Moving into your first-year residence hall is a milestone, but it could be chaotic if you’re not prepared. Check out this list before arriving on campus.

Moving to college should be exciting, not stressful. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for – the official start of your next adventure. You’ll be joining a community of fellow Red Raiders, discovering campus traditions and creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

The energy on Tech-In day is palpable, but it’s possible for students and parents to get carried away, making the day more complicated than it needs to be. 

To ensure you have the best Tech-In experience possible, we’ve teamed up with University Student Housing at Texas Tech University and asked them to share the biggest mistakes they see incoming students make – and how to avoid them. 

Don’t Pack Your Entire Life

Every returning Red Raider will tell you the same thing: take what you think you need and then cut it by half. Bringing too much can create stress for both you and your roommate. Remember, Lubbock has many Target and Walmart locations, along with wonderful local businesses that can help you if you realize you need something after you’re settled in.

Also consider taking items out of their original packaging before Tech-In. Leaving them wrapped can take up room and will create more trips to the dumpster on Tech-In day.

Don’t Remove the Provided Furniture

We know the mattress or chairs may not be your style, but please don’t remove them. Students are welcome to bring their own furniture, but it must be in addition to what’s already there.

Don’t Bring Wallpaper or Anything Requiring Nails

University Student Housing appreciates that you want to make your space feel like home, but damage charges add-up quickly. Even if the package says, “paint-friendly” or “removable,” don’t risk it.

Don’t Underestimate the Texas Heat

This time of year in Lubbock is typically extremely hot. It’s not unusual for highs to peak over 100 degrees. Bring plenty of water, wear a hat and apply sunscreen.

Don’t Forget to Sign Up for Your Tech-In Timeslot

Students will have a Tech-In Timeslot. Please note you must select your timeslot by July 27. This is how we manage the flow of families and prevent chaos. You can sign up for your timeslot here.

Don’t Skip Reading Your Community Policies

University Student Housing has policies students must comply with while living on campus. Before you haul in a toaster, read through your hall’s policies. Yes, it’s easy to get carried away at Target, but we’d hate for you to purchase something you cannot use.

These rules exist for everyone’s safety.

Don’t Forget to Bring a Dolly or Hand Truck

We talk about being “Red Cart Ready” and that’s because the university provides large red carts for you to unload your things into. These are fantastic for moving various smaller items, but they are not ideal for larger, heavier items. Pulling that mini fridge back out of the bottom of a cart can be awkward and difficult.

For heavier items, we advise you bring a personal dolly or hand truck to make lifting easier.

Don’t Bring Multiple Vehicles to the Unloading Zone

You get exactly one hour in the unloading zone, and that’s for one vehicle. You may bring multiple vehicles on Tech-In day, but please note you’ll only be able to park one in the unloading zone at a time. Additional cars can be parked in the appropriate Z-Lot.

Don’t Leave Your Belongings Unsecured Overnight

Please don’t leave valuable electronics or appliances in plain sight if you’re parking your car at a hotel the night before Tech-In. Bring your valuables inside or pack them away in a trunk where they are not visible.

Don’t Ignore Your Texas Tech Email

All the information about Tech-In will come to your Texas Tech email. This is where we’ll send updates, roommate details and important deadlines. If you still have questions that weren’t answered in this article, they’ll likely be addressed in forthcoming emails, so don’t ignore that inbox.

We’re excited to see you in a few short weeks. Texas Tech has been home to many Red Raiders, and we’re eager for you to put down your roots, too. To make the Tech-In process as seamless as possible, and to sign up for your slot, visit the University Student Housing website.