<p>It will just be me helping D move in day and we plan to ship a few boxes and a 64 lb dorm fridge/freeze ahead of time, but heavy items like that will still have to be brought up to her room from the basement - will there be strong guys around to help? I know other school's have the football players or something helping the freshman move-in day and since W has no football team, got me wondering how this will all go down!</p>
<p>My daughter is on the volleyball team at Wellesley and one of their fundraising efforts is to help move students’ belongings from storage to their dorm rooms at the beginning of the year (for a fee). I’m afraid I don’t know more of the specifics and whether they also have helped move in first years as well, but I can ask. I also don’t know what they charged. </p>
<p>Since she moved in last year before the rest of the first years, I’m not sure if there is already something in place to help first years on move-in day, but perhaps others can comment on that.</p>
<p>We moved my daughter in last year, and I do not recall any muscle men on offer to assist.</p>
<p>Her dorm has an elevator, and we were able to pull right up to the door with her stuff. So it was not too taxing.</p>
<p>Three words: collapsable hand truck. My father always helped me move-in/out, and he got one at Home Depot for something like $15 and it was THE BEST THING EVER. When collapsed it is small enough to fit in a bigger carry-on suitcase, and at the end of the year we would simply pack it into one of my boxes. Makes moving those heavy boxes and refrigerator a comparative breeze, as you just roll into the elevator (all dorms have them–yeah, it’s slow to wait for one, but hey, you’ll want the breather) and then down the hall to your D’s room. Definitely scope out your moving route beforehand–for us Tower was the worst because you have to go up or down half a floor to get to the elevator BUT there is a secondary lift down to the lowest floor, so it’s just an inconvenience to be aware of.</p>
<p>What heavy things do you need moved? I mean, besides a fridge? Do you have any advise or lists on what the girls might need? We are coming from Arizona, so I would like to work off of a list. We only have a day in Boston before move in…</p>
<p>Only helped D first year, but no fridge or anything else too heavy. She was on the first floor. I know she has paid for members of the athletic teams to help carry things out of storage when moving back in in subsequent years.</p>
<p>Less is more - they are sharing space in their room the first couple of years. I recommend bed risers and storage boxes on wheels for storage under the bed.</p>
<p>There will be a shared kitchen area in the dorm with a refrigerator as well. D has never had her own in her room.</p>
<p>I’m not the OP but after your first year when you pack everything to store you only get 4 (nice-sized) boxes (if you are far enough away from the school–I don’t remember the mileage requirement but for me at 1000 miles away I was never close to the cutoff), and those boxes get pretty heavy, so that’s where the hand truck came in handy besides for moving a refrigerator. My first year I had a lot of stuff, but nothing heavy to move. I didn’t start out with a refrigerator but I really liked having one, and my brother, who just finished his freshmen year, also got one with his roommate. Unless you have unusual circumstances (lots of medication, food allergies, etc?) it certainly isn’t necessary to have your own fridge, but communal fridges do kind of suck. </p>
<p>There’s not much you NEED starting out. A power strip is a must. I would highly recommend a fan. When you arrive I think it is a good idea to stock up on things like school supplies, favored non-perishable snacks (cough Diet Coke cough), and other essentials from Walmart or Target so that you have an ample store and at a reasonable price (versus buying those things on campus or at CVS). Don’t forget things like tissues and cold medicine–horrible to have to make that trip to CVS when your head is about to explode! An additional lamp was a big thing for me–you can pick nice ones up at Target for pretty cheap ($20-$30). The overhead lights are notoriously awful and the only other light you get for sure is a desk lamp. I personally wouldn’t recommend a floor lamp, though–floor space is precious more often than not. Rugs are pretty popular but that’s the kind of thing that gets picked up along the way more often than not. I think it is good to have a set of dishes–a microwaveable plate, bowl, and mug/cup and a fork, spoon, and knife. I hated the desk chairs the college has, so I replaced mine with a nice storage ottoman I bought at Target (I rarely worked at my desk so the ottoman was fine). My roommate who did work at her desk replaced her chair with a nicer desk chair. When I got a single I bought a cute side table to go next to my bed but most doubles would not have room for something like that. I think some sort of mattress padding (even the $20 foam mattress padding they sell at Target or Bed, Bath and Beyond is fine (it’s what I had!)) is usually appreciated. Any extra pillows or soft items to fit your needs (since I worked on my bed, I always had one of those (blech) “husband” pillows to sit against–in fact, I still have one, and I’m sitting against it now!). Others like body pillows or extra bed pillows. It’s not like Wellesley is cut off from civilization; every Saturday there is a bus to Target and the mall so you don’t have to have everything up front by any means. But do have that power strip (or power strips). That you NEED.</p>
