Moving to college is more than just unpacking boxes—it’s the start of a whole new chapter. At Case Western Reserve University, this year’s incoming students will fill campus with a mix of excitement and nerves as they arrive for move-in Aug. 17–18.
Few people know that energy better than resident assistants. Not only have they navigated their own first days on campus, they’ve also helped guide dozens of new students (and their families) through the process.
We asked four RAs to share their most valuable move-in wisdom—from what to pack (and what to leave behind) to how to connect with your new community and handle the unexpected with a smile.
Read on to glean their insights—and find more information about move-in.
Q: What’s one thing you wish every student knew before move-in day?
McKenzie Roman: Be sure to coordinate with your roommate about what items each of you will bring.
Kianna Verdugo: I think bringing less is more—you are going to collect a bunch of CWRU merch, go shopping around Cleveland, go to flea markets and accumulate much more than you think! Pack the essentials and leave collectibles or posters behind—you’ll get way more!
Abigail Karlo: It’s okay to not know something. There are so many people present who want to help make your move easier! If you find yourself confused or lost—ask. I promise it’s better than guessing.
Joanna Chiu: Let out a deep breath! Moving in can be a little nerve-wracking but know that there is a team of us here that have prepared and are ready to welcome you. Rest assured, we will get you in the right place at the right time. Do not overpack! Bring essentials and things that might make your dorm feel homey. See the space you will be living in first, then buy stuff as you need once you get here.
Q: What’s your #1 packing tip—or something students always forget to bring?
Roman: This is a boring answer, but packing tape and scissors. Someone is always asking to borrow those items in the floor group-chat.
Verdugo: Shower shoes for sure—it’s a shared space and they always sell out at local stores.
Karlo: Buy your (surge-protected, of course) extension cords longer than you think they need to be. Your outlets will never be where you want them!
Chiu: Don’t forget to bring personal medicine, honey, salt and your favorite sickness things! It is always nice to have something that will give you a hug from home when you’re hit with the flu.
Q: What’s the most creative or chaotic move-in moment you’ve witnessed?
Roman: I think someone hired a moving company to take their belongings from a U-Haul to the residence hall. I was very impressed, but concerned with how everything was going to fit in the room.
Verdugo: When I had to move in my first year into Clarke Tower, it started pouring for a couple hours! Everyone’s boxes were soaked, supplies ruined and clothes were drenched—then the elevator went out and people had to climb to their floors (including me on the ninth floor); so bring an umbrella and put your things in large plastic bags instead!
Karlo: I watched parents drive a car through the campus lawn to get closer to the building. The car stalled in the mud because it was pouring all of move-in. (Please listen to traffic directions.)
Chiu: Clarke Tower move-ins are always a little chaotic as people run up and down 11 flights of stairs.
Q: How can students make a great first impression with their roommate and floormates?
Roman: Within reason, say yes to all invitations! Invite people to dinner, go to Mitchell’s Ice Cream, group shop at Target, play Mario Kart in the common room at 1 a.m., etc. You’ll meet so many people your first week, and it is nice to know some friendly faces during your first day of class.
Verdugo: Be friendly! Everyone is going to be new to CWRU, so it doesn’t hurt to say hello or ask people’s majors—it’s pretty daunting at first but during Orientation Week you’ll have to be pretty social! Finding a common ground on topics like what you like to do, what you find interesting, complimenting their decorations are good first steps to building a bond!
Karlo: Be respectful of your shared spaces! Use your bathroom like you share it with your mom.
Chiu: Don’t be afraid to initiate conversations and follow up with people. Instead of thinking about making a great first impression, focus on getting to know the person in front of you. Be willing to ask intentional questions and share about yourself. Have a genuine curiosity about the people you meet!
Q: Anything else you’d like students to know?
Roman: I think the best thing to do during move-in is to trust the process. Read every email that is sent to your CWRU email. Share those emails with whoever is helping you move-in. The faster everyone is on the same page, the smoother the move-in process will be!
Verdugo: Move-in is nerve-wracking and it can be stressful with finding your room, hundreds of people and even more staff asking and directing you places. Take a breath and remind yourself it’s everybody’s first day here and RAs and staff are there to help you! Coordinate with those you’re bringing like your family to help bring things in, a checklist of what you want to do/buy when you are there. It’s important to have fun! If you drop a box, accidentally go into the wrong building, are sweating buckets, laugh it off with whoever you’re with because it’s a funny memory to look back on!
Karlo: Keep your Case ID or any other keys/keycards you need on you at all times! The housing office will be busy, and the last thing you want to deal with while moving in is getting locked out. I definitely have not experienced this…I just hear it’s really inconvenient.
Chiu: I am praying that you all have a safe trip to Cleveland whether you’re coming off a 20-hour flight or driving down the street! Can’t wait to welcome you to your new home for the next few years.
