Make the most of move-in: Top tips from fellow Emory students

A fresh academic year is just around the corner, with the promise of new experiences and friends. But before forging new connections, students must first get to campus — and unpack.

Knowing what to bring, and what to leave at home, can be stressful even for returning students.

Fortunately, students who are serving as sophomore advisors (SAs) and resident advisors (RAs) already have insights to share.

For instance, when it comes to packing, reusable totes and crates are a convenient — and eco-friendly — starting point that can also be used during move-out at the end of the year. For materials that cannot be reused, recycling is available.  

And when it comes to college life? 

“Be comfortable being uncomfortable,” says rising senior Landon Minkow, who is double-majoring in applied math and economics. “You don’t have to ‘try everything,’ but set the tone early by trying something new.”

“Things are constantly changing, but we don’t always have to get ahead of ourselves to find immediate solutions,” says rising senior Hepzibah Srithas, reminding students to take their time and remember they’re human. 

“Sometimes waiting out tough seasons, exploring new opportunities and meeting challenges with an open mindset sets us up for a better outlook on life and the future,” adds Hepzibah, who is majoring in human health and minoring in theater.

Top tips for incoming first-year students

The first semester of college comes with a lot of unknowns... but a floor plan doesn’t have to be one of them. 

Students can start by doing a little research on the residence hall they’ve been assigned. Since each building has its own layout — and therefore slightly different amenities — what a student wants to pack may differ. 

When deliberating about whether to bring something or leave it at home, remember that less is often more when it’s time to move into a residence hall. Plus, a variety of shopping options are close to campus, so necessary items are usually easy to find.

Here are a few other tips to help make transitioning to campus easier.

What to bring:

• Decorations and/or photos of things you love. Not only will this help personalize your space, it’s a quick way to ground yourself when things get stressful. Pro tip: Use poster putty or painter’s tape to hang things.
• Lamps. Softer lighting will help make your room feel more comfortable and will enhance your environment for studying and hanging out.
• Snacks. For late night study sessions or early mornings, having a few snack options that are easy to grab will make life easier. Take things up a level with a MicroFridge (combination minifridge and microwave) that can be rented from Emory’s preferred provider. Pro tip: Standalone microwaves and other small appliances with open coils (toaster oven, etc.) are not permitted.
• Over-the-counter medications. While students should bring any relevant prescription medications, having a few over-the-counter options is an easy way to make sick days more tolerable. Take things up a notch with an air purifier. Remember if you catch a cold, you can make an appointment with Student Health Services.
• Basic back-up supplies: Extra chargers, a flashlight with fresh batteries (or one that uses a hand crank instead of batteries) and a few bottles of water are always good to have on hand.
• Items to stash in a backpack. To be ready for time spent on campus — or just with others — SAs and RAs recommend also bringing a deck of playing cards, noise-cancelling headphones, stain remover (for days when dinner clothes and interview clothes are the same outfit), a pencil (for tough papers or assignments where a pen won’t do), an umbrella or raincoat, and blue light glasses.

What to leave behind:

• Lots of extra bedding. Atlanta stays warm for most of the academic year, and part of the coldest months happen during breaks. Having a comforter set and one extra set of sheets should be enough.
• An excess of clothes. Housing experts across campus point out that students often get rid of clothes at the end of the year or desperately stuff them into luggage. Students coming from colder areas of the country may also be surprised at how little winter wear is usually necessary.
• A printer. Campus offers plenty of options for things that need to be printed, including poster and photo printing through EaglePrint. TechLab even offers a 3-D printer. 
• A TV. For most students, a TV isn’t necessary in the residence halls, especially thanks to streaming on laptops. One notable exception? Those who love to use gaming consoles may prefer to have their own TV readily available. Gaming options are also available to borrow through the RecRe lockers in the Emory Student Center. Pro tip: Check out the student technology recommendations for more about specs and set-up on campus.
• Treasured valuables. Personal belongings can sometimes disappear, even on safe campuses. Items of worth — whether a grandmother’s heirloom jewelry, a first-edition copy of a favorite book or something else not easily replaced — are best enjoyed at home.
• Too many extra notebooks or paper. While it’s a great idea to bring supplies for class, there are plenty of stores around campus where you can replenish your school supply stock if necessary.

Top tips for returning students

For returning students — especially those living in apartment-style housing — here are a few packing essentials to keep in mind. 

• Cleaning supplies. Things like a vacuum, Swiffer sweeper and sanitizing spray for bathrooms come in extra handy. Pro tip: Coordinate with roommates to avoid overlapping on supplies.
• The correct size bedding. While first-year residence halls have XL twin beds, some returning students have XL full beds instead. Check the specifics for each housing option.
• A tall kitchen trash can and bags. After all, those used cleaning supplies have to go somewhere.
• Food storage containers. Whether it’s reusable silicone bags, disposable bags, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, glass containers or another storage method, make sure there’s an easy way to store leftovers or to bring them to campus for an easy meal.
• A Phillips head screwdriver. This comes in handy for tightening knobs, putting together furniture, and more.

Resources around campus

Once students are settled in, plenty of on-campus resources are available to make life comfortable throughout the year.

Students can choose from a range of shuttle options to get around campus and even into the city. For those bringing a car, parking registration is now available (note that first-year students are not permitted to have a car on campus).

Students may also use the SafeRide service or late-night shuttle to safely navigate campus between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Final pro tip: When the end of the year comes, everything moved in must be moved out. While Emory Housing does offer many move-out resources, students are responsible for making sure everything is removed from their rooms.

Access more move-in advice

For more personalized information about move-in, download the Emory Welcome App. Also check out the New Student Programs page, with specific information for Atlanta first-year students, Atlanta transfer students, Atlanta families and Oxford College students and families.

More details are available at these quick links:

• FAQs on what to bring or not bring
• Student technology recommendations
• Ship items to campus before move-in 

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story was published in July 2025.