7 Tips For Moving Into College Dorms During a Pandemic
Your child’s college likely has health policies in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at the start of the school year. Are these measures enough? Or are these measures a little overkill?
With all the students arriving on campus, you really cannot be too careful about protecting your and your child’s health. As inconvenient as these precautions are, you will be thankful that you took safety precautions on move-in day.
Consider implementing these 7 safety measures to ensure a corona-free college move-in day!
Limit the number of move-in helpers.
Many hands might make light work, but many hands also come with many germs. Limiting the number of helpers you allow to handle your freshman’s belongings will help decrease the possibility of germs spreading.
Consider using as few people as possible to accomplish this move into a college dorm. One parent, your child, and maybe a helpful RA or roommate can easily accomplish this move if you plan your packing well and limit items to the essentials.
Limit the number of trips to and from the dorm.
As much as possible, work to make only a few trips to and from your vehicle to the dorm room. If you utilize large storage containers and suitcases, you may be able to make only a handful of trips. To decrease the possibility of spreading germs and getting germs, work to go back and forth less.
Practice social distancing.
Narrow and crowded hallways make social distancing difficult. As much as possible, do your best to maintain six feet between you and others. Be patient with others moving into the dorm, even if they seem to be taking their time.
If your child’s roommate is also moving in at the same time, consider coming back later to move in your child’s items. Encourage your freshman to communicate and arrange the move-in details with their roommate beforehand, as they need to start taking initiative and advocate for themselves.
Wash your hands often.
As much as possible, wash your hands often. Opening doors and pushing elevator buttons, you are using common surfaces that many other movers are also using throughout move-in day.
Consider bringing hand sanitizer, hand soap, and paper towels along with you. You are better to err on the side of being too prepared.
Sanitize surfaces.
Your child’s dorms have likely undergone rigorous cleaning this summer. However, you are wise to prepare for the off-chance that surfaces may not be sanitized. Consider bringing cleaning wipes or sprays to go over mattresses, closets, and drawers.
Wear a mask.
Yes, this is incredibly inconvenient and makes for a lot of heavy breathing, but wearing a mask throughout the move-in process can help to protect others and yourself. If possible, consider bringing disposable masks (as opposed to fabric masks) that allow for easier breathing when you’re winded or labored.
Adhere to college COVID-19 policies.
This may seem like common sense, but adhering to the college’s COVID policies for move-in day is not only courteous but wise. Your actions and attitude can make the difference between an enjoyable and a miserable move-in day.
As much as you may not agree with every precaution the school is taking, your behavior and comments during move-in day are noticed by your freshman. You help to set the tone and attitude toward these rules, and your freshman is likely to mimic your example. Please be careful to speak positively and adhere carefully to the college’s requests, and encourage your freshman to do the same.
This year is full of unknowns, but move-in day doesn’t have to be one of those unknowns. Help this day be a success by practicing these 7 safety measures!
