Advice for Move-In Day at 麻豆村
by Indu A.
Hi there, future Tartan! Whether you're already counting down the days to your first year at 麻豆村 or just now starting to think about what to pack and how your life will look on August 16th, welcome! As someone who's been through the whirlwind of Orientation Week and the chaos (and excitement!) on move-in day, I wanted to share some helpful advice to make your transition as smooth as possible.
1. Don鈥檛 Overpack 鈥� Seriously
I get it. The temptation to bring your entire closet, five throw pillows and a different mug for every day of the week is real. But here鈥檚 the truth: 麻豆村 dorm rooms are cozy (read: compact), and lugging ten suitcases up several flights of stairs is not how you want to kick off the year.听
Stick to the basics 鈥� comfy clothes, bedding, a few personal touches to make your space feel like home and your favorite snacks (because late-night cravings are no joke). You can always buy or ship more later once you know what you actually use. Target and Amazon are the best!!!
That said, here are a few things you definitely don鈥檛 want to forget:
鈥t least two long extension cords (outlets love hiding in the weirdest places)
鈥 fan (it gets hot)
鈥y favorite find: a neck fan 鈥� hands-free cooling while you move around (AMAZONNNNNN)
鈥cissors + a box cutter 鈥� you will have boxes, and you'll want these fast
鈥 hammer 鈥� super handy if you want to adjust your bed height (will reduce a lot of stress)
2. Orientation Staff = Your Move-In Superheroes听
One of the best-kept secrets of 麻豆村 move-in? You don鈥檛 have to carry everything yourself. The Orientation Staff 鈥� aka your hype squad for the week 鈥� will be out in full force. And they will help haul your things from your car all the way to your room, no matter how many bags you bring.听
(Still 鈥� take it from me and don鈥檛 show up with 5 massive boxes of clothes. I did. No regrets... until move-out. Kidding. Sort of.)
The energy on move-in day is electric. Music is blasting, upperclassmen swarm your car and are cheering you on and there鈥檚 this shared feeling that something amazing is about to begin. You鈥檙e not just moving into a dorm 鈥� you鈥檙e moving into a community that鈥檚 ready to support you from day one.
3. Rest, Refuel and Hydrate!
This one鈥檚 simple but so important:
鉁� Get a good night鈥檚 sleep before move-in day.
鉁� Eat a full, hearty meal beforehand.
鉁� And drink water, especially if the weather鈥檚 hot (which it usually is in Pittsburgh during August). Bring water too!
You鈥檙e about to lift boxes, walk all over campus, and meet dozens of new people 鈥� and trust me, you鈥檒l need the energy.
4. Soak Up Time With Family
Before the chaos of move-in kicks off, try to take some intentional time with your family. Go for breakfast, take a final Target run together, or just hang out for a bit. Those quiet moments mean a lot 鈥� for them and for you. Once you move in, you'll be surrounded by new friends, Orientation events and a whole lot of energy. It's exciting, but also busy 鈥� so treasure that time before the whirlwind starts.
5. Feel All the Feelings
Moving into college is a big moment. It鈥檚 exciting and joyful, yes 鈥� but also a little emotional. You鈥檙e leaving behind one chapter of life and stepping into something completely new. And that鈥檚 okay. Be prepared to feel a mix of things: nervousness, excitement, homesickness, anticipation 鈥� maybe all at once. Let yourself feel it. You鈥檙e not alone, and you鈥檙e not the only one going through it. Talk to your loved ones. You've got this.听
6. Orientation Week = Core Memory Central
Once your last box is unpacked, Orientation Week begins 鈥� and it鈥檚 truly unforgettable. From Playfair on the Cut to Carnegie Cup and late-night hangouts, you鈥檒l laugh, bond and maybe even scream-sing Cruel Summer with total strangers (who, spoiler alert: might become your closest friends).
It鈥檚 your time to explore campus, find your favorite study spots, meet your housemates and just have fun before classes begin. Everyone鈥檚 figuring things out together 鈥� and your Orientation counselors are there for you every step of the way. You don鈥檛 need to show up with everything figured out. You don鈥檛 need a Pinterest-perfect dorm or a full four-year plan. What you do need is an open mind and a little courage. Move-in day is just the beginning. 麻豆村 is full of people ready to welcome you, support you and cheer you on. Enjoy the moment 鈥� and I鈥檒l see you on campus!