<p>Any advice from the experienced about the logistics of Move-in Day? Is it better to arrive right at the beginning or wait until later to avoid a rush? Do they let you drive your car close to the dorm (D's in Haynsworth, Lakeside) or is it a good idea to have a dolly to cart things long distances? And are there really upperclassmen to help? We won't have any dads with us to move the heavy things, so it would be nice to have some extra arms to help. </p>
<p>As always, thanks very much! Less than one week now...</p>
<p>Momdoc-Move-in day for freshman is very organized at Furman. You are allowed to drive up next to your student’s dorm where several upperclassmen will be waiting to unload EVERYTHING you have packed. They actually take all of suitcases, bookshelves, etc. to your S/D’s room, and in our case, were happy to place things where we wanted them. I cannot say enough positive things about the entire experience.As for when to arrive, the student "movers’ are there the entire day-we arrived about 2-3 hours after the dorms opened and there were large numbers of families waiting to take the place of other vans, etc. vacating their parking spaces. </p>
<p>We did take a “hand-truck/dolly” because we thought we would be doing the lion share of the moving. As it turned out, we did not need it because of all of the upperclassmen who were available to help. </p>
<p>The one thing I wished our D had done was to find out when her roommate was planning to move in. To me, it makes sense to decide together who gets which side of the room-whose nearer the sink, etc. When we arrived before noon, we were stunned to find that D’s roommate had moved-in the day before-not exactly the message my D was looking for in terms of joint decisions. Furman allows only athletes, and some groups with EC commitments to move in early. Somehow roommate and her mother were able to circumvent that policy. </p>
<p>Reminder list-bring a tool kit, scissors, 3M hooks to hang in closets ( or something similar). Some cleaning supplies-rooms are clean when you start, etc. Also, I would bring a box of large trash bags- I never realized how much trash comes from unpacking items, taking things out of packaging, etc. Extra extension cords may also come in hand. One final thought: remind D to get to building where student’s computers are set-up for Furman IT. Our kids forgot to take care of that the first day, and spent more time in line than they would have preferred.
A cooler with drinks/water will make the day more pleasant-especially it it’s really hot.</p>
<p>I am sure other parents will have more ( or improved) recommendations. Sending good thoughts your way this week.</p>
<p>THANKS, Georgiatwins!!! Your advice is always SO helpful. I’m glad to hear there’s so much help available. I didn’t realize the students still had to go to IT even if they’ve done the “technology orientation” over the summer and followed the instructions for their computers. And it’s good to hear move-in isn’t a total madhouse of vying for parking spaces or schlepping all the way across campus (which I seem to remember from my own college days). We’ll have to be sure to coordinate with roomate.</p>
<p>We are so excited to be finally leaving. D was very lucky to get the courses/professors she requested, so she’s really looking forward to the coming semester.</p>
<p>MomDoc, Georgiatwins had covered move in day very well. The only thing that I suggest would be to get there early as inevitably there will be forgotten things or items you never thought D would need that will require a store run or two. Side trips will intefer with your schedule and if you don’t leave yourself enough time you will be exhausted from running around especially if you will be heading out that same day. If you D does not have a car, you may also want to go to the supermarket to pick up some perishable items to stock the fridge.
One last thing, as Furman is encouraging “going green”, my D last year decided to buy a Brita for the fridge instead of buying cases of bottled water. Initially we brought cases with us and D was buying cases, but besides the fact that it is not ecologically friendly, they were heavy to cart to the room, filled up the trash pail and in most cases D said they never finished a whole bottle. Have you D get a nice Furman water bottle and fill it as she needs it.</p>
<p>It is great that your D got her classes and profs that she wanted. That will make for a wonderful initial semester. Good luck and enjoy these last days before the big move-in!</p>
<p>Thank you, op2misticmom! We use a Brita pitcher at home, so we did plan on getting one for the dorm room. Those kind of bulky items we’ll buy once we’re there–I’ve spent enough on shipping already! </p>
<p>Two more days of running around finishing things up—still don’t have a bank account or debit card–then we’re off! Thanks for the good wishes. I hope your student(s) have a great year as well!</p>