Eleven Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Mason Move-in Day!
Hello Patriots! Welcome to Mason Housing and Residence Life!
Mason Move-in Day is an exciting beginning to your college adventure. While moving into a new space can seem daunting, a little pre-planning can go a long way. Mason Housing and Residence Life staff have put together pro tips to help you alleviate the stress of this special day, and make your move-in as smooth as can be!
Before Move-in Day:
Getting organized can feel overwhelming at first! How are you going to get your belongings to campus? If you’re driving, will everything fit in your car? If you’re flying, how much-checked luggage should you bring? Don’t worry – we've got answers!
Tip #1: Give Yourself Time to Pack
Time management is one of the most stressful factors when planning your move. After you’ve determined your labeling system, it’s time to start packing. A good rule of thumb is to begin at least two weeks before your move. Consider shipping bulkier items or take advantage of free shipping options from online and box store retailers.
Tip #2: Assemble Your Packing List
Gathering the right packing supplies is a crucial step in preparing for a smooth and efficient move to your new home at Mason . Stock up on materials, such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, tape, markers, and covers, to ensure your belongings are organized kept secure, and damage-free during transportation. Need ideas on what to pack? have prepared a packing list for you to help you get ahead of the game.
Tip #3: Label Everything
Before you begin packing, consider creating a system to sort your valuables and personal items.
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Use different colors or numbers to visually organize your belongings
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Use clear storage containers so you know exactly what is inside without having to open your box when you reach your residence hall
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When labeling your boxes, write the destination (your name, hall name, room, and content). Be sure to write this information on each side of the box so you can easily see where it belongs once you arrive at your new home.
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To make the process even easier on move-in day, take the boxes directly to your assigned room. This saves you time and energy while unpacking, thank us later!
Tip #4: Communicate with Your Roommate
If you have a roommate, reach out to them before move-in day to discuss who’s bringing what. This outreach will help prevent duplicates and ensure you make the most of your shared space.
Tip #5: Find Out Your Room Measurements
Before you move in, get familiar with the room measurements. Decorating your room is one of the ways you can begin making a comfortable, relaxing, and home-like space for yourself. Remember to consult your roommate
Tip #6: Plan Out Your Move-in Calendar
Mason Move-in occurs over four days. August 21 and 22 for freshmen students and August 23 to 25 August, for returning students. Check your Mason email (or the email they listed on your Housing application) to ensure you have the right schedule for your move-in. Move-in times are also posted here.
Arriving at your scheduled time will help keep traffic moving at a steady pace.
Tip #7: Don’t Bring It – Rent It!
At Mason, we offer rentals for large items like microwaves and mini-fridges. Compare prices before purchasing anything. MyFridgeRental.com provides our residential students with convenient and affordable solutions for their room refrigeration needs. They offer a sustainable and energy-efficient MicroFridge unit: a fridge, freezer, and microwave all in one. For your convenience, order a fridge straight-to-your-room delivery before you arrive!
Are rental prices too high? You might find great deals from returning students selling room essentials in social media groups.
Tip #8: Read the Residence Halls Rules
Familiarize yourself with the Mason Housing & Residence Life Agreement, rules and guidelines . Knowing these rules can help you avoid potential issues during move-in.
Tip #9: Check Out the Mason MoveCrew
Move Crew is a team of student volunteers that welcome our new and returning students and their families, help unload, carry your items, and enjoy the energy that comes with move-in day. Let them assist you - they are there to make you feel at home. Green bins will be available if you feel more comfortable moving your items in; they can be picked up near your assigned building to avoid multiple trips back and forth. Green bins will be available in Rappahannock Deck, Angel Cabrera Global Center, Liberty Square, and Potomac Heights.
Tip #10: Check out Move-In Day Parking and Dining
Once you've finished unloading, you will need to move your car to a long-term parking lot – staff will be present to help direct you to the right parking lot. After you move in, we hope you and your family and guests join us for a meal in Ike’s or Southside dining hall
Tip #11: Find Your Check-in Location
When you arrive at your assigned time, you will check in at the Angel Cabrera Global Center (ACGC for short). Students moving in on August 21 or later will check in at the Piedmont or Eisenhower Front Desks. During check-in, you will have card access granted to your building and room and will be given a temporary unloading parking pass. Maps are also available to help you learn how to navigate campus. Don’t forget to grab your Mason Move-In tee shirt before leaving ACGC! Only students are allowed in the check-in area. Parents and guests are welcome to wait in the ACC lobby.
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