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Five people smile outdoors, holding supplies and flowers, preparing for college on a foggy day.
July 24, 2023

Getting Ready for College

Tried-and-true tips and information to help you prepare for college at SUNY Delhi this fall.

Moving into college and starting your new life as a college student is an exciting time. It’s also normal to be a little nervous. Here’s all the info and a few tried-and-true tips to help you prepare for this important milestone at SUNY Delhi this fall.

Two students sit outdoors at a picnic table, smiling and getting ready for college with a pink laptop.

Complete the accepted student checklist

Whether you are a first-year residential student, a transfer student, or a commuter, there are important steps you’ll need to complete to be ready to start college at SUNY Delhi. Have you taken the required online training? Did you submit your health requirements? Have you registered your vehicle? Go through the list item by item to avoid any surprises.

Woman sitting on floor packing clothes into a suitcase, preparing for college in a cozy living room.

Start packing

Pack early to give yourself peace of mind by not leaving anything to chance. Build a list by referring to our campus packing list and adding your personal necessities. Then make your way through the list so you’ll be all set to go on move-in day!

Tips:

  • Get rid of packaging before you arrive to save time and have less trash and recycling to deal with.
  • Wash all new towels and bedding to remove chemicals and prevent itchy, irritable skin reactions.
  • Pack like items together (e.g. snacks, toiletries, desk items) in clear bins to make unpacking easier. You can then use the bins as dust-free storage in your room.
  • Consult with your roommate to avoid purchasing doubles of items like lamps or appliances.
A student in glasses smiles while getting ready for college, chatting in a classroom.

Practice life skills

Being away from home and managing your own time, life, and money requires a little bit of adjustment for most students. Ask yourself where you are with the following life skills:

  • Time management. How do you plan to balance classes, schoolwork, co-curricular activities, friendships, and rest? Develop a system to keep track of your classes and appointments and block time for important tasks. Don’t forget to set aside plenty of time for rest and relaxation.
  • Study habits. It’s important to learn how to pay attention and take notes in class, study for tests, do research, and write essays. Identify how you study best – alone in your room, in the library, or with a study group? The Resnick Academic Achievement Center is available for tutoring and advising. If you have a disability, contact Access and Equity Services for available resources.
  • Budgeting. Determine how much money you have to spend per month and what your expenses are, then plan accordingly. Will you need a job on or off campus? Learn about student employment opportunities.
  • Goal setting. Make goals, whether academic or personal, to stay motivated. Take advantage of the opportunities around you. At Delhi, you can participate in clubs, learn leadership skills, and volunteer. We encourage you to explore and become your best self!
  • Roommate etiquette. When you share a room with another person, be respectful of their personal space and property. Keep your area clean and be mindful about any loud music or noise you might be making. Got issues? Talk to your Resident Assistant (RA).
  • Communication. You’ll interact with fellow students, professors, staff, and others from many walks of life. Communicate clearly and politely, make connections, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  • Your support system. Figure out ahead of time who you can talk to when you’re stressed or need support. Is it a parent, a friend, or maybe a counselor on campus? Don’t hesitate to contact our campus Health and Counseling Services.

Moving in

Your arrival time has been sent to you via email. If you are part of a special program or sports team, you may have been told to arrive before Welcome Weekend. If you’re not sure of your move-in time, you can access our Student Housing Management System (HMS) from the New and Incoming Transfer Student Housing webpage.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to campus before your assigned move-in time. As you enter the campus, there may a line of cars. You’ll be directed to the right residence hall. You’ll need to check in with our staff in front of your residence hall, and you’ll then have 20 minutes to unload your vehicle before being instructed to park. It might be a good idea to unload everything first, then go park your vehicle elsewhere. Our move-in volunteers will assist you in carrying your belongings during the arrival window.

After move-in, you can enjoy a picnic lunch with your family at the Campus Agora, followed by a convocation ceremony at the Clark Field House. After convocation and class photo of all new students, family and guests are encouraged to say their goodbyes while you begin focusing on orientation activities.

Tips:

  • Label all your bins, suitcases, and other belongings with your name, residence hall, and room number.
  • Coordinate your move-in time with your roommate. Staggered arrival times will give you more space to get settled in your room.
  • You don’t need to bring everything at once! Consider what you can order online and have delivered, what you can shop locally after you arrive, what seasonal clothes you may be able to bring from home later, etc.

Enjoy Welcome Weekend

Welcome Weekend is a mandatory orientation program to set you up for academic and personal success in college. You’ll get all the information, tools, and connections for a smooth transition into your new life as a college student. There’ll be info sessions and academic meetings but also plenty of fun activities such as an outdoor movie, games, comedy, and icebreaking activities to help you meet new friends and create a sense of belonging on our campus. By the time Monday morning rolls around with your very first classes on campus, you’ll be equipped to take on whatever college brings with confidence!

Our best advice is to keep an open mind, embrace the uncomfortable, try new things, and enjoy the process!

Welcome Weekend schedule

Learn more

  • Questions about residence halls or move-in? Visit Residence Life at SUNY Delhi or contact the office at reslife@delhi.edu or (607) 746-4630.
  • Questions about Welcome Weekend or orientation? Visit Welcome Weekend or contact the Center for Student Leadership & Engagement at orientation@delhi.edu or (607) 746-4565.