Student Advice for a Sustainable Move-In

The Sustainability Stewards at NC State share their advice for fellow students on what to pack, what to leave home and on how to have an easy sustainable move-in.

Packing for College Move-In: What to Bring and What to Leave Home

“Definitely very glad I brought a fan as you never know when your roommate runs cold. I could have done without all the board games I brought though– I didn’t have a lot of time and only really played cards.”

– Jameson Hill, Biological Engineering

“The one item I loved in my dorm was an organizer I hung on my closet door that had a million pockets. It was so easy to put random items in it for easy access. The one item I definitely didn’t need was a single serving-size Keurig coffee maker. I never used it. You won’t need all of your winter clothes when you first move-in– wait until break to get them from home.”

– Charlotte Peele, Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology

“I am very glad I brought a desk lamp because the overhead light in the dorm rooms is pretty harsh. I felt the same way about my rug. They both just made me feel more at home. I did not need all the different shoes that I brought. You really only need a couple of comfortable pairs because you are walking around all the time.”

– Willamina Ingle, Microbiology

“First Aid Kit. Nine times out of ten you’ll suffer some freshman accident and desperately need to patch yourself up.”

– Harrison King, Environmental Engineering

“It’s going to feel like you don’t have anything you need at first but you’re going to amass things throughout the year. So, keep in mind that it’s ok to not have everything on day one.”

– Brooke Parrinello, Fashion and Textile Management

Tips for College Move-In Day

“Use recyclable boxes to move your stuff so you don’t create too much waste while moving in.”

– Jack Voight, Environmental Engineering

“My family brought one of those beach wagons to carry stuff up with. It made it so much easier to move in and out and we didn’t have to wait for one of the few carts to become available. I would warn against bringing too many people. With my roommate, her mom, my brother, mom, dad and me, we were packed in our tiny dorm room. It made unpacking a bit difficult because everyone was trying to move around each other. Try to dedicate just a few people to moving stuff up and a few people to unpacking in the room.”

– Brooke Parrinello, Fashion and Textile Management

“Make sure you talk to the other people moving in. Sometimes there are people already living in the rooms or moving in at a similar time. Don’t make it awkward, talk to them!”

– Jameson Hill, Biological Engineering

“Bring Ikea or reusable shopping bags that you can throw things in and bins you can stack inside of each other to carry things up.”

– Charlotte Peele, Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology

“Pack in as few bags/boxes as possible to make carrying it all easier, and only bring what you’re sure you will need. The dorm rooms are small and trying to fit a lot of things is stressful.”

– Willamina Ingle, Microbiology

“Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask your family and friends for help moving. It sucks more to go it alone. You don’t necessarily need 12 different storage devices so be conservative.”

– Harrison King, Environmental Engineering