Moving to College Checklist

Moving to college is a project with many small parts: forms, payments, packing, travel and setting up a new space. None of them is difficult, but missing one can cause stress, such as a hold on your account or a night without bedding. A checklist, organized by time, helps you spread the work and avoid last-minute panic.

Details vary by college and country, so follow your own college's instructions first. This checklist is general information.

Two to three months before

Housing and college tasks

• [ ] Confirm your housing assignment and read the residence rules.
• [ ] Complete any housing forms, such as roommate questionnaires.
• [ ] Check move-in dates and times, and book if required.
• [ ] Read all emails from your college, and note deadlines.
• [ ] Set up your college email and student portal.
• [ ] Check what is prohibited in the residence.
• [ ] Contact your roommate if details are provided.

Money

• [ ] Review your bill and payment deadlines.
• [ ] Check your financial aid status and any outstanding forms.
• [ ] Set up a payment plan if needed.
• [ ] Make a first-month budget. Our guide to managing money in your first month can help.
• [ ] Open a bank account if needed.

Health

• [ ] Complete health and immunization forms.
• [ ] Check insurance requirements, and arrange cover.
• [ ] Book medical, dental and eye checks.
• [ ] Arrange a supply of prescriptions, and copies.
• [ ] Note any health needs to tell the college.

Documents

• [ ] Check that your passport and identification are valid.
• [ ] For international students: visa, acceptance letter, proof of funds and any certificates.
• [ ] Make copies of important documents, and store them securely.

One month before

Packing and shopping

• [ ] Make a packing list. Our guide to what to pack for college can help.
• [ ] Check mattress size and bedding requirements.
• [ ] Coordinate with your roommate on shared items.
• [ ] Buy essentials, but wait for room-specific items.
• [ ] Label belongings.
• [ ] Decide what to ship and what to carry.

Travel and logistics

• [ ] Book travel, and check luggage limits.
• [ ] Arrange transport from the airport or station to campus.
• [ ] Plan accommodation for the first night if you arrive early.
• [ ] Confirm who will accompany you, and plan the day.
• [ ] Check insurance for travel and belongings.

Preparing yourself

• [ ] Say goodbyes, and plan how you will stay in touch.
• [ ] Learn the basics of the campus and city using maps.
• [ ] Look at your course information and timetable.
• [ ] Update your phone plan or arrange a local SIM, if needed.

Two weeks before

• [ ] Confirm your arrival time and location.
• [ ] Pack bags, and weigh luggage if flying.
• [ ] Ship boxes, if using shipping, and track them.
• [ ] Print or save important documents.
• [ ] Back up your laptop and phone.
• [ ] Pack a carry-on with essentials: documents, medicines, chargers, valuables and a change of clothes.
• [ ] Check the weather forecast for the first week.
• [ ] Make sure your prescriptions are packed.
• [ ] Download useful apps: campus map, college app, banking and transport.

The day before

• [ ] Re-check travel times and documents.
• [ ] Charge devices and power banks.
• [ ] Pack snacks and water.
• [ ] Withdraw some cash if needed.
• [ ] Get a good night's sleep.
• [ ] Share your plans with family or friends.

Moving-in day

• [ ] Arrive at your assigned time, if there is one.
• [ ] Bring identification and your housing confirmation.
• [ ] Collect your keys and ID card.
• [ ] Complete the room condition report, and note any damage.
• [ ] Take dated photos of the room.
• [ ] Unload carefully, and label boxes by area.
• [ ] Introduce yourself to your roommate and neighbors.
• [ ] Meet your resident advisor.
• [ ] Save emergency numbers in your phone.
• [ ] Take breaks, and drink water.

Setting up your space

• [ ] Make your bed first, so that you have somewhere to rest.
• [ ] Agree on the layout with your roommate.
• [ ] Set up your desk and study area.
• [ ] Organize clothes and storage.
• [ ] Put up a few personal items.
• [ ] Check that outlets, lights and windows work.
• [ ] Learn the rules for noise, guests and quiet hours.
• [ ] Start a roommate agreement.

The first week

College tasks

• [ ] Attend orientation sessions.
• [ ] Complete registration and clear any holds.
• [ ] Meet your advisor.
• [ ] Check your timetable, and find your classes.
• [ ] Read syllabi, and put deadlines in your calendar.
• [ ] Collect books, after checking the syllabus.

Daily life

• [ ] Find the dining hall, library, health center and gym.
• [ ] Set up your meal plan, if you have one.
• [ ] Find the nearest shop, pharmacy and transport stops.
• [ ] Set up your bank account and card, if not already done.
• [ ] Register with local health services if needed.
• [ ] Save contacts: residence office, campus security and health center.

People

• [ ] Introduce yourself to people on your floor.
• [ ] Join a club or group.
• [ ] Call or message home, to let them know you are settled.

For international students

• [ ] Check visa and entry requirements well in advance.
• [ ] Carry original documents in your hand luggage.
• [ ] Arrive within the dates required by your college or visa.
• [ ] Attend international orientation, and check in with the international office.
• [ ] Register your address as required.
• [ ] Open a bank account, with help from the international office if needed.
• [ ] Arrange health insurance.
• [ ] Learn about local transport, food and customs.
• [ ] Join groups from your culture, and meet local students too.
• [ ] Be wary of scams, particularly around housing and money.

For parents and family

• [ ] Help with logistics, forms and carrying.
• [ ] Let your student make decisions where possible.
• [ ] Meet the roommate and staff, briefly.
• [ ] Agree on how often you will be in touch.
• [ ] Keep copies of important documents.
• [ ] Say goodbye with encouragement, and plan a visit later.

If something goes wrong

• [ ] If you forget something, make a list and shop later.
• [ ] If your room has damage or a problem, report it in writing the same day.
• [ ] If your luggage is delayed, contact the airline and your residence office.
• [ ] If you feel overwhelmed, take a break, and talk to someone.
• [ ] If you have a conflict with a roommate, speak calmly, and ask your resident advisor for help.

Final thoughts

Moving to college is easier when you break it into steps. Use this checklist, check your own college's rules and keep essentials with you. Once you are in, give yourself time to settle.