How to Prepare Before You Move In
Every freshman arrives at Webb with the same mix of excitement and nerves, wondering what boarding life will actually feel like. With so many routines, expectations, and new experiences packed into one year, it can be hard to know where to start. That is exactly why this guide was created: to give incoming freshies a clearer picture of what dorm life looks like and how to navigate it with confidence.
“From the jump we want Webb students to be excited to move in;, we start off with packing lists and orientations to make sure they are well integrated into the boarding community,” said Yesela Tadeo, Dean of Residential Life.
Late July is when everything starts to feel real. Webb releases your dorm assignment, and suddenly you know whether you will be in a single or sharing a double for the year. That summer moment gives you the perfect window to start planning, organizing, and imagining what your new living space will look like.
Packing smart is your next step. Essentials like bedding, toiletries, storage bins, and laundry supplies are must-haves, but experienced boarders know the real hidden necessities: extension cords, extra storage boxes, and comfort items that make your dorm feel personal. Be sure to avoid items Webb does not allow for example, candles, hot plates, and unapproved fridges. Avoiding these items will help to make move-in simple and stress-free.
If you want to know how to navigate your first year at Webb, this guide is for you. You will hear from several voices across the Webb community. Yesela Tadeo, Dean of Residential life shares insight on what freshies can expect and how residential life works. Brianna Asfall (‘29), a current freshman with a roommate, offers a real-time look at the transition into boarding. Jayden Aleman (‘26), a senior who transferred her sophomore year and later chose to have a roommate, brings both new-student and upperclassman experience to her advice.
“Independent living skills develop at different speeds. If you have never done laundry or made a bed before, we are here to help you learn,” said Dean Tadeo.
Starting dorm life at Webb is exciting, nerve-racking, and honestly a little confusing at first. Preparing before you arrive helps you feel confident instead of being overwhelmed. Reading the Webb handbook gives you the basics, but learning directly from students and staff makes the transition clearer, calmer, and much easier to handle.
How to Manage Your Dorm Space
Keeping your room clean is one of the easiest ways to set yourself up for success. A tidy room helps you focus on your work, makes it easier to relax at the end of the day, and makes room checks feel effortless. Quiet hours and check-in times help the dorm run smoothly, so learning them early helps you feel settled and supported.
“It is easy to keep your room clean if you do not let it get messy in the first place. I always get a gold star on room checks,” Brianna said ).
Sharing a room is one of the biggest adjustments for many freshies. Communication is everything. Talking early about sleep schedules, morning routines, or even how warm or cold you prefer the room helps prevent misunderstandings. Honesty and respect go a long way when you are sharing a small space with someone new.
“You and your roommate will not have the same habits, so talk about everything. Small things get big if you never say anything,” said Jayden Aleman (’26).
Simple habits like organizing drawers, using under-bed storage, and putting things away as soon as you use them help keep your space peaceful and easy to maintain.
Support and Balance
Webb has a strong residential support system that wants to see you succeed. Prefects, dorm heads, advisors, and wellness staff are always available to guide you through the challenges of living away from home for the first time.
“Ask questions even if they feel small. We want to support you as you learn how to live independently,” said Dean Tadeo.
Balancing schoolwork, sports, friends, and downtime takes practice, but routines help everything fall into place. One of the most common pieces of advice from current boarders is to stay ahead on homework to make your life easier.
“I always finish my homework before I hang out with friends. It keeps me from getting stressed later,” said Brianna.
Day student friends often love hanging out in the dorms, but part of finding balance is learning when to say no. Protecting your personal time is important, especially in a busy environment like Webb.
“It is totally fine to tell your friends you cannot hang out right now. Protecting your space does not make you rude, it makes you balanced,” said Jayden Aleman (’26).
Reaching out for help, leaning on your community, and finding routines that work for you will make your first year feel smoother and more enjoyable.
Daily Expectations
Dorm points are a big part of boarding life at Webb and understanding how they work makes the whole system feel much less intimidating. Each morning, you check in at breakfast before 8:25 to earn a single dorm point. It may sound simple, but those points add up quickly and show that you are consistent, responsible, and ready for more independence. If you skip breakfast check-in or arrive late, you miss the daily point, which can affect your room selection for the following year.
The flip side of earning points is losing them. If you receive a 7/10, which is Webb’s version of a lunch detention, it comes with a dorm point deduction. A 7/10 can be given for repeated tardies, missing assignments, missing classes, or skipping required dorm or community events such as Community Dinner or Sunday Chapel. Enough deductions begin to impact your dorm standing and can limit your choices for future housing. Staying on top of your responsibilities helps you avoid these issues and keeps your record strong.
“These routines exist to help you succeed. They keep everyone safe and help the dorm run smoothly,” said Dean Tadeo.
Once you get used to the flow of boarding life, these expectations start to feel natural. Checking in at breakfast, keeping your room clean, showing up for nightly check-ins, and managing your time responsibly help create structure in your day.
“When you stay on top of your responsibilities, your whole day feels easier. One good habit leads to another,” said Jayden .
Moving Out and Finishing Strong
Even though your year feels long and full, moving out always arrives faster than you expect. If you are a local boarder, the best advice is to start taking things home gradually during the last few weeks. This approach lightens the load, avoids the end-of-year rush, and makes packing feel much less stressful. For international students, breaks are the perfect time to bring home or ship back items you no longer need so you are not overwhelmed at the end of the year. Planning ahead makes a huge difference no matter where home is.
“I learned the hard way my sophomore year. Do not wait until the final day to pack everything. Taking a little home each weekend saves your sanity,” said Jayden Aleman (‘26).
Moving out is your final reset of the year, a moment to look around your room and realize just how much you have grown. Leaving the dorm does not mean leaving the community. The lessons, friendships, and routines you built stay with you long after the last box is gone.
Freshies, this is your beginning. And now you know exactly how to navigate it, live it, and thrive in it. Webb will become your second home, and you are more ready than you think.
