University News

With 7 Move-Ins Under Her Belt, UVA Mom Has All the Tips You Need

By Jane Kelly, jak4g@virginia.edu

August 16, 2023

Image of a boy pushing a cart of things into a building

(Illustration by Emily Faith Morgan, University Communications)

Joan Cestaro knows of what she speaks. The Winchester mother has five boys, four of whom are Wahoos. Friday will be her eighth time moving a child into a dorm at the University of Virginia.

Early Wednesday morning, the veteran UVA mom took to the “University of Virginia Parents – Class of 2027” Facebook page to share all her hard-earned wisdom on moving a child into a dorm.

“Seeing many questions, so thought I’d share my experiences. I’ve now had seven UVA move-ins, three as first-year,” she wrote. “Each time has been different, each dorm unique. Some kids wanted help; others wanted to do [it] all themselves independently later. All needed a trip to a store. Make a list.”

Excellence Here Goes Everywhere, To Be Great and Good In All We Do

Here is hers:

Do not expect any help (or carts) but be grateful if volunteers are there.

Dollies will be worth the car space.

Mark all bags! I put a piece of painter’s tape on everything marked with name, dorm and room number.

Be prepared where to park after drop-off.

BRING DRINKS! There are water stations around, but a cooler filled with water will be appreciated.

If stairs are involved, bring a change of clothes and deodorant.

Bring a rubber mallet to change bed height and offer to share it. People will be desperate for a rubber mallet!

If planning to put items together in the room, consider that the rooms are small, crowded and will have boxes everywhere. Consider assembling in the study spaces and bring your own tools to expedite the process. Assembling and unpacking things prior is suggested if car space allows.

Cestaro said she and her husband Michael moved to Virginia even before they had children because “Virginia has such wonderful schools.” The hope was that some of her sons would attend UVA.

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

One question that comes up frequently on the parent’s Facebook page is what mom and dad should do after they have moved their child into their dorm.

“It’s so child-specific,” Cestaro said on a phone call.

Some parents may be making a two-day drive from Florida to move-in their child. “If they want to stay a night, they should,” she said. Others, like her herself, are just a two-hour drive from Grounds so saying a quick goodbye worked best for her family. “Some students might feel good knowing that on that first night they have a parent in a hotel across town,” she added.

To each his own, she said, ending her Facebook post with, “Hope some of this helps!”