Sarah Potter vividly recalls the mix of excitement, jitters, and stress of moving into a Montclair State University residence hall. Now, just a year later as a Rez Life Community Assistant, she’s one of the pros helping new students unpack both their belongings and emotions during the move-in process.
Over five days from August 26-30, 5,000 students will move into Montclair’s residential halls, many leaving home for the first time. The University’s Residence Life team has compiled tips to help make the transition into campus life easier.
For Students: Peer-to-Peer Advice
“Freshman year had its struggles,” admits Potter, a Social Media and Public Relations major. “It’s hard to let go of the comfort and security of having your family close by, and that first night without them felt strange and lonely. Saying goodbye to my family was tough, but over time, FaceTiming every weekend helped.”
For Parents: How to Say Goodbye
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to dealing with the high school-to-college transition. It varies depending on the student’s cultural background and on each individual family’s needs and dynamics, says Dr. Sudha M. Wadhwani, a staff psychologist on Montclair’s counseling team and mother of two college students.
“Each student has their level of readiness depending on how the high school years have gone, depending on whether they may have mental health concerns, whether they may have a peer-support system or already have built certain skills,” she says.
“It’s all about finding that balance of how much to support and guide your student and how much to let go and empower them to learn to adult.”
On the Big Day: ID is a Must-Have
Something Montclair students notice immediately is that their ID card is used for just about everything on campus, including accessing the residence halls, vending machines, and meal plans.
Returning students need to bring their ID to check in.
New students: Bring a form of photo ID (driver’s license or passport). You will receive your Montclair ID card at check-in. Follow the required steps found on the ID Cards website to upload a photo for your ID card through the eAccounts website.
What else you’ll need:
Check-in Confirmation email with your move-in color date and time.
Hawk Pass: This lets University staff know you completed requirements (emergency contact information submitted in NEST; full compliance with all immunization requirements) and are approved to move in. Hawk Passes are sent via University email beginning the week before move-in begins.
While moving in 5,000 students seems daunting, Rez Life has it down to a science – with help from Montclair’s village including Facilities and Housekeeping, Office of Student Belonging Enrollment Management, and University Police.
The Move-In Process
University Police stationed at all entrance points will provide directions and check Check-In Confirmation emails Hawk Passes photo identifications.
At residential halls students will have approximately 10 minutes to unload vehicles before parking in designated zones.
Set Up Shop: The Essential Checklist
Whether it’s your first year away at school or you’re moving back make sure you have essentials.
What To Bring And What Not To Bring
Roommate Expectations
Dining Locations And Hours
“It’s okay to miss home,” Potter says. “Eventually you find a new rhythm cherish connections with hometown family friends while building independence creating new relationships.”
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