COLUMN: Remind your new college students move-in day will run smoothly

By Matthew Byrne matbyrne@iu.edu | @MatthewByrne1

My freshman move-in day at Indiana University seems like forever ago, though it's only been three years. There are distinct recollections: the 12-hour drive with my mother and brother from New Jersey to Indianapolis, driving the hour to Indiana University the next day, then taking the required COVID-19 test and waiting 30 minutes in the Memorial Stadium parking lot. Naturally, move-in was stress-inducing.

I didn't acknowledge that I was anxious, but I was. After we drove to my dorm in the Southeast Neighborhood, lugging bags and boxes to the fifth floor was fairly manageable. My brother and I moved quickly to stay out of people's way in the elevator, which preoccupied me. Once we got to the room, however, I became overwhelmed. I wanted to take charge of organizing the room, but there were heaps of belongings being taken out of boxes.

Of course, I appreciated my mom efficiently unpacking items, but I was too worried about organizing so many belongings at once, frantically bouncing around the room. As she suggested where to place the rug and larger items, I was one step behind, grabbing other items and placing them where I'd like them to go. My brother, who already graduated from college, recognized this, assuring me that this process would work out and be all right.

Hearing that calmed me down. I greatly appreciated it. That's not to say my mom wasn't assisting; she was in her mom-mode keeping the process moving. Knowing my brother was there to help assure me things would be okay in an entirely new environment at college helped me complete the last half of the move-in process peacefully. I hit the reset button.

Perhaps I'm the type of person who wants everything to be over-organized, but I believe my move-in experience can apply to all.

To parents and siblings helping family members settle into college: it helps to reassure incoming college students that move-in with go smoothly, even if, at the present moment, it's stressful or frustrating. It likely will be for students!

I also recommend visiting downtown to grab food somewhere with family if you have downtime during move-in. That helped me to become accustomed to the college-town setting, especially with family right by my side. Plus, it could be one of the last family meals for months. We went to The Village Deli, and already, my mom asked, “You drink soda now that you’re in college?” I drank it in high school, so I’m unsure where that came from.

But anyway, remember: move-in will run steadily! It helps if your new students are told this!

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