What’s Check-In Day at Deakin Res All About?

Each February, 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, incoming residents will have received communication from their residential campus regarding guidelines for arrival. New residents are also required to have completed an online induction program to support their 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 students have any concerns or queries before the big day arrives.

André Vitti, a Residential Leader at Waterfront recalls his experiences moving onto residence and how he prepared for the big move. 

In the weeks coming up to check in day I was glued to the Facebook page and group chats trying to get all the information I could. The best thing was reading the RL and Campus Life posts, what to bring lists and keeping an eye on all the updates.

Help! What do new students need to bring? 

All new students will have received information about what is recommend 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, diary or wall planner, 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.   

Aryan Modi, a Waterfront Residential Leader this year, suggests,

Make sure you read all communications from Res to be aware of what you need to bring along, including sheets, blankets and pillows, as well as something to remind you of home and make you feel comfortable.

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 be time to purchase what’s needed.

Who will new residents get to 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 new students 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? André Vitti completely understands.

I was really quite nervous, but once you move in, once you settle in a bit, meet your roommates, everything falls into place.

The Res Portal is really quite easy to use, and there’s plenty of RLs floating around, so there’s always someone to ask questions of, and everyone was really kind, so I had a great time.

What do residents do once they’ve 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 the 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.

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

The majority of new residents 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. 

Our Residential Leaders could not be more excited to welcome our incoming students in 2024. 

Aryan Modi says,

We’re excited! We’re all optimistic and looking forward to meeting the new residents as they settle into their new homes.