Moving Day Survival Guide: Your First Week in Student Housing

Moving into your student housing is the first step into an exciting year ahead. Whether it's your first time living away from home or you're upgrading to a new place, the move-in process can set the tone for your entire student housing experience. With a bit of planning, you can make it smooth, efficient, and even fun.

Two Weeks Before: The Pre-Move Checklist

Coordinate with your landlord:

• Confirm the exact move-in date and time
• Ask about parking access for moving vehicles
• Get keys/access codes and understand the building entry process
• Request the WiFi setup information if internet is included
• Confirm if the landlord will have the place cleaned, or if you'll do this yourself/hire a cleaner

Sort and pack strategically:

• Declutter first - don't bring things you don't need
• Group boxes by category and priority (need immediately vs. can wait)
• Pack an essentials bag for your first few nights
• Take photos of valuables for insurance purposes

Handle logistics:

• Set up utilities accounts if they aren't included
• Update your address with your school, banks, and other important accounts
• Arrange moving help or a truck rental
• Confirm if you need storage for off-season items
• If you're moving into a building, reserve an elevator time slot

The Essential First-Night Kit

Pack a dedicated bag with everything you'll need right away:

Immediate items:

• Bedding (sheets, pillow, blanket)
• Toiletries and a towel
• Phone charger
• Change of clothes
• Small snacks and water
• Important documents (lease, ID, insurance)
• Medication
• Small toolkit (screwdriver, hammer, etc.)

Having these easily be available means you can actually sleep and function while unpacking over the next few days, rather than frantically searching through boxes. Enjoy that first night pizza.

Move-In Day Strategy

Planning for move-in day ahead of time can make a usually stressful day feel like a breeze

Timing matters:

• Start early if possible (cooler weather outside, less building traffic)
• Block off around 4-6 hours for the actual move
• Build in some time for unexpected delays

Efficient moving plan:

1. Do a walkthrough of the empty unit first
2. Move furniture and your large items in first
3. Place boxes in their designated rooms
4. Assemble the most important furniture (bed, desk)
5. Unpack your essentials

Damage documentation:

• Take dated photos/videos of the entire unit before unpacking
• Note any pre-existing damage in writing/with pictures
• Send all damages to your landlord within 48 hours
• Keep copies for your records

This protects everyone and makes sure you get your full deposit back when you move out, in case there were any damages before you got there.

Week One Priorities

Day 1-2: Make it functional

• Set up your bed (not super fun to sleep on the floor)
• Unpack bathroom essentials
• Organize your kitchen
• Test all utilities and appliances
• Locate circuit breaker, water shutoff, and building emergency exits

Day 3-4: Make it livable

• Unpack your clothes and set up the closet/storage
• Arrange your desk
• Stock up the kitchen with groceries
• Test the internet connection and set up all your devices
• Get familiar with building facilities (laundry, mailroom, common spaces)

Day 5-7: Make it yours

• Add the personal touches (photos, posters, plants)
• Meet your neighbours
• Map out the neighbourhood (see below)
• Establish your routines

Getting to Know Your Neighborhood

Walking around and discovering your new neighbourhood is one of the most fun parts of moving. Enjoy it!

Your first week is prime time to get familiar with your neighbourhood. Grab a coffee and walk around your new area. You'll likely find some hidden gems along the way too. Make sure you locate:

Essential services:

• Nearest grocery stores and pharmacy
• Public transit stops and schedules
• Coffee shops or study spots
• Laundromat (if you don't have laundry in your house/building)
• Late-night food spots for exam season or nights out

Student perks:

• Restaurants with student discounts
• Free campus resources (libraries, gyms, health services)
• Local food delivery options on Uber Eats or DoorDash

Getting to know your neighbourhood is a great way to find out what's around you, and help you build your future routines.

Setting Up Utilities & Services

If there are utilities or services that aren't included in your rent, set these accounts up immediately:

Internet - Often takes 1-2 weeks for installation

• Research providers in your house/building
• Schedule the installation during your first week

Utilities - If separate from rent

• Transfer or set up new accounts before moving in
• Understand billing cycles and payment methods

Renter's insurance - Often required by landlords

• Covers your personal belongings
• Provides liability protection
• Usually $15-25/month for adequate coverage

Streaming and subscriptions:

• Student discounts are common (Spotify, Amazon Prime, etc.)
• Coordinate with roommates to avoid duplicate subscriptions

First Landlord Contact

Setting a positive example from the start ensures that the rest of the year is smooth sailing

When moving in, meet with your landlord and set a positive tone from the start. It'll pay off long-term:

During your move-in walkthrough:

• Ask questions about anything that's still unclear
• Clarify what the maintenance request procedures look like
• Get phone/email contact for emergencies
• Discuss the trash/recycling schedule

Make a good first impression:

• Be punctual for your move-in
• Keep common areas clear during your move
• Treat the property respectfully
• Communicate quickly if any issues come up

Remember, your landlord wants this to work well too. Building a solid and trusting relationship from day one makes the entire rental experience better.

Making It Feel Like Home

Quick wins for comfort and aesthetics:

• Add soft lighting (floor lamps beat harsh overheads)
• Bring plants to make the space lively
• Put up photos, posters, or artwork
• Stock your favorite snacks and coffee/tea

Your space doesn't need to be Pinterest level perfect; it just needs to feel like home (but definitely a big plus if it looks amazing!).

When Something Goes Wrong

Prompt and clear communication is essential when issues arise

Despite the best planning, issues can sometimes come up. Making sure you're ready to handle them will save you stress and time:

Minor problems (loose doorknob, squeaky cabinet):

• Fix yourself if you're comfortable with it and it's allowed
• Report any small fixes to landlord for their records
• Keep receipts if you purchase supplies

Moderate concerns (plumbing issue, heating malfunction):

• Report it to landlord immediately
• Document the issue with photos
• Follow up over email or phone call if it's urgent
• Keep communication professional

Emergencies (flooding, no heat in winter, security concerns):

• Address your immediate safety first
• Contact landlord's emergency line
• Document everything that is happening
• Follow up with a written report

Don't stress these too much. Major issues are unlikely to come up, and most issues get resolved quickly when communicated promptly and clearly.

You've Got This

Moving into your student housing is a significant milestone. Yes, there's work involved and moving-in can be tedious, but if you're organized and well-prepared, you'll be settled in and thriving before you know it.

Ready to find your perfect student housing? Browse hundreds of listings on Residen, where students can connect directly with landlords. Your future home is waiting for you!