Hello Hawkeyes!!!!

There’s something uniquely exciting about starting a new chapter in life. Whether it’s a new city, a new school, or simply a new space, the idea of making it your own brings a sense of possibility and adventure. That’s exactly how I felt on the day I moved into my new dorm room at the University of Iowa. I had to move back early to work at Burge Front Desk.

I’ve always been someone who likes to be prepared, so I started the day early. My dad and I had spent the previous evening sorting through my things, making sure everything was ready to go for the move. As the sun rose, I was already up, double-checking lists and packing the last few items into the car. There’s something oddly satisfying about fitting everything into the car just right—like a game of Tetris, but with clothes, books, and all the random stuff that comes with moving into a dorm.

Once everything was packed and the car was loaded, we were ready to hit the road. I said a quick goodbye to my mom, sister and our 4 animals, knowing I wouldn’t be back for a while, and we set off for Iowa City. The drive itself was smooth—just an hour and a half of catching up with my dad, listening to music, and chatting about how things would go at school. It was a nice bonding time before the hustle and bustle of the move.

As we pulled into Iowa City, the excitement really started to hit. This was it—the place where I’d be spending the next chapter of my college life. I am in a single in Burge. We found parking close to my dorm building and started unloading the car. As we carried my bags and boxes up to my room, something magical happened: it started to snow. Big, fluffy flakes started drifting down from the sky, adding a winter wonderland feel to the whole experience. It was as if the universe was giving me a little extra magic for this new beginning.

After we had finished unloading most of my stuff, my dad suggested we take a break and get some breakfast. We drove over to Bluebird Diner, a cozy, local spot known for its delicious comfort food. The warm, inviting atmosphere was perfect for a chilly, snowy morning. I ordered the “Thee Pick Three” with tomato, avocados, and Pepper jack cheese, an English muffin, and hash browns with a Hot Mocha latte. The food was delicious, and it gave us the perfect chance to relax and chat about my plans for the semester. It was a great way to refuel before diving back into the move.

Next, we headed to Trader Joe’s to stock up on food for my dorm. I had already made a mental list of snacks and essentials I’d need, but walking through the aisles, I realized there were so many more things I could use to make my room feel more like home. From granola bars to frozen meals, and of course, a few indulgent treats, we filled up the cart with everything I’d need to get settled in. Plus we got a plant for my room to make it feel more like home. I love the energy of a good grocery trip—there’s something so satisfying about picking out food that will fuel you for the week ahead. It felt like another small step toward making my new dorm room a place where I could really settle in and feel comfortable. Plus with two weeks without the dinning halls being open I would need some food.

One of the things I was most excited about when moving to Iowa City was the chance to explore the local bookstores. Iowa City is known for its literary culture, and I couldn’t wait to dive into some good books. My dad and I made our way to Barnes & Noble and Prairie Lights, two iconic bookstores in the city.  At Barnes & Noble, I picked up a couple of romance novels I’d been meaning to read. There’s something about browsing through the aisles of a bookstore that’s both calming and inspiring. We then headed over to Prairie Lights, a local independent bookstore that has a cozy, intimate feel. I got something from their little bakery There’s just something about having books in your space that makes it feel more “yours.” I was excited to add to my collection and have some new reading material for the semester ahead.

By the time we got back to the dorm, it was time to tackle the final step—organizing and settling into my new space. After I said goodbye to my Father, I started by putting away the groceries, arranging my books on the shelves, and unpacking clothes into the drawers. The snow was still falling outside, and I had the windows open to let in the crisp winter air as I worked.

I took my time organizing the room, making sure everything had its place. I hung up photos on the wall, set up my desk for studying, and added a few cozy touches to make the room feel welcoming. With every item I unpacked, it felt more like home.

It was a long day, but by the time I was done, I felt accomplished and ready for the semester ahead. With the snow outside, the food, and the books, I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my new dorm room. It was the kind of day that makes you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

As I settled into bed that night, I reflected on how everything had come together so perfectly. I had a space that felt like my own, food for the next few weeks, new books to dive into, and the memories of a really special day. Moving in can be stressful, but I realized that when you’re surrounded by people who care about you, it can also be a joyful experience filled with anticipation for what’s to come.

Here’s to new beginnings, cozy rooms, and the adventures that await!

Cheers,
Rose