Through the process of contracts, assignments, and scheduling move-in times, there are a lot of wheels turning to make sure move in is a special experience for all students. University Housing takes into account all students’ needs while ensuring move in is a memorable experience that sets the stage for students to have a great year.
One incoming freshman, who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at a young age, was originally assigned to move into Watterson. This student found the floor she was assigned would make trips to class or student activities difficult. With just a phone call to University Housing, she was able to be reassigned to a floor that could fit her needs and make her experience a great one. “The situation was handled within minutes, and I was able to leave my daughter as a happy and excited student,” her parent said.
Yearly surveys and feedback from both students and parents have helped University Housing make improvements to the move-in process to create a more enjoyable experience for those arriving on campus.
This year, Illinois State University launched their new mobile app that has a variety of guides pertaining to campus activities and departments. University Housing launched a guide for move in that held resources for students ranging from what to bring to directions to campus and parking options.
“I used the app all summer before coming to campus,” said Kaitlyn Harvey, freshman psychology major. “The maps were my favorite part.”
Also new to 2015 was the delivery of loft kits to the residents’ rooms before their arrival. “All students were able to select if they wished to have a loft kit during room selection periods,” said Stacey Mwilambwe, director of University Housing. “By doing this ahead of time, elevators were more open and it helped reduce traffic within the halls,” Mwilambwe explained.
Lila Bryant, freshman in bilingual education and resident in Manchester, had her loft kit delivered to her room before she arrived. Bryant expressed how simple it was to put together and the convenience of having it there ahead of time.
University Housing also produced a YouTube video that outlines the steps in putting together a loft kit.
