Written by Jenni Chadick, Assistant Director of Residence Life
With move in day fast approaching, we wanted to give those folks looking for a leg up on what to expect on moving day for new students on August 23rd, we’ve compiled a list of things to consider and look forward to.
It’s FUN
Smiles are contagious, proven science of move-in day
Students, staff, sometimes parents even join in on the fun, will be on cloud nine to welcome you with Logger love. We are so excited to meet you and welcome you to campus and sometimes it’s a little overwhelming. Sometimes it does feel like the start of Pitch Perfect. Yes, we are über cheery, yes it’s almost overkill, and yes it’s all genuine. Move in day is just a great day – and we are here to make it great for you no matter what was going on for you and your family before you set foot on campus (the argument just happened in the car, the many feelings being felt, the reality of finally starting college). So sit back, and join in the smiles and high fives, it’s just how we roll here at Puget Sound.
Setting Up Your Room
When you arrive, your room will come equipped with a bed, a dresser or armoire (some built in, some free standing, just depends on the building), a desk, and a bookcase (one to SHARE with your roommate, and no, we don’t have extras). Your bed will be set up either a few inches off the floor, or at what is called “captain’s” height. We do not allow beds to be “superloft” height, it is a safety concern. Another option is to bunk your bed. If you would like to ensure your bed is set up and ready to go they way you want you can send facilities a request using their online form. You can use this form during the year to if you change your mind! We will accommodate as many requests as we can, however, eventually we run out of parts to captain beds, so send in your requests early to be sure your bed is set to the height you prefer.
Rooms vary in sizes, but our doubles and triples are very roomy. If you are looking to purchase a rug, 5′x7′ is a great size. Campus is also within a few miles of a Fred Meyer, Target, and Walmart so there are plenty of “big box” stores to get your gear. If you are feeling adventurous Ikea is about an hour away.
RSA will be renting fridges from behind the Student Diversity Center, off of Alder in the ally between 15th and 16th
Lastly, don’t forget about RSA’s fridge rentals! Rentals are from noon-3:30p on Friday, and noon-5pm on Saturday, depending on availabilty. RSA often runs out of fridges by end of day on Friday, so be there early! Fridges come in a variety of sizes and styles, and it’s first come first serve.
Whatever your bed height or room size, personalizing your room is the hallmark of the first day. Unpacking those new sheets and posting photos on the wall. Putting your shower caddy together. Hanging up holiday lights. These are all awesome ways to personalize your room.
Parking, Stairs, and Lots of Help
Facilities and SWAT are there to help you move all your luggage, foam mattress pads, and boxes of home goodies
Parking at any move in I’ve worked (at Puget Sound and elsewhere) can always be a bit challenging at times. But we do whatever we can to ease the pain of hauling your boxes from whatever lot you end up using. From having our Greek Life SWAT (Student Welcome Assistant Team) volunteers who will help haul your boxes up stairs (yes, lots of stairs – only Todd/Phibbs and Commencement Hall have elevators), an amazing facilitates crew that will cart your belongings on a tarp over the field from the parking lot to your hall (truth), and a on-point team from security that will keep traffic flowing. This is why is so important to show up at the time designated for your floor sent in your placement letter – keeps us from getting too clogged at any point during the morning.
Checking In for Orientation
The Info Desk staff are a plethora of smiles and information
When you’re not moving in, either because you arrived early and are waiting for your time (good for you!) or are already settled (good for you too!) you’ll head over to the student center to check-in for orientation. You’ll get information about your Passages group (White or Maroon), schedules, and best of all – your ID card! You’ll want to make sure you have your personal ID on you so you can get your Puget Sound ID. Your ID gets you into your building, let’s you check out books, pays for your meals, and even get’s you discount’s in the neighborhood thanks to ASUPS Local Logger. So hold on to it, don’t let it leave your side, and cherish it always.
Getting Your Mail
Sending packages to campus? Many students ship boxes here to campus beforehand, which is a great way to save space in the car or $ if you are flying! Here’s how to address you mail.
Mail storage crates behind the student center.
Your CMB, or campus mail box, goes after your name and after the zip code. This is unique to each student, and stays with you while you are student.
If you did ship packages, you will have to open your CMB in the mailroom (basement of the student center) and retrieve a pink slip to present with your ID to the mail services staff working the rail cars (seriously) parked out behind the student center off of Alder street. Mail services will be there to distribute mail between 9a-4p on Friday, and is closed Saturday and Sunday. Bring your ID card (you got that when you checked in for Orientation, remember?) and get your sheets and towels and goodies!
Welcome Home!
RonThom (our nickname for our President, Ron Thomas) will officially welcome you at Convocation (count how many times you hear HOME, it’s a running inside joke) but in reality by the afternoon you’ll already start to feel at home on our campus.
We’ll be seeing you!
