Getting Settled at Lang: Your Post Move-In Game Plan

Summer marks the start of your time at Lang, and whether you’re already enjoying your new apartment in Newark or counting down the weeks until you return for fall, this is the perfect moment to get organized and set yourself up for a smooth semester.

Move-in day may (or may not) be behind you, but getting fully settled takes a little more planning. Taking care of a few key details now can make a big difference in how comfortable, functional, and stress-free your apartment feels once your routine picks up.

Start with the Basics: Your Resident Account

One of the most important first steps is making sure your Rent Café account is set up and ready to go. If you received your setup email but haven’t logged in yet, now is the time.

Rent Café is your central hub throughout the year. You’ll use it to:

  • Pay rent securely and on time
  • Track your payment history
  • Submit maintenance requests quickly and easily

Getting familiar with the platform early helps avoid last-minute issues once the semester gets busy.

Think Ahead: What Does Your Apartment Need?

Residents coming from out of state generally like to plan in advance so they have everything they need for move-in day.   Even residents who live nearby who may have begun an initial move-in process, may realize there are a few things missing that make daily life easier. Whether you’re living in your apartment now or returning to town later in the summer, planning ahead ensures you’re not scrambling in August.

If you have roommates, this is also a great time to coordinate. Dividing up shared items like cleaning supplies, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture can save money and prevent duplicate purchases.

Use the Essentials Checklist as Your Guide

To make things easier, we’ve created a comprehensive Apartment Essentials Checklist to help you cover all the basics. From kitchen must-haves to bedroom setup, it’s designed to help you think through everything you might need.

A few commonly overlooked items include:

  • Cleaning supplies and basic tools for upkeep
  • Extra lighting like lamps for better functionality
  • Kitchen basics beyond just dishes, such as storage containers and utensils
  • Laundry supplies and organization items
  • Small but important extras like extension cords, flashlights, and batteries

Even if you don’t need everything right away, having a plan helps you build a more comfortable and complete living space over time.

Set Yourself Up for the Semester

The more prepared your apartment is now, the easier your transition into the academic year will be. A well-equipped space supports better routines, reduces stress, and helps you focus on what matters, whether that’s classes, work, or simply enjoying your time in Newark.

If you’re away for the summer, consider using the linked checklist of what to bring back with you in August so nothing gets left behind.

Welcome to the Lang Community

We’re excited to have you here and look forward to being part of your experience this year. Whether this is your first apartment or your next step at Lang, we’re here to help make your living experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

If you’d like to print the full essentials list, click the link below for a downloadable PDF:

Apartment Essentials Checklist

 

Ready, Set, Summer: Your Guide to Moving In, Moving Out, and Everything In Between

Whether you’re wrapping up your time at Lang, renewing your lease for another year, or preparing to move in for the first time, summer is all about transition. It can feel hectic, exciting, and a little overwhelming all at once—but with a bit of planning, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. We’re here to help every step of the way.

If You’re Moving Out…

Congratulations! Whether you’re graduating or heading to a new home, you’re officially closing out your time at Lang, and we hope it was a memorable one. Now that move-out is complete, it’s time to focus on what comes next, especially when it comes to your belongings.

If you’re moving back home, take this opportunity to be selective about what you bring with you. It’s easy to pack everything up in a rush, but a quick sort can save you space and effort later. Set aside items you no longer use or need:  clothes, furniture, décor, and consider giving them a second life. The Goodwill in Newark is a great option for donations, and options like UD Parents Connect: Furniture Buy & Sell can help you quickly rehome items with other students.

If you’re moving into another apartment, think strategically about your new space. Will your current furniture fit? Do you need everything you’re bringing? Measuring your new layout ahead of time can help avoid overcrowding. If your move-in dates don’t line up perfectly, or you need extra time to get settled, local storage units or even a shared garage space can be a helpful short-term solution.

And if you’re simply ready to downsize, this is the perfect moment. Large or bulky items that no longer serve you can be more of a hassle than they’re worth. Selling or donating now can save you time, energy, and moving costs later.

If You’re Staying in the Same Apartment…

Staying put might be the easiest option logistically, but it’s also a great chance to reset your space and start fresh for the year ahead.

Start with a deep clean and reorganization. Go through closets, drawers, and storage areas and clear out anything you no longer use. Rearranging your furniture (even slightly) can make your apartment feel new again and improve how you use your space day-to-day.

If you’re welcoming a new roommate, now is the time to prepare. Prepare to make space in shared areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room so they can move in comfortably. Open communication early on – about shared items, cleaning expectations, and routines – can go a long way in creating a positive living environment.

Conversely, if a roommate is moving out, take a moment to reassess. You may need to replace shared items, adjust how responsibilities are divided, or rethink how you use the extra space. A little planning now helps avoid confusion later.

If You’re New to Lang…

Welcome!  We’re excited to have you join our community! Moving into a new apartment is a big step, and a little preparation ahead of time can make your move-in experience much smoother.

Start by connecting with your roommates early. Coordinating who brings what can prevent unnecessary duplicates and save money. Focus on shared essentials like kitchen appliances, cookware, cleaning supplies, and living room furniture. A quick group chat can make a big difference, no one needs three coffee makers or four vacuum cleaners!

Creating a checklist is also a smart move. Break it into essentials (things you’ll need right away, like bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items) and extras (decor, organizational tools, or upgrades you can add later). This helps you stay organized and avoid last-minute stress.

Be sure to plan your move-in logistics in advance. Know your assigned move-in date and time, confirm how you’ll be getting your belongings to the apartment, and coordinate timing with roommates to avoid overlap. Packing clearly labeled boxes by room can make unloading and settling in much faster.

Finally, don’t forget to think about the little things:  setting up utilities, bringing basic cleaning supplies for move-in day, and having a few easy meals or snacks on hand while you get settled.

No matter what your summer looks like, whether you’re moving on, staying put, or just getting started, this season is all about setting yourself up for success. A little preparation now can make a big difference later, and we’re always here if you need guidance along the way.