Life Hacks For Returning To Campus This Fall

Colleges and universities across Canada have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with detailed action plans to ensure both the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff, as well as the continuation of education as the younger generation embarks on building their future.

Packing up and moving presents a certain level of stress on its own, never mind the addition of slight differences in COVID response guidelines from province-to-province. Heading back to campus is going to look and feel a little bit different this fall, that’s why it’s important for you to think through the next several months back at school and have an action plan of your own to help ease any stress at the beginning of the year.  

Check Your College’s/University’s Reopening Guidelines

Many post-secondary institutions are implementing measures such as staggered move-in dates and varied course delivery for the Fall and Winter terms. Be sure to check your college or university website, as well as your program’s faculty site to ensure you start this school year well informed and prepared.

Considerations To Ensure You’re Move-In Ready

• What are the moving dates and deadlines at your school?
• Is there an elevator? How far in advance do you need to reserve it for move-in?
• Does the school offer dollies or carts?
• Which dorm have you been assigned to?
• Do you have an assigned parking spot?

Resources For Post-Secondary Students

• Canada Public Health Guidance For Post-Secondary Institutions During The Pandemic
• Post-Secondary Learning During COVID-19 - Alberta
• COVID-19 Go-Forward Guidelines For BC’s Post-Secondary Sector

Packing For The Move

• Clothing and Undergarments
  For anything you aren’t hanging, roll your clothes up instead of folding them to save space. For anything that’s being hung, use trash bags as garment covers and slip the hanger hooks through the top to protect your more prized pieces.
• ‘Russian Doll’ Your Furniture
  Fill larger pieces with smaller ones; put linens in your laundry basket or bag, put books in your unplugged microwave, put any toiletry or electronics baggies in a gym bag or backpack. You can also use thicker clothing items like hoodies or blankets to wrap around anything fragile or valuable.
• Electronics
  Keep your cords in a Ziploc bag and label it with which devices they go with.
• Office/School Items
  Pack your laptop and chargers, planner, any textbooks or notebooks, stationary in your backpack. Avoid packing these important items with toiletries or other liquids to avoid damage or loss due to leaks.
• Toiletry Items
  Put any gels or liquids in Ziplocs before putting them in the same bag as your toothbrush, hairbrush, and any other essentials to prevent leaking.

Packing and making the best use of space for moves is our forte; you can find more moving and packing tips here.

Pack A “COVID Bag” Incase You Need To Self-Isolate

Stay ready so you won’t have to get ready. The best way to walk forward confidently despite the number of unknowns ahead is to be prepared. While colleges and universities have guidelines and procedures to handle the return of students and new norms for course delivery, you’ll thank yourself later by packing yourself a “just incase” bag if you find yourself facing quarantine.

Include items such as:

• A gym bag or backpack of your choice!
• Hand sanitizer; it would be wise to stock up and buy in bulk packages where you can.
• Masks; these may come in handy during periods of high levels of community transmission or when physical distancing is difficult.
• Surface cleaner; if you’re sharing a dorm room or an apartment, you’ll want to be able to keep common surfaces clean as much as possible.
• Tylenol; ward off any pesky headaches or aches if they come about.
• Thermometer
• Stock up on your favourite comfort soup or tea incase you start to feel under the weather.
• Tissues
• Refillable water bottle
• Make sure you have your Health/Identification Cards handy!
• On your mobile device, download your grocery or food delivery app of choice in advance in case you need to self-isolate and make alternative arrangements for groceries.

Storing Stuff In Between Terms

Whether you've been living on or off-campus, chances are you cringe at the thought of packing and hauling your belongings back and forth every term. Mobile storage for college and university students is simple, secure, and smart. Renting a storage container near campus will make your move to and from much easier, and it will save you from spending countless hours packing and shipping items.

Convenient And Temporary Terms
We understand these are unclear and ever-changing times, which is why it’s important that we offer storage on your terms. With a one-month minimum commitment, you can rent affordable storage and choose from a variety of sizes, store the container at your place or at our yard and out of the way, and for the amount of time that suits you. Just be sure to consult with your dorm management first about arranging container delivery and abiding by any parking regulations.

Out of all of the things on your to-do list, storage should be the simplest one. We’re here to help you stay organized, reduce the stress of your move, and ease back into campus life.