Move In / Out Information tips and suggestions

Sometimes when we look at profiles of people on these web community sites, we make snap judgments. Treat your future roommate fairly and talk with them first! Don't allow what you might "perceive" on one of these sites to influence your opinions. When in doubt, think about how you would like to be treated and follow that accordingly.

Many of you have visited BU, perhaps for an open house or to see a friend. On move in day, you'll be asked by University Police to unload your vehicle and then proceed to a designated parking area. Don't get lost! Signs will be posted but it's helpful if you are familiar with your surroundings. Often that single visit isn't sufficient to firmly know your surroundings. Download the campus map and keep it with you; take a look at the parking information to orient yourself to parking lots.

Bringing items that are not allowed can be frustrating for everyone. Be sure to review the list of what's prohibited so you don't waste valuable car space with an item that you'll be required to bring back home. These products include hot plates, oversized refridgerators, drapes, lofting equipment etc. Staff will conduct safety inspections during the month of September. All prohibited items will be required to be removed.

In order to connect to the campus network (and most students want to do this right away), students must have a certain standard of computing software, virus scanning and operating system updates. Failure to meet these standards will result in delays as your machine will need to download and install the components. Additionally, many computers arrive on campus infected with Spyware/Adware type viruses. The network will not allow these machines to connect until they are free of these files. Save yourself some time and clean up your machine before you arrive. Go to the Residential Computing website to learn about what you need. You can register your computer before you arrive. This will make connecting to the campus network very simple once you move-in.

Think of move in as a day long experience. Chances are it will take quite a bit less, but it's important that you don't arrive too close to when orientation begins or have other scheduled plans that you need to rush to attend. Generally the day goes smoothly, however, you should be prepared for unplanned events that might slow things down (i.e. weather, traffic).

Before you arrive it's important that you communicate with your roommate(s). This will avoid duplicates or triplicates of common items that are better shared such as fans, televisions, radios etc. Usually in early August, students will be able to go onto their MyHousing and find their room assignment and their roommate(s) information. Generally this includes their basic information such as name, address, phone number, etc). Don't wait for your roommate to call you! Take the initiative and contact them early to discuss all aspects of living together. Build your relationship before you arrive, that way move in time is easier.

If you're first to arrive, consider waiting for your roommate(s) before you rearrange the room. It's important that the room setup be a result of all occupants of the room rather than the solely first to arrive. However, if you've talked with your roommate(s) in advance and agreed on a setup then go for it.