Oh hey. Welcome to the Community.
Let’s cut the crap. As someone who’s done this move-in thing ten times, I appreciate where you’re at.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re deep in the trenches of move-in, prepping for it, or emotionally recovering from it. I worked in residence life and housing for a decade, and I’ve learned a few things—not from trainings or textbooks, but from living the chaos, making the mistakes, and showing up again anyway.
So here it is. No fluff. No “remember to drink water” (but seriously, do that). Just real tips for real professionals doing the hardest damn job on campus.
1. You. Will. Not. Make. Everyone. Happy.
You’ll try. Of course, you will—because you care. But someone will still complain about the room assignment, the cart availability, or the fact that the elevator doesn’t have aromatherapy. And it’ll sting.
Let it sting for a minute. Then move on.
Celebrate the wins. Focus on the people who appreciate you. Don’t let the complainers rent space in your head.
2. Find Your Vent Buddy
You need someone to text when you’re hiding in the stairwell at 9:00 PM wondering why you’re still at work.
Ideally, this isn’t a coworker. But sometimes, it has to be—because they get it. The job can be isolating, especially in leadership. You don’t always need advice. You just need someone to send “WTF” texts to without judgment.
No vent buddy or don’t want to share? No problem. Record a voice note, spill everything out, and listen back—it’s surprisingly therapeutic.
3. Leadership is Heavy
You are always on. Smiling, answering questions, solving problems, putting out fires.
So take the bathroom break even when you don’t have to pee. Go sit in a storage closet for 60 seconds. Find a moment to drop the performance and just breathe.
4. No One Will Clap for You. That Sucks.
Let’s be honest: this job is thankless AF sometimes.
You’re running on fumes, and still—radio silence. No applause. No parade. Just another problem to solve.
It’s not fair, and it hurts. You’re human. You want someone to see you.
So let it hurt—but don’t let it own you. Know that your work matters, even when no one says it.
We see you. You’re doing incredible things.
5. Inject Some Ridiculous Joy
Do a high kick in the hallway. Make a dumb (but appropriate) joke. Start a spontaneous dance party with your team in the res hall.
Joy isn’t optional—it’s survival.
Find your fun. Force it if you have to. It works.
6. Eat Alone (Sometimes)
You don’t have to be “on” at every meal. If you’re drained, skip the dinner crowd and eat in peace. Breakfast is usually quieter anyway.
But don’t isolate yourself every time—sometimes that awkward shared meal is where the best connections are made. Just… choose your moments.
7. Move. Just a Little.
I’m not telling you to hit the gym or do a full Peloton ride between student check-ins.
I’m saying: walk the building. Do five jumping jacks in your office. Squat while waiting for the elevator.
Movement resets your brain. It shifts your energy. And sometimes, it keeps you from screaming into a pillow.
8. Reward Yourself. Seriously.
You need something to look forward to at the end of move-in.
A trip. A spa day. A new purse (my go-to reward). Even an ice cream cone.
Whatever feels like a hell yes for surviving the madness—claim it. Make it part of your tradition. Celebrate you.
Final thoughts
This job isn’t easy. It’s sweaty, emotional, and relentless. But it’s also impactful as hell. You shape people’s first moments, their homes, and their sense of belonging. That’s powerful stuff.
So as you push through another season of move-ins, remember:
You’re not alone. You’re not failing. You’re just doing really hard work that often goes unnoticed—and doing it like a champ.You’ve got this. High kicks and all.
Welcome to the Community. We’re glad you’re here.
