Advice for Move-In Day at CMU

Hi there, future Tartan! Whether you're already counting down the days to your first year at Carnegie Mellon University or just now starting to think about what to pack and how your life will look on August 16th, welcome! As someone who's been through the whirlwind of Orientation Week and the chaos (and excitement!) on move-in day, I wanted to share some helpful advice to make your transition as smooth as possible.

1. Don’t Overpack — Seriously
I get it. The temptation to bring your entire closet, five throw pillows and a different mug for every day of the week is real. But here’s the truth: CMU dorm rooms are cozy (read: compact), and lugging ten suitcases up several flights of stairs is not how you want to kick off the year. 

Stick to the basics — comfy clothes, bedding, a few personal touches to make your space feel like home and your favorite snacks (because late-night cravings are no joke). You can always buy or ship more later once you know what you actually use. Target and Amazon are the best!!!

That said, here are a few things you definitely don’t want to forget:
•At least two long extension cords (outlets love hiding in the weirdest places)
•A fan (it gets hot)
•My favorite find: a neck fan — hands-free cooling while you move around (AMAZONNNNNN)
•Scissors + a box cutter — you will have boxes, and you'll want these fast
•A hammer — super handy if you want to adjust your bed height (will reduce a lot of stress)

2. Orientation Staff = Your Move-In Superheroes 
One of the best-kept secrets of CMU move-in? You don’t have to carry everything yourself. The Orientation Staff — aka your hype squad for the week — will be out in full force. And they will help haul your things from your car all the way to your room, no matter how many bags you bring. 

(Still — take it from me and don’t show up with 5 massive boxes of clothes. I did. No regrets... until move-out. Kidding. Sort of.)

The energy on move-in day is electric. Music is blasting, upperclassmen swarm your car and are cheering you on and there’s this shared feeling that something amazing is about to begin. You’re not just moving into a dorm — you’re moving into a community that’s ready to support you from day one.

3. Rest, Refuel and Hydrate!
This one’s simple but so important:
✅ Get a good night’s sleep before move-in day.
✅ Eat a full, hearty meal beforehand.
✅ And drink water, especially if the weather’s hot (which it usually is in Pittsburgh during August). Bring water too!

You’re about to lift boxes, walk all over campus, and meet dozens of new people — and trust me, you’ll need the energy.

4. Soak Up Time With Family
Before the chaos of move-in kicks off, try to take some intentional time with your family. Go for breakfast, take a final Target run together, or just hang out for a bit. Those quiet moments mean a lot — for them and for you. Once you move in, you'll be surrounded by new friends, Orientation events and a whole lot of energy. It's exciting, but also busy — so treasure that time before the whirlwind starts.

5. Feel All the Feelings
Moving into college is a big moment. It’s exciting and joyful, yes — but also a little emotional. You’re leaving behind one chapter of life and stepping into something completely new. And that’s okay. Be prepared to feel a mix of things: nervousness, excitement, homesickness, anticipation — maybe all at once. Let yourself feel it. You’re not alone, and you’re not the only one going through it. Talk to your loved ones. You've got this. 

6. Orientation Week = Core Memory Central
Once your last box is unpacked, Orientation Week begins — and it’s truly unforgettable. From Playfair on the Cut to Carnegie Cup and late-night hangouts, you’ll laugh, bond and maybe even scream-sing Cruel Summer with total strangers (who, spoiler alert: might become your closest friends).

It’s your time to explore campus, find your favorite study spots, meet your housemates and just have fun before classes begin. Everyone’s figuring things out together — and your Orientation counselors are there for you every step of the way. You don’t need to show up with everything figured out. You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect dorm or a full four-year plan. What you do need is an open mind and a little courage. Move-in day is just the beginning. CMU is full of people ready to welcome you, support you and cheer you on. Enjoy the moment — and I’ll see you on campus!