In one of our recent Pulse Polls, we asked parents and family members to share a piece of advice for incoming families. Below is a compiled list from those responses.

*All responses have been reviewed and condensed for this list

• Bring water, snacks, tools, and basic cleaning supplies to get started. Let your student take the lead on how much help they want from family members. Keep receipts in the event something you bought for their room doesn't fit or work out.
• Encourage a “less is more” mindset before move-in. Take only the essentials with you to move-in, and plan to either buy new wants or leave money for your child to buy them before school starts on their own. They will see and get lots of ideas from others and might regret purchases or plans made prior to move-in.
• Buy IKEA bags for packing and moving things in and out of the dorms.
• Bring your own cart/wagon/ dolly/hand flatbed. Do not count on getting one of the carts from the residence halls. Also, a cooler with iced water and drinks would be good, it will be hot. We brought cleaning supplies, just had to wipe up a little dust in the closet. It is inherently a stressful time, but don't let it ruin your time with your student. They might be a bit apprehensive about this new time in their life. The last thing you need is extra stress. We tried to laugh it off when we ran into obstacles. I'm so glad we did. Everybody is trying their best to make it a smooth process.
• Be prepared to wait to get a parking spot to unload and for elevators.  You must be prepared to unload in a timely matter once in parking spot and to remove your vehicle in a timely matter once it is unloaded.  Don't start setting up room and unpacking until you move your vehicle.  Only one vehicle at a time can be unloaded if your student has stuff in their vehicle and stuff in your vehicle.  Both have to be unloaded in the parking lot closest to the dorm in the timeframe given.
•  Bring your patience. Enough people but not too many, as rooms are not huge and if both students are moving in it gets crowded. Try and leave really young kids home or if they must come - bring someone that can take them outside or somewhere to keep them occupied.
• Pack everything in totes. Buy a curtain and curtain rod to cover the closet. Command hooks to hang towels. Hanging shoe rack is a must. Bring cleaner to wipe out all the drawers.
• Have soap, TP and hand towel available so you can use the restroom!
• We bought a foldable dolly from harbor freight & some bungees to move in the mini fridge for under $30. It was easy to pack and worked great.
• We stayed an extra night so our daughter could unpack and then anything she needed we could run to target and get for her.
• Take pictures! It's a big moment for your family & one you'll want to remember.
• Make sure your student brings their driver's license.
• Bring all their clothes hanging.
• Two must haves: A small compact Whoozoo fan AND an electric blanket.
• Unbox all new items before packing them in the car. This will help save space in the car and time unpacking.
• Make sure your student knows how to do their own laundry, as well as how to make a few basic dishes in the microwave.
• Enjoy the process! Don't worry about the crowds or moving in first. Enjoy the time with your student and let them lead the way.
• Don't set up your student's room completely. Help with the big stuff, but leave things for them to do once you leave. This will keep them busy.
• Make sure to bring a cooler with some extra waters and snacks. You will sweat and someone will become hangry.
• Remember this is an exciting and nervous time for your student- and for you. Keep conversation light and don't argue over the little things.
• Leave as soon as your student is settled and make your goodbyes brief. This will give them the chance to focus on meeting other students.
• Don't forget the siblings! Make sure to take their feelings into consideration. They may feel separation anxiety just like you.
• Take advantage of ordering supplies ahead of time from Amazon. You can pick these items up in Lubbock, saving room in the car.
• Make sure your student knows where they can get their first couple of meals after you leave.
• Bring your tools (screwdriver, Allen wrenches, rubber mallet). Think about purchasing a small toolkit for your student.
• The blue duffel bags from IKEA are also very helpful.
• Encourage your student to attend Raider Welcome events. They will be able to meet new people.

Additional Move-In Resources

• Move-In Tips from Texas Tech Students
• University Student Housing Move-In Information
• Mailing Packages to Your Student
• Dining Plans