Student housing director offers tips for a smooth move-in day for Hunter Hall

June 20, 2019 | UHCL Staff

Living in a residence hall for the first time can be a wonderful and fun experience, but the actual move-in process will go much more efficiently if students and parents are prepared for what’s to come. University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Director of Student Housing and Residential Life Matthew Perry says there will be plenty of resources and assistance available when students move into Hunter Hall, UH-Clear Lake’s first dormitory. Aug. 22-24, are designated move-in days.

“It’s a huge life transition,” Perry said. “There are a lot of emotions and high stress levels on the day students move in. There is a lot for parents and students to think about. Our job is to make sure the environment is safe, inclusive, fun and engaging for students and families. While residing in Hunter Hall, students will be well supported, challenged, as well as held accountable for their actions. It is part of our mission to support students as they live, learn and engage in and outside of Hunter Hall.”

Perry said that it’s important to have patience with the process, and to have fun with it. “Our goal is to help students get their belongings moved into their rooms quickly so that students and their families can take a breath and enjoy the day and the campus,” he said.

First, he said, when students drive on campus they’ll encounter the Hawk Welcome Crew, made up of about 60 faculty and staff members, and more than 40 students. “These are the people who will meet new students as they arrive, and begin helping them with the check-in process and moving their belongings to their room. All of the volunteers are genuinely excited about welcoming and helping students.”

As for what to bring to Hunter Hall, Perry said that a positive attitude is at the top of the list. “Move-in day can look like chaos from the outside, but there’s a system to it,” he said.

Perry explained the step-by-step process to enable an efficient move-in process for new residents of Hunter Hall.

1. Enter campus preferably through Entrance 3 for easiest access to the residence hall. Follow the directions of the Hawk Welcome Crew.
2. Arrive between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. because move-in is staggered by floors. For third and fourth floor residents, the preferred move-in day is Thursday, Aug. 22. For residents on the lower floors, the best day is Friday. Although moving in incrementally makes things easier, any day is fine. Saturday is for residents who are unable to move in on the previous days.
3. Check in at the lobby area, receive access to room, swipe card, and visit table booths that provide additional campus resource information.
4. Volunteers will begin assisting the student with loading up belongings into bins and taking it to their room, although families can do it without their assistance if they choose.
5. While items are being moved to the room, a driver must move the vehicle to make room for the next car.

Perry noted that volunteers cannot be in the room without the student. “From start to finish, the student is in control at move-in,” he said. “This is one part of the transition that can be difficult for some parents. All questions from our staff and volunteers will be directed to the student, in order to start building that relationship.”

The role of parents will change in other ways as well, he said. “We strongly advise families to have a communication plan before they move in. If a parent calls to say they haven’t heard from the student in a week, we are unable to confirm or deny that student lives in Hunter Hall, due to FERPA laws and regulations.”

He explained that residence hall staff would always follow up with a student, but due to FERPA, it’s not possible to disclose the student’s whereabouts. “That’s also why when parents visit, they must meet the student in the lobby,” he said.

“During and after move-in, we know students will have a ton of questions. We’ll have a ton of resources ready,” Perry continued. “We can help the student with meal plan questions, navigating campus, as well as learning about Hunter Hall policies and procedures. We are here to serve students to the best of our abilities.”

He added that a complete Living Guide document will be added to Hunter Hall information on the university’s website in coming weeks.

Students requesting a housing accommodation should contact Disability Services. This office works with Student Housing and Residential Life to make sure the student is set up for success in Hunter Hall.