How to Help your Child Quickly Move out of a Dorm in a National Emergency

The coronavirus has rapidly changed our world, and most universities and colleges are calling for students to move out of their dorms immediately due to this national emergency. These measures keep everyone safe, but can be difficult to enact over a very short period of time.

While this can be an extremely stressful time for your child and your family, we’re here to help with a quick checklist of what you’ll need to remember as you’re moving your child out of the dorm in order to do it quickly and safely.

• • • Grab the essentials
      There’s a tendency to panic in these stressful times, but make sure your child has their essential personal items. These include IDs, social security cards, passports, and important momentos, like family photos. Of course, homework, textbooks, and technology should be packed as well. It remains unclear when students will be allowed back onto campus, so it’s best for your student to prepare to be gone for a long time.

   

  • • Check the school’s website regularly.
      Protocols differ from school to school, so find the main website at your student’s school with COVID-19 updates and follow it closely, checking multiple times a day if necessary for updates and changes, especially regarding moving your child out of their dorm during national emergency. The website will offer guidance on how and when students should vacate their dorms, as well as when they might be able to return.

   

  • • Remember the car.
      If your child has a car on campus, the best plan is to drive it home, if possible. Your child may be home for the rest of the semester and their campus parking permit may expire. Driving is also one of the safest ways to travel since flying and public transit increase chances of contracting the virus. If you’re unable to bring your child’s car home immediately, make sure you secure a long-term parking option and remove all valuables from the car.

   

  • • Keep yourself and your child healthy.
      We know you want to do all you can to help your child, but if you are a member of a sensitive group (over 60 or with any pre-existing medical conditions), stay home and let others help! Likewise, if your child is medically fragile, get them out of the dorm as quickly as possible and take care of the packing for them. It’s best to come prepared with Lysol wipes, other antibacterial and cleaning equipment, and to wash your hands regularly and practice good hygiene as you’re packing and moving to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

   

  • • Avoid flying if possible.
      Sometimes flying is unavoidable, especially in situations where students are returning from study abroad or colleges across the country. If it’s at all viable, we recommend driving your child home or having them ride back with one other person. Even if they don’t have their own car on campus, drive to pick them up to reduce the chance of exposure to coronavirus while moving your child quickly out of their dorm.

   

  • • If getting home isn’t possible, find local alternatives.
      For some students, moving back home isn’t possible. It may be too far or too expensive. Some universities offer hardship exceptions that allow students in these situations to stay in the dorm. If that’s not available, help your child research safe, comfortable local places with access to wi-fi to stay while they continue their studies online.

   

  • • Follow protocols for leaving items behind.
      It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to pack up your child’s entire dorm in a period of 24 hours, so make sure you know what to do with items left behind. Many universities are offering to ship items to students’ homes, so make sure you document remaining belongings on a sheet of paper and keep a copy for yourself. Local storage companies may also be offering discounts or waiving fees. Make sure to take anything important, valuable, or sentimental with you instead of leaving it to be shipped later.

   

  • Support an online learning environment.
    Think about where your child will be heading after moving out of the dorms. Safety is first and foremost, but beyond that, if possible, make sure your student has a place to stay where wi-fi is available. Make sure your child brings home all computers, tablets, textbooks, and any other materials needed for distance learning. If your child doesn’t have their own laptop, see if the university has any technology available or loan, or if your local library offers this service.

These are just a few tips and strategies for tackling this unprecedented situation. As the situation continues to change, remember to stay flexible, listen to your local authorities, and discuss the situation with your child. They’re likely going through a number of tumultuous emotions right now, and their support system is more important than ever.