GSP Thrive Booklet 2 - Moving [AY 2023-24]

ALL OUR TIPS FOR GETTING TO GEORGETOWN!

Tableof Contents

1 Before You Fly

2 Arriving on Campus

3 College Packing List

This booklet has hyperlinks, so be sure to click on the blue underlined words for more information!

Before YouFly

Check out our tips on packing smarter here!

MONEY-SAVING TIPS ON BOOKING FLIGHTS:

Clear your browser cookies & use an Incognito Window! Use Google Flights to compare different dates & prices!

Tickets are cheaper on Tuesdays & Wednesdays! Always try to book directly through the airline's website. Connecting flights are usually cheaper, but make sure you have plenty of time to switch gates (1 hour minimum)! Avoid additional fees: check carry-on/checked bag policies, including size & weight regulations. If you need a checked bag, buy online ahead of time.

Southwest Airlines offers 2 free checked bags! Include Ubers to/from the airport in your travel budget.

Don't forget to use the first-year GSP Travel Home Grant for Thanksgiving, Spring, or Easter Break! For breaks, book flights early & round-trip, but be sure to check your syllabus & exam schedule first!

DAY OF TRAVEL

Check in online 24 hours before your flight! Add your boarding pass to your phone (Apple Wallet)! Pack snacks to avoid buying overpriced airport food!

Don't miss your flight! Get to the airport 2+ hours early! Keep important items (wallets, ID, chargers, medicine) in your carry-on/personal item in case of baggage delays!

Arriving on Campus 2

Check Hoya Housing for your move-in time in August!

ARRIVAL: THE BASICS

We recommend flying into Reagan (DCA) or Dulles (IAD) instead of BWI! Try to make sure you arrive close to your assigned move-in time (~30 min)! Be sure to set your navigation to the appropriate location for your move in (this may look like your dorm's address, the front gates, or the garage). The most affordable hotels for family are across the bridge in Rosslyn, VA.

FIRST-YEAR/NEW TRANSFER MOVE IN: AUGUST 17 & 18

You should be receiving an email in advance about checking into your room & using the SwitchTech App (this is your dorm key)!

NOTE: If you're doing a pre-orientation program, your move-in date will likely be earlier, so check with your program! You can check your room assignment & move-in time on Hoya Housing. Review Residential Living's website here for specific guidelines. Residential Living should be your first point of contact for any questions about housing!

TIPS FOR NAVIGATING CAMPUS

The locations of buildings & dorms are mostly accurate on any maps app! Alternatively, check out this interactive map of campus! Once you've moved in, walk around campus & note where your classes are. The Leavey Center has good shortcuts to lots of places on campus! It's connected to Regents, close to the Intercultural Center, & near Epicurean!

PROJECT MOVE IN!!!

If you're traveling to campus alone, make sure to sign up for Project Move-In by August 3rd @ 11AM EST for some extra help! Once you're matched, be sure to communicate with your volunteer!

College PackingList

DON'T BRING: A minifridge, microwave, printer, iron, ceramic dishes, textbooks, or anything that you don't realistically use!

PRO TIP: Remember you can buy household items here (Target, CVS, Costco), so you don't NEED to bring everything from home!

TO BRING:

Clothes: DC summers are hot/humid & winters are cold/windy!

Bring professional clothes for formal events or interviews. Try packing for only 1 season if you're going back for break!

Shoes: comfortable walking shoes (welcome to the Hilltop!), dress shoes, shower flip-flops, & slides

PERSONAL DOCUMENTS:

passport, driver's license, ID, birth certificate, Social Security card, & health insurance card!

Medicines you need: try to get prescriptions filled before leaving!

Earbuds/headphones

Reusable water bottle

Umbrella

Tote bag

Anything you use regularly at home: you know yourself best!

TO BUY HERE:

Storage containers & decor: wait to see your dorm first!

Winter coats/rain jacket: remember to use the first-year GSP Necessity Grant for this!

Laundry bag: w/ straps or wheels!

Shower caddy & toiletries

Power strip: w/ surge protector

Small first-aid kit

Hangers

Foam mattress topper (optional)

Brita pitcher & electric kettle

Swiffer

If you filled out the free GSP bedding form, you'll already have a full bedding set waiting for you during move-in (which includes towels)!