Approximately 9,000 Northeastern students will live in university housing this fall, the majority of whom will be moving in this week. We spoke with Chong Kim-Wong, senior director of student affairs operations, and assembled this list of tips, recommendations, and useful links to help new and returning students keep calm and conquer the big day.

Stay on schedule

Each student has been assigned a specific move-in time and date. That information was mailed to your home address as part of a move-in packet, but it can also be found in Fall Move-In/Out, the university’s housing and residential life page for all your frequently asked questions.

Some students have already moved into their residence halls, but the university’s official move-in days are Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday. Sticking to your specific time will help ensure a smooth move-in process for everyone.

Note: Saturday, Sept. 1 is NOT an official move-in day. Avoid at all costs if you can, because many other people will also be moving into apartments and residence halls in Boston on that day.

Bring the essentials

Northeastern provides you with the bedroom basics—a bed, chair, desk, dresser, and closet—but you’ll still want to bring personal essentials, like pillows, towels, and toiletries. Check in with your roommates to make sure you don’t bring duplicates, and remember to pack that stuffed animal that you’re definitely not too old to still have.

Forget to pack something?

No problem! Simply take one of the Welcome Week bus trips to Target, Best Buy, or Bed Bath & Beyond to pick up anything you left at home. Those trips will be held on Friday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 2. Buses will leave promptly from Forsyth Street in front of Shillman Hall at noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m., with pickups from Target at 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 2:45 p.m.

For a comprehensive list of what to bring—and what not to bring—see page 5 in Northeastern’s Moving to Campus guide.

Movers, staff members, and student volunteers are here to help

Northeastern has hired an outside moving company to reduce the stress of the big day. If you’re moving into East Village, Hastings Hall, or International Village, the company’s movers will unload your car and deliver your bins to your room. If you’re moving into a different residence hall, the moving company will help you unload your car and then place your belongings into bins. Facilities staff will help move your bins into your residence hall, while student volunteers will be available to answer your move-in questions.

If you’ve recruited some non-Northeastern family members or friends to help you move in, make sure they bring a government-issued photo ID so they can be approved and signed into the residence halls. Oh, and be sure to thank them.

Get to know your neighbors

Northeastern’s Department of Housing and Residential Life will hold welcome events throughout the week for students in each residence hall, including “ice-breaker” activities and group meals.

Building staff—including resident assistants, resident directors, and area coordinators—are a great resource and will help to facilitate fun and educational programs throughout the semester. They’re also helpful when it comes to mediating potential conflicts between you and your roommate, facilitating dialogues between parties and even drafting a roommate contract that may prevent future disputes.

Use social media to stay connected

Housing and Residential Life will be live tweeting during the university’s official move-in days. Follow @NU_HRL to view photos and receive important updates, and use #numovein2018 to join the conversation.

You can also follow Northeastern’s official social media accounts, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.

And don’t forget to download Northeastern’s Orientation and Parent/Family Programs app, which will give you access to schedules, maps, social media, and more.