Getting excited for URI move in? Well, I am! I am so excited to have the hustle and bustle of campus life again, even if there will have to be a little more space between us and require masks to be worn. At least it will help us get back into a routine and have the physical presence of others! But now that move-in is right around the corner, what should you pack? 

If you go out to any home goods store – Target, Walmart, IKEA, to name a few – then you will probably find a “college essentials” list. Now, this list may be helpful with furnishing and decor, but I have put together a list of 10 items that have helped me through this transition that I think you would find beneficial for adjusted campus living as well! 

After moving to Rhode Island, I had to make sure for my safety and others that I remained quarantined for 14 days before heading out to explore. While I will admit most of that time was unpacking and arranging furniture, I was also able to fill my time with some fun activities.

• Books

Now if you are like me, you have a mixed love-hate relationship with reading, I only like to read what and when I want to read. That being said, I have had a killer summer finishing many of the books on my to-read list! I was also able to start some Sudoku puzzles and coloring books to keep my brain creative and working in my time off from school.  

 

• Yarn, knitting tools, string

You may think that this is so cliche, but let me tell you that it is so rewarding! I have always wanted to learn to knit and I really had no excuses this time. My Pinterest board is filled with fluffy, weighted, crochet blankets that were always too expensive to buy, so why not make it myself. This is a perfect craft for a cozy day inside to prepare for the winter. Just bring the right yarn, find a youtube video, and you’re set!

• Streaming Service Subscription (even if it is you parents)

Streaming movies afar is something that I have really enjoyed doing lately to stay connected now that all of my friends are spread across the county. We have been able to schedule a time, choose a show or movie, and stream it so we all can watch and comment at the same time! Many streaming services like Netflix are providing this service for you now, but you can also use apps like Discord where you can create a chatroom for you and your friends to stream and talk at the same time!

• Things that remind you of home

When you’re at college, you don’t want it to be just a place to stay like a hotel but a place to be! I know that something I had to do when moving here was to decide what was really important to me and what I needed to bring rather than the things I just wanted. As much as I am a sucker for shopping and buying new things for new experiences, I wish I would’ve brought more than just photos to remind me of home. Maybe it is the mirror that has always been in your room or a lamp that you use to read at night, just something that will make you not feel so far away from family! 

• Journal 

Even though I may seem to be very bubbly and candid, I will say that it is because writing is much easier for me (it’s that Taurus energy). If I didn’t have a journal to write my feelings and thoughts in I would have way more stress on my shoulders. Something that has been very effective for calming me down during this time of uncertainty is writing it down. I am someone who doesn’t always do the best job vocalizing my concerns to others, but give me a pen and paper and I can tell you all my emotions!

• Organizers

Now going back to missing home, the one thing that I don’t miss is the clutter! I was so unorganized before college, but when classes started and I had to balance all the things I was doing I couldn’t afford clutter. Having ways to organize clothes, technology, and my school work helped me have a clearer mindset and remain happier throughout the school year!

 

In the days following when I felt comfortable to get out and explore, here are a few of the activities I did that you might consider when coming to campus. 

• Bike, Snake Boards, Skates 

Did you know that the University of Rhode Island has a 2-mile bike path that goes around campus, through Wakefield, and connects all the way to Narragansett beach?! Well, there is and it is the perfect way to get to town and down to the beach! While we have nice weather, take advantage of it and go outside and be active. Staying inside has been really hard, but knowing that I can clear my head and be outside on a bike ride really helps my mindset.

• Picnic Blanket

As mentioned before, while we have nice weather make the most of it! Having a picnic on the lawn with friends or meeting for a study group outside on the quad is a perfect way to socialize with friends in an open setting. It is also a good way to get those 15 minutes of vitamin D a day to help boost your mood! Find a cute pattern that you can double for a beach blanket, or show your Rhody pride with a URI blanket!

• Swim suit

We have a pool on campus! Yes, yes, there are beaches just a short 15 minutes away, but when it gets cold and you need some water in your life go to Tootell Aquatic Center and take a swim in one of URI’s Campus Recreation 3 pools. As a previous swimmer, I love using the pool as a way to cool down after a workout or to get some cardio in!

• Yoga mat

Full Moon Yoga? Well, that sounds fun! Lucky for you it is offered several times this fall. I know that after hearing about all the fun activities offered at campus I made sure to invest in my own mat to have for use at home and on campus. Since I am taking extra precaution on the equipment I borrow I decided this was an item worth investing in.

When really thinking about what you should bring to campus, think of the little things as well that you would hate to buy if you needed it, such as a portable charger, a bike or locker lock, air freshener of some point because you can’t use candles in your dorm, and snacks for when you get hungry.

I hope that this list helps you when preparing to move to campus this semester, I know these items really have helped me! URI has helpful tips too.

See you on campus soon,

Lacey