Congratulations on your Princeton education! Whether you’re just beginning your time on campus or you’re almost ready to graduate, moving to the Princeton University dorms requires some planning and preparation. Before you panic and start scouring over the piles of paperwork with that beloved Princeton logo, have a look — we’ve compiled the steps you need to take and the things you should consider when it’s time to move. We’ll start with the moving in and moving out process, and you’ll see. It’s simple.
Moving In
Plan to arrive on your first day between 8 am and 1 pm for check-in. Your matriculation form, which you’ll have to fill out prior to arrival, is where you’ll sign up for a timeslot to keep everything and everyone organized. From there? Head over to the Lewis Center for the Arts (consult your campus map) to get your student ID, an information packet, a move-in map, and a parking tag that will permit to you park near your dorm. Once you find your Residential College, volunteers will be able to help you find your room and navigate the dorm floor plans!
Tips: Because move-in day is a busy time for elevator use and parking, focus on getting all of your boxes and suitcases to your dorm room, move your car to a more permanent parking space, and then start unpacking. You’ll have time over the next few days to perfectly organize your books, but for the time being you’ve got other, more pressing matters!
Did you hire a company that offers moving services for students? Send one person ahead to determine where your room is and then have the crew start unloading your truck.
Moving Out
We know, you’re excited and teary-eyed. Don’t let that blur your vision on the move-out day though, we don’t want you to miss any important details. The big thing to know? Yes, you have to take everything out that wasn’t there when you arrived. That includes carpets, lofting materials, lighting, curtains, everything. Remove trash and recycling and put them in the appropriate receptacles, sweep your floors, and do your best to clean up any marks left on the walls or floor. Donate any furniture, clothing, or unused school supplies that you don’t want to take with you at one of the campus Greening Move-Out stations, and prepare your room for inspection! (Haven’t cleaned since long before finals? Have a look at our tips on how to move a messy room.)
Room inspection should be a no-hassle event if you have taken care of moving out properly. Since you won’t be charged for normal wear and tear, including holes left from nails or tacks that are smaller than the size of a pencil, don’t spackle or paint your walls. In fact, don’t do that period-the University has a protocol for fixing room damages. If you fail to remove all of your belongings or leave significant damage, you will be charged for the costs of repairs or removal.
Lastly? Make sure you’ve closed all the windows, locked your door, and turn in your keys!
Incoming Students: Be Prepared for School
What exactly do you need to bring when it’s time to move into your dorm? A lot of the things that are probably already on your list should cover the basics, but here are a few things you might not consider:
- Extra long (or ‘dorm sized’) twin sheets, mattress cover, and blankets
- Shower stuff, including a caddy and flip flops for shower use
- Bathrobe for travel to and from the shower
- Laundry basket or hamper and laundry detergent
- Power strip with built-in breaker
- Alarm clock
- Bicycle and lock
- Backpack
- Small electric fan
- School supplies
- Cleaning supplies (broom and dustpan, all-purpose cleaner and paper towels, etc.)
Leave behind your candles, toaster oven, microwave, hot pot, refrigerators larger than dorm size, halogen lamps, and, sorry, but no pets.
Start school without spending too much: check out our tips for moving in on a budget.
