Students across the country are busy preparing to move back to campus in August. It may feel like an overwhelming process, but UNC Greensboro is here to help new Spartans make a smooth transition. The staff at Housing and Residence Life (HRL) has advice to help students get ready, get (Spartan) set, and make sure all systems are go for their move to the G.
“At HRL, we understand that a good move-in experience puts students in the right frame of mind for the whole semester,” explains Mary Steele, assistant director of marketing and communications for HRL at UNCG. “We’ve set up several processes to make move-in easier. With a little preparation, everything should fall into place for a stress-free move.”
Get Ready in 3 Easy Steps
By now, most new Spartans have received their room assignments and are making plans to move to campus in August. If you’re overwhelmed and wondering where to begin, take the following steps to get yourself ready:
1. Call Your Roommate & Set a Packing List Together
A classic move-in mistake made by first-year students is packing more than they need. Start by considering the furniture provided in each residence hall and remember that it cannot be removed from the rooms. Focus your attention on personalizing your space and maximizing storage for your needs.
HRL encourages roommates to meet up early and set a list of things to pack but try not to anticipate every need that may arise over the semester. Compare notes with your roommate so you don’t duplicate items. For example, one roommate brings a microwave, the other a TV, and cleaning supplies can be shared. This simple conversation will save you headaches on move-in day.
Also, don’t pack items that will get you fined. Health and safety checks will be conducted, and contraband like weapons, drug paraphernalia, and anything considered a fire hazard will be confiscated. Avoid items like LED light strips and nails to hang pictures, which are prohibited in your residence hall. Anything that will damage the walls will lead to a hefty fine when you move out. And finally, consider leaving valuables at home.
Here’s a checklist of what to bring and what not to bring to campus.
2. Rent a Mini Fridge
Every student should have a mini fridge for snacks and drinks, but HRL’s pro tip is to rent a fridge instead of buying one. For a rental fee, the fridge will be waiting in the room for you upon move-in, and you can leave it when you move out. If you order it by Aug. 5, you can skip the extra hauling in favor of convenience.
3. Set Your Move-in Date
Once your packing lists are complete, make a plan for when you’d like to move. Traditional move-in is Aug. 13-18 and early arrival is Aug. 8-11, but perhaps the best insider tip for moving to UNCG is to sign up for a Stop, Drop, and Roll appointment.
Stop, Drop, and Roll allows students in some residence halls to move their belongings early, so they aren’t moving everything in with the crowds that arrive the weekend before classes start. Although you can’t officially occupy your room yet, Stop, Drop and Roll is the perfect time to:
- move larger items
- decorate your space
- inspect your room and furniture and place maintenance requests if needed
- set up electronics with new WiFi settings before your hall is full of others trying to do the same
- get a feel for your new living space before move-in day
Stop, Drop, and Roll dates vary by residence hall, but all students living on campus will receive an email that prompts them to sign up for a one-hour block Aug. 1-3. Check your UNCG email to verify your residence hall’s move-in options.
“Make that extra trip to Greensboro and you’ll have greater access to moving carts, time to put in maintenance requests, and an early opportunity to get excited about your room,” reminds Steele. “It’ll make your first week at the G so much easier.”
Get Spartan Set
For first-year Spartans, this critical time between SOAR and move-in is your time to get Spartan Set. Spartan Set refers to all the paperwork the University requires for the semester ahead. Make sure these four requirements are met by July 31:
- Submit immunization requirements via Student Health Services patient portal.
- Waive or enroll in student health insurance.
- Provide UNCG with your final transcripts.
These are the last of the administrative hurdles you’ll need to jump. Handle them now so you’ll be ready, set…
And Go!
When students avoid common move-in mistakes and handle all paperwork and preparation in July, they can focus on settling in immediately upon moving in. This includes meeting their peers, learning their way around campus, and making their rooms comfortable and uplifting environments for the new academic year.
HRL encourages all students to celebrate their creativity and show off practical space hacks by entering the Best Dressed Room contest. It’s been a UNCG tradition for more than 15 years, and this year, up to $650 in merchandise will be awarded to the top winners. Stay tuned for more information about how you can enter your room.
In general, HRL advises students not to sweat it! If you are a student preparing for your move to UNCG, consult HRL’s Move-In webpage for answers to questions and helpful links and monitor your UNCG email for important updates. And always, email hrl@uncg.edu with any specific questions you have along the way. We can’t wait to see you at the G!
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photos by Sean Norona, University Communications.
