Moving Into College During a Pandemic (In Seven Days or Less)
“How do I move into college in seven days?” is not something I would have ever thought I would ask myself. Yet here I was, opening an email about First-Year Study Abroad Experience (FYSAE) that read, “Arcadia Abroad cannot support student travel at this time.”
It paid off to take the time to ask for advice and do my research. I was surprised that my apartment in Oak Summit had more to it than I had expected.
– Micah Gordley
I read and reread it, both not surprised but also in disbelief, and the realization sunk in: I had exactly seven days until I would be moving in.
I had had suspicions that FYSAE in London would not be happening as the pandemic dragged on, so I registered for housing in the fall. I’m also a part of indoor track and field, and everyone on the team moved in early to start practices. FYSAE’s decision just so happened to be a week from track’s move-in date, which meant the rest of the week was unbelievably chaotic as I bought everything, said goodbye to my friends, and packed up.
Looking back, the preparations I made beforehand paid off. It helped to ask an upperclassman what my apartment would look like and what I would need in advance. I waited to buy certain things, like groceries and kitchenware, until I moved in and got an idea what I was working with. I arrived early and knew where to find the entrance after I had asked a teammate.
But I also did some things that made moving in harder for myself, like guessing rather than asking for clarification. After testing, I was told to make a turn and get my house key. Unfortunately, I didn’t ask where to turn so I left the room and after looking everywhere, I ended up outside. In fact, the key was in the same room where I took my test.
At the end of the day, even if you have gotten lost or found yourself outside by accident, as long as you have found where you need to be, it’s only uphill from there.
– Micah Gordley
Even though preparing to move was rushed, it paid off to take the time to ask for advice and do my research. I was surprised that my apartment in Oak Summit had more to it than I had expected: a laundry room, dining table, separate bathrooms, and lots of space.
Moving in will be a big change, and it’s important to prepare as best you can. The build-up is worse than actually moving in. At the end of the day, even if you have gotten lost or found yourself outside by accident, as long as you have found where you need to be, it’s only uphill from there.
