A Quick Guide to Moving to University

Starting university can be stressful, frightening and confusing. In fact, much of the stress and confusion begins with the moving process. Most freshman don’t know what to pack, how much to pack, what to expect, what to do or where to go. However, there are some basic tips that can help every freshman successfully move to university. For example, you could use social media to connect with your roommates before the school year begins. You could also inquire about what furniture, household or other items the university provides, such as a toaster, a microwave or storage items. But the most important steps to take are the simplest ones, including packing, organizing and moving in.

Packing for University

Packing is one of the most laborious steps in the moving process – one that many young students don’t know how to or want to do. Plus, packing for university can be a bit of a science. You must pack the essentials, but bringing too much can be overwhelming, counterproductive and lead to major storage issues. Before packing, consider the storage provided by your university, as well as any items they might provide. Additionally, make sure your packing process is as organized as possible. First, declutter, then organize your belongings into “keep,” “throw away” and “donate” categories. Next, throw away and/or donate all unwanted items. Finally, pack the things you’ll be taking with you. Remember to use a “to-do list,” scratch off items as you complete them and label your boxes accordingly. For the sake of space, only take the essentials, including:

•                    A manageable amount of clothing and shoes

•                    Books

•                    A laptop and/or tablet

•                    School supplies (if applicable)

•                    Bed linens and accessories

•                    Hygiene products, e.g. soaps, shampoos and conditioners, deodorants, toothpaste and toothbrushes and haircare and skincare products

•                    Towels

•                    Basic kitchen utensils and dishes

Organise Your Move

Organisation is the key to making your move as smooth as possible. First, organize the packing process, taking care not to overstuff the boxes and storing your boxes in an easily accessible area. Next, arrange to have your things moved in a small truck or sizeable vehicle. Most likely, a small vehicle won’t be sufficient for moving all your boxes. Finally, schedule your move for at least a week before classes begin. Therefore, you’ll have plenty of time to unpack, organize your belongings, meet your roommates and/or dormmates, get settled and decompress before the first semester. This is especially important if you’re moving into Waterloo off campus housing, which may require you to arrange furniture, decorate and more.

Introduce Yourself

Whether you’re moving into a residence hall or one of the rooms for rent Waterloo has to offer, you’ll need to be introduced and become familiar with your new surroundings. Introduce yourself to your new roommate(s) soon after you arrive. Then, take a tour of and get a feel for your new living space. After the tour, unpack and arrange your space to fit your comfort level and style. You should also take this time to set and discuss rules with your roommate(s). If you’re moving into a residence hall, be sure to meet the resident advisor (RA), take a tour of the housing facility, get briefed on the rules and regulations of the dorm and much more.

How to Make a Smooth Transition from High School to a Postsecondary School

Graduating from high school and moving on to postsecondary education is exciting, but it can also be daunting. Many people find it difficult to make the transition due to the numerous changes: the new environment, new people, a new place to live. To ensure that you settle in as quickly as possible, taking advantage of your greater independence while keeping your grades up, you need to have a strategy in place.

1. Maintain Your Good Habits

At high school, there were immediate consequences if you failed to turn up for class or if you missed an assignment. At postsecondary school, it’s all up to you to be organized. You may feel tempted to skip the occasional class, but this puts you at risk of falling behind. There’s also the chance that it will turn into a habit. Either way, you’ll likely struggle to keep up and feel stressed.

2. Have a Social Life

It is equally important that school is not just about studying. You need to make friends and enjoy life to the full if you are going to take advantage of the postsecondary experience. This will also help to keep stress at bay. Find students in your classes that share the same interests as you and who would make good study partners. Also remember to stay in touch with friends who went to other schools — this will help you maintain your sense of self as your life changes.

3. Find Comfortable Student Housing

Look for apartments for rent near Wilfrid Laurier University. Being close to school will help you reach your classes on time. Find a place where you know you’ll be comfortable and make the space your own. This is a great way to start enjoying your independence and avoid homesickness.

4. Talk to Your Advisor

Whenever you have any doubts, head to your student advisor. You can discuss your courses, but also talk about the resources available at your school, especially possible clubs, events, and volunteer work you can join. Participating in activities at school is a great way to meet people, pursue your interests, and improve your career prospects after graduation.

Probably the most important point on this list is finding student housing that makes you feel at home. Check out Waterloo student housing rentals to find the perfect place to live. If you find an apartment where you feel comfortable, you’ll be more likely to succeed with your education.