Back in middle school, I put “Back to School” on the list of horrible-four-letter-words-never-to-be-uttered-out-loud. Those three short words meant the end of the beautiful freedom of summer, the beginning of my least favorite kind of shopping (office supplies, backpacks, etc.) and the process of marking a new calendar (aka prison schedule) for the school year. These days, I look forward to seeing campus return to its bustling itself and watching (with a touch of envy) as first years move in and start their college lives. As you come back to campus this fall, here are some quick tips to make your moving-in less painful and more sustainable.

• Coordinate with your roommates or suitemates: this will ensure your room isn’t cluttered with five printers and two mini fridges
• Try to simplify your shopping list: rent microwaves, plan on using your house kitchen’s fridge instead of your own small fridge (those little guys are very energy inefficient), and use all the furniture provided for you in your dorm room. If you feel you need an extra table or lamp, check out marketplace (link), which also make you more financially efficient.
• Don’t buy a bike: rent one through the recycles bike share program! DO bring a helmet though!
• If you find yourself forced to buy a new appliance, go for Energy Star. These are much more energy efficient and comparable in price to those lacking the certification. Keep in mind that energy star means it’s more efficient per cubic foot, so the smaller the appliance, the better.
• Less is more: you need less clothing, accessories, etc. than you think—this will make your move-in and move-out easier.

• Dispose wisely: If you end up with surplus furniture, appliances, clothing, etc. make sure you dispose of them properly. Take a look at our recycling directory for more info.

  Whether you’re coming to campus after a summer hiatus or joining us for the first time, we welcome you to campus and hope your move-in goes smoothly. The weather should be glorious (hey, a girl can dream!) and the ambiance is sure to thrill even those who never left the “Back to School” Grinch phase.