Check-In Day Made Easy

Three times a year (February, July and October), hundreds of new residents arrive at all four of our campus locations to move into their new homes at Deakin Res. It’s a really exciting time, and whilst the experience will look a little different at each campus, there are few things that our incoming residents can expect on arrival day. 

What does Deakin Res do to help new residents prepare for check-in day? 

Prior to check-in day, you will have received comms from your residential campus with all the info you need to make your arrival a smooth one. As a new resident you will also be required to have completed an online induction program to support your transition to Deakin. This induction provides general information about life on campus, including important details about our rules and our RESPECT values, and the opportunity to get to know other residents who are also moving on-campus. There’s also plenty of opportunities to speak with our campus reception if you have any concerns or queries before the big day arrives. 

Milla F, a 2024 Residential Leader at Burwood recalls her experience moving onto residence and how she prepared for the big move.  

To prepare myself for moving to Deakin Res, I had made sure I joined the Facebook page (which Res will email you about). This helped me with information on names of people who would be living on Res and if I knew anyone else going to Deakin Res. The Campus Life team also posted heaps of updates on what to expect when I moved which was super helpful”  

Help! What do you need to bring?  

You will have received information about what is recommended as part of the move to Deakin, however some of our past residents have highlighted that photos from home, a camera, beach towel, tote bag for Uni classes, Bluetooth speaker, headphones, sewing kit, a football/netball (or whatever ball takes your fancy), musical instrument and a cookbook are also some things to consider bringing.    

Milla continues; 

For me the Facebook page provided me with so much information, as well as the Deakin Res website. There was communication from Campus Life on what I would need to bring. I saw moving into Deakin Res as a clean slate, so made sure I had all the necessities such as bedding, kitchen supplies and towels were a must. I also made sure to include some things to make my Res bedroom feel like home, so my stuffed sheep came with me for comfort, and a room spray to keep a home smell.

Importantly all of our campuses are conveniently located, so students are never too far away from a supermarket or shopping centre. If you do forget something important there will be plenty of time to purchase what’s needed. 

Who will you meet on check-in day? 

Check-in day can be a bit of a whirlwind with lots to do to move all your possessions into your new room. However, as part of the process you will have the opportunity to meet key staff, your Residential Leaders and of course, your new housemates (and soon-to-be best buds!) We strategically provide a staged welcoming process where you have the chance to get to know your Res Leaders and housemates or floor mates first, then others in your college or building, your course or faculty, before gathering as a larger residential campus group. 

Still nervous? Burwood Resi Harsh completely understands. 

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous (and scared), especially since I was moving to a new country, but luckily, I made the decision to live at Deakin Res, it helped me settle and made the transition so much easier. I still remember Michael (the friendliest security guard) helping me with my luggage on Res, when I landed at 1am at it was my first time in Australia.” 

What do you do once your checked in? 

Every campus will have a variety of activities planned on check-in day, so once you’ve settled in and said goodbye to those who helped you move, check out the program that’s been organised via your private campus Facebook group or the Deakin Res Portal. You can also use the time to get to know other residents who are arriving on the day, your Res Leader or make the most of the opportunity to familiarise yourself with your new home by going for a wander around the campus grounds. 

You don’t know anyone! How will you meet people and make friends? 

The majority of you won’t know anyone else, so it’s the perfect opportunity to use the time to say ‘hello’ and find out a bit more about others living on your floor or apartment. Res Leaders will arrange a variety of activities to also help this process – so expect to get involved in some ice-breakers and get-to-know you games. There will also be time to mingle over shared meals, briefing sessions and a variety of other fun activities throughout the course of check-in day and the residential orientation program.  

Your Residential Leaders could not be more excited to welcome our incoming students.  

Deakin Res, and in particular your lovely RL’s help so much with settling into an environment that is safe and secure, with lovely people all around. This indirectly helps you put yourself out there and make new friends! A small tip is to think, everyone’s in the same boat as you, everyone’s new and everyone wants to make friends. We can’t wait to meet you.