Throughout the next few days, more than 9,000 students will be traveling to campus loaded up with everything they’ll need to move into their residence halls. There’s a lot to consider when moving, so here are a few things to keep in mind.

Stick to your assigned move-in date and time

Official campus move-in days are Friday, Sept. 2, through Monday, Sept. 5, and students were given a specific time and date to move in to their residence hall. That information was mailed to students’ home addresses as part of a move-in packet, but it can also be found by logging into the myNEU portal. Sticking to the schedule will help ensure a smooth move-in process for everyone.

Pack lightly

Leaders within the Student Life division suggest packing the bare essentials.

“There are so many places around campus where students can buy materials,” said Chong Kim-Wong, senior director of student affairs operations and member of the university’s campus move-in committee. “I say just bring the essentials with you.”

Northeastern provides each student with a bed, a chair, a desk, a dresser, and a window shade, but stores such as Target; Bed, Bath and Beyond; and Best Buy are close to campus. Those, the Northeastern bookstore, and online retailers are good options for students looking to spruce up their spaces as well.

During Welcome Week, you can hop on a shuttle bus to take a trip to those nearby stores on Wednesday, Aug. 31, and Saturday, Sept. 3 or find items to decorate your new digs at Northeastern’s Trash2Treasure sale, which begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4, at the Curry Student Center.

Get to know your neighbors

Communicating with your future roommate before move-in is a great way to introduce yourself as well as a way to ensure you don’t bring duplicate items.

Beyond your roommate, though, there will be a host of people waiting to welcome you to campus, including your hall staff of residence assistants and residence directors.

“These are the people you want to introduce yourself to,” said Matt Austin, director of housing services, who serves on the campus move-in committee. Added Kim-Wong: “Your hall staff members are your resources. They’re the ones planning events, the ones who can help you meet whatever needs you’ll have,” she said.

Bring a moving buddy

At the busiest locations on the university’s official move-in days, a moving company will help you unload your car and then place your belongings into bins. Facilities staff will help you move your bins into your residence hall, while student volunteers will be available to answer your move-​​in questions. Austin recommends bringing along a helper as well—someone, for example, who can move the car while you’re checking in.

Stay connected

Follow Housing and Residential Life at @NU_HRL on Twitter to receive updates throughout move-in days and use #HuskyHousing and #NUMoveIn2016 to add your voice to the conversation.