The biggest day of all for any university student is move-in day. To make sure it goes smoothly, here are a few things you need to do.

1. Make a Packing List

Write down everything you’ll need to pack to both ensure you don’t forget anything important and avoid bringing things that may be unnecessary. Include some basic cleaning products on your list, as you’ll need these as soon as you move in — especially trash bags, dish soap, and a sponge. Plus, have some snacks and water easily accessible for the trip and for when you’ve built up an appetite after you finish unpacking.

2. Decide What to Buy or Bring Later

To ensure you have enough space in your car for everything, it makes sense to purchase some things when you arrive. This includes any cleaning supplies you won’t need immediately, most of your food, some stationery, and perhaps even textbooks. If you’ll be going back to your parents’ home between semesters, you can also leave behind any clothing you won’t need until the spring.

3. Pack in Storage Bins

When packing, remove new items from their packaging to free up more space and reduce the amount of trash you have when you arrive. Then, pack everything in storage bins rather than boxes — you’ll be able to use them in your apartment to store things like out-of-season clothing, extra bedding and towels, and old textbooks. Make unpacking easier by packing similar items together and labelling the bins.

4. Recruit Help

You should find that at least a couple family members or friends will be happy to help you move in, as they’ll appreciate the opportunity to say goodbye. Bring just enough help to make carrying items easier, but not so many people that you lack space in your car for all your belongings and your apartment becomes too crowded when you arrive.

5. Reach Out to Your Roommates

Find out who you’ll be sharing your apartment with and contact them. It will be useful to know who is moving in on the same day, since you may like to coordinate what time to arrive to avoid everyone piling into the apartment at the same time. Plus, you can decide who will bring what household items — after all, there’s no need for multiple coffeemakers, vacuum cleaners, and area rugs.

6. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Never dress to impress on move-in day — it’s much more important that you’re comfortable. You’ll need to be able to lift items and perhaps carry things some distance from your parking space to your apartment, which could include going up and down stairs. You’ll need sensible shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

7. Introduce Yourself to Other People in the Building

Once you’ve unpacked and had a chance to shower, start socializing. As well as introducing yourself to your roommate, try to meet other people in the building. If you’re living in student housing, you’ll find there are plenty of places where you can do this.

8. Take Time to Relax

Move-in day can be overwhelming. Be prepared for some strong emotions (particularly when your family leaves), but don’t worry too much about homesickness — the feelings will soon pass. After you’ve taken a few photos to remember this special day, the best thing you can do is take some time to relax in your new home.

Long before move-in day, you need to have found a place to live. For uOttawa student housing, there’s no better option than THEO. It’s just steps from campus, in the heart of the city, and provides you with everything you need for a great student experience, including free WiFi, a gym, and flatscreen TVs in every apartment. Book a tour to visit THEO before you move in.