Written by Jordan Porter ’17, Admission Counselor

On BSC move-in day in 2013, I was so eager to get out of my house and my hometown that I agreed to move in early for my position as the football team’s videographer. I packed everything on the list you’ll find in this article, plus a 30-pound area rug, a TV stand, cubbies for my shoes, three lamps, a mirror, and clothes for every season. (Note to the readers out there: you don’t need your Bean boots or your parka in August in Alabama. You also don’t need to rush your family away, because if your mom is anything like mine, she’ll tell you five years later that she cried her whole way home after dropping you off.)

Cherish the extra time you get to spend with your family and hometown friends before you move in. Then, you will literally be greeted with open arms when you arrive on August 23. The students, staff, and faculty will be waiting for you to place your giant area rug, your TV, your cubbies, lamps, toiletries, and clothes into their arms. We will climb three flights of stairs in Margaret or Cullen Daniel, or six flights in New Men’s, to deliver everything to your room. All you have to do is pop your trunk!

You’ll have the time to settle in, shop for the HDMI cable you forgot, and say goodbye to the loved ones that came with you. Take in every moment of your first day on the Hilltop, and thank the people that made it possible. Then, turn to your roommate and your newfound family, and get excited to call this place your home.

To make the transition easier, here’s a few tips to keep in mind.

What We Provide

Remember that BSC supplies your bed frame, Twin XL mattress, chest of drawers, wardrobe, desk, and desk chair. If you’re living in Margaret or Cullen Daniel, check out your room dimensions here. If you’re living in New Men’s, find your dimensions here.

Remember, it will help us on move-in day to have your name and room number on each box and bag you bring. Try not to overpack, and remember that we’re only a few miles from places like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot in case you forget something.

What to Bring

There are some things that you’ll definitely need:

• Cleaning supplies: all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, and a trash can.
• Bedding: twin XL sheets, a comforter, and a pillow, plus a mattress topper and blankets.
• Bathroom supplies: toiletries, shower shoes, a shower caddy, and bath towels.
• Laundry supplies: detergent, dryer sheets, hangers, and a laundry basket to hold it all.
• A surge protector and UL approved three-prong extension cords.

Then, there’s what makes your room start to feel like home:

• Pictures or posters, hung with Command Strips or Painter’s Tape that will not damage the walls.
• Under-the-bed storage — it will come in handy.
• Curtains hung with a tension rod if you want them over your blinds.
• Lamp or night light, whichever works best for you!

You also will want to talk with your roommate about what you’re going to share, like a mini fridge, microwave, small TV, or rug.

What Not to Bring

Living in a residence hall will be a unique experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. We want to make sure you have the best living environment possible, so we ask you leave the following at home:

• Toasters, toaster ovens, and anything with an exposed heating element
• Candles, incense, and anything with a flame
• Music amplifiers and surround sound systems
• Fireworks and weapons
• Halogen lamps
• Space heaters
• Pets, except fish in a small tank
• Masking and duct tape, nails, and other products that will damage paint or wall surfaces
• Two-pronged extension cords
• Wireless routers
• Self-made bed risers or lofts of any kind
• Alcohol, drugs, and drug paraphernalia

Visit our housing page to find more information about dorm and campus life, and always feel free to contact your admission counselor with any questions. We can’t wait until move-in!

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Jordan Porter ’17 is from Selma, AL. As a BSC student, she majored in business administration, minored in English literature, and received a distinction in leadership studies. Her favorite spot on campus (the one that convinced her to attend BSC) is the overlook point between Bruno and Pierce Hall where you get a glimpse of the large campus and the Birmingham city lights. You can find her in the admission office or email her at [email protected].