Residence hall move-in tips from the School of Public Health Dean’s Ambassadors

Residence hall move-in is an exciting time on WVU’s campus –and doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience for our new students. Take it from the people who’ve been through this already. To assist our new students as they prepare their packing lists, some of the School of Public Health Dean’s Ambassadors – Aleah Stevenson, Ryan Titus, Haley Cothern and Matthew Rivera – offer their advice for what to bring into your dorm room.

What are some of the essentials to pack for college?

Matthew: “I highly recommend bringing a TV. That was my life saver when I was bored in college. Also, bring lots of blankets not just for you, but when you have friends over and everyone's just chilling for movie nights in the dorms. Highly recommended.”

Aleah: “Lots of extension cords. You’ll find that sometimes outlets are further away from your desk or from your bed. Also, a fan, because you and your roommate might not always agree on the AC, especially in the first few months of college when it’s hot.”

Haley: “I would say a planner is essential in college, so you can write down all your class times, assignments, projects that are due, exams and upcoming meetings. Also, probably a power strip for your dorm room because you'll be plugging in your phone or charging your laptop.”

Ryan: “You don't want to forget your bedsheets and comforters. You’ll want to bring school supplies galore, because even if you don't use that freshman year, you’ll eventually use it. Also, bring things to put on your wall like wall decorations, picture frames and posters. You don't want to come home to just bare walls and kind of boring stuff like that.”

What are some items that are overlooked when packing?

Matthew: “A shoe rack [for] your closet, because on the floor there’s not enough space.”

Aleah: “I overlooked an umbrella and good rain boots. In the summer months, there are sporadic rainstorms and you're outside walking to class. So, you always want to have an umbrella in your bag or a poncho or something to cover up.”

Haley: “You might not think of it because there are food options on campus, but you should have snacks in your dorm room and drinks. Maybe if there's a day that you don't want to have to run and go get food or a drink, it's great to have them right there in your dorm.”

Ryan: “If you live in a dorm that has physical keys, bring a lanyard or something to put your keys on so you don’t lose them.”

Do you have any moving tips or hacks?

Matthew: “Use IKEA bags, they zip up and you can find them on Amazon. I highly recommend. I have six, [and] I've used it all four years of college.”

Haley: “Definitely pack the lightest you can possibly do because Morgantown is very hilly, and you will be having to probably carry quite a bit. So maybe pack clothes in big suitcases, and not on hangers.”

Ryan: “For moving into a dorm, the more people to help you unpack, the better, because then you get it done faster. Because I know what it was like for me and my mom on moving day, and I felt like it took forever.”

For more information on how to make WVU your home away from home, visit WVU Housing.