Student Move In

With each new academic year, students moving in can be an exciting time for students, faculty, and staff alike. In the rush of getting settled, moving in can also be a time when a tremendous amount of waste is generated. Below are some suggestions about how to reduce the waste generated during move-in.

• Before arriving:
  • Do not just toss stuff into a bin or box. Bring the essentials to use during the first couple weeks of school and make a list of items to bring later.
  • Pack in luggage or reusable containers that can be used for storage under bed and during future moves. Use clothing or other soft textiles instead of bubble wrap or packing peanuts.
  • Coordinate with roommates about what items can be shared and consider using items from home rather than buying new products. While cost of new items may seem affordable, that price may not include the externalized costs. (Consider taking the Introduction to Sustainability course SUST102 to learn more about these costs.)
  • Buy school supplies with recycled content and items that are recyclable. Consider renting or purchasing used or digital books. Skip single-use; use reusable water bottles, straws, plates, utensils, shopping bags, etc. Avoid buying bottled water! While, Rock Hill is known for its quality water, a water filtration pitcher is a viable option to reduce single-use bottles.
• Arriving and living on campus:
  • Do not idle the car or truck while unloading. Consider not keeping a vehicle on campus. Winthrop is a very walkable campus; bicycles or scooters are convenient options to move around campus. Consider using Rock Hill's MyRide Bus for off-campus transportation.
  • When finished moving all belongings into the room, evaluate available space to reconsider what is actually needed. If too much was packed, send excess items or clothes home.
  • Even if you may not be paying an electric bill, saving energy should always be a priority.
    • Adjust your computer and laptop to use power-saving settings.
    • Do not use screen savers; they are not needed and voids energy-saving sleep mode.
    • Bring and use a power strip for small appliances; this conserves power and reduces energy vampires.
    • Turn off lights when leaving the room if no one is in the room.
    • Consider buying a clothes drying rack to save energy and the cost of the dryer.
  • Recycle!
    • Flatten cardboard and place it in the recycling dumpster.
    • Each residence room has two recycling bins. Contact Residence Assistant to request a recycling bin if none is provided.
    • When bins are full, take them to the designated recycling rooms in each building. Contact the Resident Assistant if you need help finding the recycling room.
    • Separate your trash from recyclables and dispose of them properly; never place trash or non-recyclables into recycling bins.
    • Encourage Residence Assistant to host sustainability programs and participate in Campus Race to Zero Waste, a national recycling competition.
  • Purchase and use credible sustainable cleaning supplies; roommates and people living nearby may be allergic to some cleaners or air fresheners that contaminate the indoor air.