College Move-In Day Tips from the Pros: How to Plan, Pack and Say Goodbye

Sarah Potter vividly recalls the mix of excitement, jitters and stress of moving into a Montclair State University residence hall. Now, just a year later as a Rez Life Community Assistant, she’s one of the pros helping new students unpack both their belongings and emotions during the move-in process.

Over five days from August 26-30, 5,000 students will move into Montclair’s residential halls, many leaving home for the first time. The University’s Residence Life team has compiled tips to help make the transition into campus life easier.

For Students: Peer-to-Peer Advice

“Freshman year had its struggles,” admits Potter, a Social Media and Public Relations major. “It’s hard to let go of the comfort and security of having your family close by, and that first night without them felt strange and lonely. Saying goodbye to my family was tough, but over time, FaceTiming every weekend helped.”

For Parents: How to Say Goodbye

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to dealing with the high school-to-college transition. It varies depending on the student’s cultural background and on each individual family’s needs and dynamics, says Dr. Sudha M. Wadhwani, a staff psychologist on Montclair’s counseling team and mother of two college students.

“Each student has their level of readiness depending on how the high school years have gone, depending on whether they may have mental health concerns, whether they may have a peer-support system or already have built certain skills,” she says.

“It’s all about finding that balance of how much to support and guide your student and how much to let go and empower them to learn to adult.”

On the Big Day, ID is a Must-Have

Something Montclair students notice immediately is that their ID card is used for just about everything on campus, including accessing the residence halls, vending machines and meal plans.

• Returning students need to bring their ID to check in.
• New students: Bring a form of photo ID (driver’s license or passport). You will receive your Montclair ID card at check in. Follow the required steps found on the ID Cards website to upload a photo for your ID card through the eAccounts website.

What else you’ll need:

• Check-in Confirmation email, with your move-in color, date and time.
• Hawk Pass: This lets the University staff know you completed the requirements (emergency contact information submitted in NEST; full compliance with all immunization requirements) and are approved to move in. Hawk Passes are sent to students via their University email account beginning the week before move-in begins.

And while moving in 5,000 students seems daunting, Rez Life has it down to a science – with help from Montclair’s village, including Facilities and Housekeeping, the Office of Student Belonging, Enrollment Management and University Police.

The Move-In Process

• University Police stationed at all entrance points of the University will provide directions and check Check-In Confirmation emails, Hawk Pass and photo identifications.
• At your residential hall, students will have approximately 10 minutes to unload vehicles before parking into a designated parking zone.

Set Up Shop: The Essential Checklist

Whether it’s your first year away at school or you’re moving back to campus, make sure you have the essentials.

• What to Bring and What Not to Bring
• Roommate Expectations
• Dining Locations and Hours

“It’s okay to miss home, and it’s okay to reach out for support as you adjust,” Potter says. “Eventually, you find a new rhythm and learn to cherish the connections you have with your hometown family and friends, while also building your independence and creating new relationships. It’s a big adjustment, but also an incredible opportunity for personal growth.”

Check out photos from our 2023 move-in day to see more of what you can expect.

I’m a ______, tell me more…

Prospective Student / Parent: Learn more about moving in on the Residence Life FAQ; plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Journalist: Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview about this topic. See our Faculty Experts and hi-res media assets available for download.