How to Return to Carleton

And we’re back!

While I had a good summer, I’m so happy to be returning to Carleton. I guess that’s a good sign — this has been the first time in a while, maybe ever, that I’ve been looking forward to the end of summer, instead of dreading it. Probably has something to do with all the friends I’ve been missing, courses I’ve been looking forward to, and the beautiful campus I’ve come to know and love. 

Anyway, while it feels so so good to be back, the actual process of getting re-settled was kind of tricky. So I figured I’d share a few tips that may help returning students avoid the challenges I faced in my first few hectic days here this term.

Consider your arrival time

While I flew in kind of late (September 14th, because there was simply no way I was letting myself miss the 13th’s opening Halloween Horror Night at Hollywood’s Universal Studios . . . yes, I’m still a scary maze enthusiast), I recommend most people fly in earlier. For one, it’ll give you more time to settle into your new dorm, but it’ll also give you a chance to reunite with your friends before the slam of a new academic season hits. Additionally, try to arrive on campus at a reasonable hour. If you show up to campus super early in the morning or super late at night, it’ll be harder to find help getting all of your luggage to wherever it needs to go. 

Pick your storage location wisely

I guess, chronologically, this would come first. But after I finally got all my suitcases into my new home on second Burton, it was time for me to retrieve what I’d left in campus storage the year before. Note that these storage locations are only open at specific times, so you’ll want to plan ahead in order to make sure you get ahold of all your living essentials as quickly as possible. Anyway, something I didn’t consider was where I chose to store my stuff last year. I left most of my things in James Hall, which left me with a longer trek to my new dorm on the other end of campus than necessary. Next year, I plan to pack up my room way sooner so I have a chance to pick a storage option closer to whatever dorm I’ll be moving into the following year. It’ll save a lot of time and effort, so learn from my mistake this year!

Get some rest

Finally, and as I alluded to in my first tip, I’d imagine it’s nice to have a bit of down time on campus before school really starts up again. In light of this, try to mindfully budget some time for rest, relaxation, taking in the campus and getting caught up with your friends (and maybe working through a bit of jet lag). You’ll thank yourself for it in the weeks to come — never underestimate the difference between starting a new term exhausted versus well-rested. 

Anyway, I hope this helps future sophomores who have never considered the specific logistics of moving back to campus before. It always pays to plan ahead, so here’s to hoping I follow my own advice next year! 

Lucas just entered his sophomore year at Carleton, bringing with him a passion for all things nerdy and a talent for overthinking and awkwardness (and self-deprecation). He hails from Pasadena, California, and yes, he realizes it gets cold out here. He currently sees himself majoring in Physics, although he hopes to explore Cinema and Media Studies, Chemistry, Economics, and Computer Science (among many other subjects) as well. He misses his bearded dragon. Meet the other bloggers!