<p>I agree with byo handtruck. Some years Wellesley has had some, other years it hasn’t. Regardless, the ones that Wellesley provides can be rather frustrating to use. </p>
<p>While Wellesley’s football team is “undefeated,” there are no football guys around. I know my dad has helped a few people in his time. However, a 64 pound fridge/ freezer seems a bit excessive to me. It will need to be moved/ stored every year, and not all floors in all dorms are elevator accessible. (The elevator inaccessible floors are for upperclass students though.) I’ve never needed a minifridge, because there’s always been space in the communal fridge (and an unlimited meal plan). </p>
<p>For those who haven’t bought mini fridges yet… there will be a sustainability sale that will sell them (and other useful items) before classes start. The minifridges will be delivered to one’s room. Another useful thing to buy at the sale might be summer storage containers*. (Something like this: [Sterilite</a> 45-gal. Latchtote Wheeled Storage Unit… : Target](<a href=“http://www.target.com/p/Sterilite-45-gal-Latchtote-Wheeled-Storage-Unit-Titanium-Set-of-4/-/A-11862100]Sterilite”>http://www.target.com/p/Sterilite-45-gal-Latchtote-Wheeled-Storage-Unit-Titanium-Set-of-4/-/A-11862100) is a popular option).</p>
<p>*depending on how far away students live, students are eligible for 0,2, or 4 items of summer storage as long as the student is returning the following term.</p>
<p>We live far enough away to qualify for the maximum summer storage units, but it’s certainly not enough - D has gone in with other students and stored her other stuff for the summer. Since she’s away doing study abroad this spring, in December in addition to finals she got to arrange for storage and pack everything away until August, minus what she thought she needed for the spring and summer. Add in weight limits on luggage and it can be quite a challenge to manage! </p>
<p>She has both purchased and sold things every year when students get rid of stuff.</p>
<p>Wow, thanks guys! The only really heavy item will be the fridge (provided the room assignment will accommodate it). She is hellbent on the kind with a freezer so that’s why it’s 64lbs. It is 33" high so as long as she has a room that allows for the beds to be raised that high, I am willing to get her one. </p>
<p>We will ship a few boxes - we are in Texas and I was told at the Wellesley Club of Houston meet-up that Texas and California get the most storage consideration and she is allowed to ship up to seven boxes prior to arrival. She might actually have seven because, in addition to the fridge I will buy online and have shipped directly to the dorm, she has a king sized t-shirt quilt (grad present), some oddly shaped items for the walls, little 13" flat screen from her grandmother and her lacrosse sticks that will all need their own box - then some clothes/shoes. </p>
<p>My intention is to send her light - she wants her road bike, but I will make her wait to see if she can really use it there and has the time - over and above studies and her varsity sport. I know I can always ship things later.</p>
<p>Can’t wait to start this planning - when do they send out the room assignments?</p>
<p>Good info on the hand truck, fan and additional lighting!!!</p>
<p>marycelery–Here are some thoughts on how we made the move across country a little easier last summer:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>First, check out the Wellesley web page for info on what things are NOT allowed and what are recommended: [Welcome</a> to Residential Life at Wellesley College](<a href=“http://www.wellesley.edu/ResLife/firstyears.html]Welcome”>http://www.wellesley.edu/ResLife/firstyears.html)</p></li>
<li><p>We moved all of DD’s personal things in 6 suitcases (flying Southwest Airlines, with 2 free checked bags for me, DH and DD) using those vacuum-type storage bags–it’s amazing how much will fit in a suitcase then, but be aware that the weight can add up! We used these, which Costco had last summer:
<a href=“https://www.spacebag.com/22/index.dtm?mid=678785[/url]”>https://www.spacebag.com/22/index.dtm?mid=678785</a>
DD used them to come home this summer since there apparently was a vacuum in her dorm she could use. Everything else we picked up out there.</p></li>
<li><p>Bed, Bath and Beyond and The Container Store (and probably others, but these are the two that we used) have a great program where you can order the larger items you will need at a local store or online, and then pick your order up at a store near campus so you don’t have to pay shipping, etc.
[Moving</a> Solutions - Bed Bath & Beyond](<a href=“http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/btsmovingsolutions.asp?]Moving”>http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/btsmovingsolutions.asp?)
