Congratulations on moving away from home! It's totally normal to be both excited and terrified at the same time. As you pack your bags, check the lists to the right to make sure you have everything you need to make the transition go as smoothly as possible. The better prepared you are, the less stressed you will be! If you're living on campus, there are usually folks there to help you find your room and move your stuff in. But with apartments, you're usually on your own. Keep this in mind if you're moving in on your own, or with friends! PACKING CHECKLIST KITCHEN TOOLS LIST MOVING TIPS
Homeskickness, Loneliness, & Depression hIf you're feeling depressed, homesick, or lonely, know that it is completely normal to feel that way! Your feelings are valid. After all, you're transitioning to a whole new part of your life, and it's easy to become overwhelmed. Reach out to someone such as a trusted friend or family member, your RA, doctor, or counseling on campus to talk about what you are feeling. Here are also some resources that can help you:
Roommates When you're moving onto a campus, many folks tell you to not room with your best friend. You don't want to have a falling out with the person you're supposed to live with! It's best to live separately, so you get some space from each other sometimes.
So, you have a roommate. Whether you actually share a bedroom or dorm, have separate personal spaces, or have always lived with a sibling, it's going to be an adjustment! At the beginning, make sure to talk through wants, needs, and expectations (view the roommate contract below). Check-in with each other throughout your time together. Spend time together, and apart, so there's a nice balance.
MORE TIPS FOR LIVING WITH A ROOMMATE CREATING A ROOMMATE CONTRACT Pets Please think carefully before looking to adopt a pet. No matter how big or small, they cost quite a bit of money upfront and throughout your time together. Any pet you adopt is a lifetime purchase, like a home or a car. If you live somewhere that is pet-friendly, but you need to move eventually, do not give up your pet for adoption just because you run into some trouble trying to find another pet-friendly home. Do not put your pet up for adoption on because they become an inconvenience to you. If you truly cannot keep your pet any longer, go to a legitimate adoption center, like the Humane Society, not Facebook Marketplace. If you have the space, the time, and the money, look into rescuing before shopping at a breeder. Too many lovely pets don't have homes!