Every year, students from all across the U.S. and over 100 different countries come to NSU for an educational experience like no other. And while the fall semester may still seem like a long way away, before you know it, it will be time to pack your bags, load up your car or catch the next flight to sunny South Florida. For those moving away from home for the first time, or even students coming back to NSU, traveling with all of your belongings, especially after a worldwide pandemic, can be intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be. By following these useful tips and tricks, you can make your flight, or drive, to campus as stress free as possible.
Make a list
Before you travel to campus, making sure you have everything you need that is essential. From clothes, bedding, toiletries, appliances, technology and more, deciding what to bring and what not to bring can be overwhelming. To help ensure you don’t forget anything important, make a list with everything you need. You can separate it by category and mark off each item as you pack it. If you plan on flying, you may be limited in what you can bring from home, so consider making a separate list of items to buy once you get to Fort Lauderdale. This list can include cleaning supplies, toiletries, appliances, other large items and more that you may not be able to bring on a plane. If you are still struggling to decide what to pack for college, check out The Current’s packing list in the Student Life section for some great recommendations.
Know your space
Whether you plan on living in Goodwin or an apartment in Mako, make sure to consider where you are moving to before deciding what to bring. Some NSU residence halls have kitchens while others don’t and rooms in all buildings vary in sizes and accomodations. Be sure to check out NSU’s housing website to find out more information about where you are living before you pack up your belongings and move in.
Read up on airline policies
Nobody wants the stress of rummaging through bags in line at the airport or the extra hassle of having to pay for oversized baggage. To avoid any added stresses to your travels, make sure to read up on respective airline policies before you get to the airport. Most airlines have weight and bag size requirements, but the allowable sizes and weights vary from airline to airline. Some airlines may charge for checked bags while others may permit you to have one or two bags included in the price of your ticket. Knowing the bag restrictions and how much it will cost to travel with your bags in advance can save you some headache at the airport. Another helpful tip is to invest in a baggage scale. Bag scales are a cheap, quick and reliable way to measure how heavy your bags are before they weigh them at the airport. For those who don’t want to pay for overweight baggage, knowing beforehand can destress the nail-biting moment when they weigh your bags.
Pack a bag with essentials
Whether you have a long car ride ahead of you or a lengthy flight, having a bag packed with all your essentials can be a lifesaver. Pack a bag with everything you would need to get ready for the day or freshen up in the morning. This way, you won’t have to dig through all of your belongings to find your essentials. Many people also suggest packing an extra change of clothing in a bag, just in case your baggage is delayed or lost. This bag can also be a safe place to keep all of your valuables including your phone, laptop, other technologies as well as your boarding pass (if applicable), your wallet and any identification you may need during your travel.
Stay clean and safe
In light of the recent pandemic, making sure you stay healthy while you travel is of utmost importance. Remember to wash your hands frequently and especially after touching public spaces such as bathrooms or airplane seats. If you don’t have access to hand washing equipment, make sure to sanitize with hand sanitizer with at least a 60% concentration. Even after washing or sanitizing your hands, avoid touching your face. If you have any doubts about what precautions are the best to take, read up on the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommendations or the recommendations of the state and local officials in your area. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Traveling can be a stressful experience for anyone, but hopefully these few tips can take some of the pressure out of your move. We can’t wait to see you on campus in the Fall!
