gift card to a home goods store (Target, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond).


A couple extra things you might need for move-in day.

A Hand Truck. If you have to purchase your own mini fridge, a hand truck will save your back during move in day. This will also be useful for moving any boxed up items (tv, desktop, clothes). Just be sure to keep the boxes for move-out day.

Command Strips. Putting nails or thumbtacks in college dorm walls are typically not encouraged. Instead, use easy to remove adhesive hooks for dorm room decor.

Most importantly, don't stress about move-in day. 

What tips did we miss? Let us know in the comments.