Dorm assignments? ✔️
Packing list? In progress.
Move-in day? Barreling toward you like a caffeinated RA with a clipboard.
But before you can even stress-eat your way through another packing run, there’s one big question:
What move-in time should you pick?
First slot of the first day? Middle of the madness? Last shift before the doors metaphorically close?
Let’s break it all down, Dorm-Dwellers style.
⏰ Early Move-In Time (First Slot, First Day)
✅ Pros:
- Best parking. You’ll be close to the building, not halfway across campus in the overflow lot named after some obscure chemistry professor.
- Move-in crew is still chipper. You might actually get help carrying stuff up four flights of stairs.
- Dorms are empty. Hallways, elevators, and stairwells are all yours.
- Your student gets first pick of the room layout. That window spot? Claimed.
🚫 Cons:
- It’s early. Like, “Should we bring coffee and a prayer?” early.
- Hot AF. Early morning doesn’t always mean cool. Dorm AC might not even be on yet.
- Roommate probably isn’t there yet. Feels like you’re moving into someone else’s mystery room.
- No time for last-minute shopping. You’ll discover what you forgot after sweating through the whole move-in.
😌 Late Move-In Time (Last Slot, Last Day)
✅ Pros:
- Way less crowded. No fighting for carts. Fewer frantic parents. The move-in chaos has chilled.
- Staff is relaxed. Less policing, more “just get your stuff in and go.”
- Roommate might already be set up. Layout is done, vibe is set, and you can adjust to fit.
- You’ve had more time to prep. You might actually remember the mattress topper before move-in day.
🚫 Cons:
- You’ll park in the next zip code. Prepare for a cardio workout.
- You might be schlepping stuff without help. Move-in crews have long since peaced out.
- No control over room setup. Bed might be lofted in an aggressive, impractical way.
- No time cushion. If something’s missing or broken, there’s no time to fix it before classes start.
🧠 Real Talk: How to Decide
Go early if:
- Your student is anxious and needs time to adjust
- You want the best shot at parking and help
- You’ve got a Type-A plan and a printed spreadsheet
Go later if:
- You’re coming from far away and don’t want to risk being late
- Your student is rooming with someone they know (or don’t care about layout wars)
- You want to avoid crowds and chaos
🧳 Packing Tip (Because Regardless of Time, You’ll Still Sweat):
Skip cardboard. Use giant moving bags. Or these:
Game-changer storage bags
Bring a rolling cart. This one folds flat and saves your back.
Keep snacks and water in the car. You will forget to eat. Your kid will snap at you. This is science.
👀 Final Thoughts:
No time slot is perfect. The real secret? Show up with a little flexibility, a lot of patience, and a solid sense of humor.
And maybe—just maybe—a pink tool kit.
You’ve got this.
— Your dorm prep partners at Dorm-Dwellers.com