Students weigh in on forgotten move-in essentials

Move-in weekend is a stressful time for many students as they are unloading, unpacking and saying goodbye to their families for the school year. However, it can be even more stressful when a student forgets a key component for everyday living.

Several students forgot key things for their dorm experience this year, which they said were essential to college survival.

“I forgot a mattress topper, so I had to go buy a new one,” said Noah Hadwin, a sophomore political science major from Guntersville, Alabama. “It’s a very big quality of life thing. Not having a mattress topper really messes up my sleep pattern.”

Another student forgot something that not only affects her living conditions but also her everyday life.

“I forgot my glasses case, which not only is for my glasses but also where I keep my contacts,” said Jaysi Klink, a sophomore cybersecurity major from Westfield, Indiana. “I think most students forget important things. There’s a lot to think about packing, so it’s easy to forget some things.”

Many students, however, learn through their experiences what is necessary for their everyday lives on campus. A Troy University resident assistant explained how she reflected on her past dorm experiences to be more prepared for this school year.

“I didn’t have much storage stuff at the beginning of my freshman year, but now, I have carts and shelves and everything,” said Cailee Traywick, a sophomore accounting major from Jacksonville, Alabama. “It really is a lifesaver.”

Traywick offered advice she learned the hard way.

“Don’t forget to bring storage stuff like totes, carts, etc. because there aren’t many places to store things in your dorm, and you will definitely need it,” Traywick said.

While forgetting an essential item can seem like a huge hassle, one student speaks to the multiple ways that obstacle can be overcome.

“I think a lot of things can be easily replaced, or that a solution can be found for them,” Klink said. “For example, with my contacts, I’ve gotten in contact with my eye doctor, who has contacted other eye doctors to see if I can get contacts from them.

"If someone is here and far from home, they can ask their family to ship the forgotten item to Troy. There are a lot of possibilities when it comes to solutions, especially when you stop and think about it.”

Forgetting something during move-in may add another problem to an already busy weekend, but it does not have to ruin the start of a new school year. Whether it is a quick trip to a local store, a package from home or finding another solution, students can usually find a way to make do with what they have and settle into their new space.