[The</a> Container Store > Click & Pickup](<a href=“http://www.containerstore.com/goshop/index.htm]The”>http://www.containerstore.com/goshop/index.htm)
We rented a Jeep in Boston and it was big enough (barely!) for all of our suitcases, and also for hauling the larger items from the stores nearby. Minivans were very expensive to rent in August–very high demand, no doubt!</p></li>
<li><p>DD didn’t bring any toiletries from home–we just picked them up in the area. There is a Target nearby, and the Bed, Bath and Beyond in Framingham, MA actually had a huge selection of toiletries (probably stocked specifically for arriving college students).</p></li>
<li><p>Less is more! The dorm rooms are very small and floor space and closet space is minimal (DD had to share a closet with her roommate–it was narrow and deep, so whoever had the “back” could never see anything and we had to get some of those stick-up light fixtures to attach to the wall). Bed risers are necessary (although DD’s bed could be assembled to be quite high by switching the legs around) since most of the storage area is under the bed. She didn’t have a fridge and decided not to get one for next year since she really didn’t miss it and couldn’t imagine giving up the space for one, but that’s just her. I think a mattress topper is a must since the mattresses are thin and plastic-covered. Also, a FAN is a necessity since it is hot in early September and there is no air-conditioning (at least in her dorm on the west side of campus). We had ordered a small oscillating desk fan and then picked up another larger tower fan for some cross-ventilation once we were there (it was very hot and humid when we moved her in August).</p></li>
<li><p>We live far enough away from Wellesley that she has the maximum storage available on campus, but she also is sharing a small off-campus storage space with her roommate for next year since some of the larger items (fans, lamps, etc.) wouldn’t all fit easily into the proscribed size limitations for the Wellesley storage.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>That’s all I can think of for now. Good luck with it all–it is an exciting time!</p>
<p>maidenMom:
I’m not sure is the 13" flatscreen you mention is a TV or just meant to be an additional monitor for her laptop, but be aware that there is no cable/TV access in individual dorm rooms–only the large, communal TV rooms in each dorm have actual TV availability.</p>
<p>Also, 33" seems pretty high for their dorm beds to be lofted–that would mean the bottom edge of the bed frame would be almost 3’ off the ground. But I’m sure there are others here who have a better idea of how high the beds can be elevated since my DD only lofted hers about 20"!</p>
<p>Finally, here is a CC thread that I found very helpful for general tips about moving your DD cross-country: for school:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1338976-tips-cross-country-move-east-coast-west.html?highlight=packing+list[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1338976-tips-cross-country-move-east-coast-west.html?highlight=packing+list</a></p>
<p>Don’t quote me on this, but I think I’ve had a lofted bed in the past about 3 feet off the ground. However, not all beds can be lofted. Also, some beds may be bunked (say in the case of a triple), so those can’t be lofted either. </p>
<p>In the past they’ve told us not to use bed risers, because they might scratch the floor.</p>
<p>I agree with waiting on the bike. Your D may not use it (varsity athletics is a huge time commitment), and she isn’t allowed to “just leave it” on campus over the summer. Since your D has a nice bike, she should also be aware that only the new dorms and the quad have bike racks that are somewhat protected from the elements.</p>
<p>mamalin - yes the 13" flat screen is a TV - no cable is okay - she is a Netflix subscriber and would only need wireless internet in the room which I am told all rooms have. I have told her she can use her laptop for that but she really thinks she wants the separate TV - she’s the kind of kid who does her homework in front of the TV so I guess she needs her laptop for working and the TV for background noise! She and another team mate (she met at recruiting) have requested to room together so if W honors that, I guess they have agreed a TV running is okay.</p>
<p>Oh, now my worry about the 33" high fridge (beside if it will work in the room she gets assigned) is whether they will allow her to store it over the summer. How does that work? Do you store your stuff in the outgoing dorm basement or do they tell you where you will be living the next year before you leave and you store it in the incoming dorm’s basement?</p>
<p>Great info on the bike rack situation I can use to soften the blow that I am not sending the bike ahead.</p>
<p>Going to read all the links you guys have posted - thanks so much!</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure that a fridge that size would take up an entire storage label. (To me that’s the main disadvantage of having a mini fridge… it takes up a storage label). Students store their stuff in the storage room of their current dorm. (Each storage room has big plywood shelves to put stuff on, so the earlier she stores stuff at the end of next year, the less likely she will have to store stuff on “high shelves.”) Again, your D is responsible for getting her things into storage. In reality, this means recruiting friends/ teammates.</p>
<p>Oh, and once your D has a room assignment you may have a better idea if the mini fridge will fit. Your D (or someone who hasn’t graduated yet) can access floor plans.</p>
<p>Where do you find the floor plans? Are they on the MyWellesley site?</p>
<p>Here is the link for the floor plans–your DD can only access them using her Wellesley user name and password: (click on “view book plans” once you get to the page)</p>
<p><a href=“http://wcpplant.wellesley.edu:8080/floorplans/[/url]”>http://wcpplant.wellesley.edu:8080/floorplans/</a> </p>
<p>I thought that viewing them online wasn’t all that helpful in trying to determine how big the rooms actually were since it’s not really possible to accurately use the scale references on the drawings, but you can at least get an idea of the location in relation to the bathrooms, stairs, kitchens, etc. In general, I believe the dorm rooms on the East side are larger, but the trade-off is the East side dorms don’t have as much “character” as on the West side. Each dorm room has a bed, dresser and desk for each student. My DD’s also had a goose-necked floor lamp.</p>
<p>A fridge of any size does use one storage label on it’s own. You learn where you will be living next year before you leave for the summer (it’s done via a lottery system, with the older classes picking first), but the summer storage is in the basement of your current dorm and you’re responsible for getting your stuff to your new dorm.</p>
<p>I agree that the floor plans do not give a good sense of the size of the rooms.</p>
<p>My daughter’s room was smaller than I would have thought, having looked at the floor plan.</p>
<p>As a rule of thumb, you can expect Tower and the New dorms to have bigger rooms.</p>
<p>Excellent info!!! Thanks so much.</p>