Although things may not go exactly as we planned due to the ongoing pandemic, we are still grateful to have the opportunity to return to campus in the fall! Below is the list of activities that usually take place during move-in week, although this year things may look a little bit different. Feel free to take a look to get an idea of what might go on as you prepare for classes, though we may not be able to participate in all of these activities as usual. That being said, welcome to Stratford House and we can't wait to meet you!
Not sure what questions to ask? Here are some examples!
What will moving in be like?
Move-in Day can be overwhelming, but overall it's enjoyable! When you arrive, the day is yours to set up & arrange your room just the way you want it. Your parents are welcome to stay as long as they like. Dinner will be provided by the house, but you're more than welcome to eat dinner elsewhere with your parents, if you so choose!
What happens at the house before classes start?
Move-in Day is usually on a Wednesday, and classes don't normally begin until the Monday after; but, there are plenty of house events to participate in before then! The days after move-in day can be roughly scheduled as follows:
Wednesday: Move in! (see packing list above)
Thursday: Work day! Work day begins around 9 a.m. & lasts until about noon. During work day members work together to clean the house before the semester officially begins! Members are divided into groups to complete tasks that include cleaning the bathrooms, washing dishes, sweeping & mopping, cleaning trash cans, & vacuuming. Work day is a great day to serve each other & the house, while also getting to know one another. Work day is done by noon, when lunch is provided. The rest of the day is yours!
Friday: Volunteer Day! Volunteer day begins around 9 a.m. & lasts until noon. During volunteer day residents volunteer together at local organizations! In the past, the house has volunteered at a non-for-profit called Salt & Light, where members helped to sort & hang up clothes that were donated to the second-hand shop. Volunteer day is another great way to serve each other, but also the Champaign-Urbana community, while once again getting to know your fellow Stratford sisters more! Volunteer day is done by noon. The rest of the day is yours!
Friday evening - Saturday morning: Retreat! Retreat begins around 5 p.m with dinner provided Friday evening, & lasts until around 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Retreat takes place at a local church off campus. At retreat, Stratford is joined by Koinonia, our brother house. Together the two houses eat dinner, worship, have a talent show, and play games! In the morning, breakfast foods are provided and we worship once more before heading back to campus. Not only is retreat another fantastic way to get to know the girls living in the house, but you can also get to know your brothers at Koin, too! Lunch & dinner for Saturday are not provided. The rest of Saturday is yours to prepare for the start of classes on Monday! (See packing list for recommendations).
Sunday: Quad Day! Quad Day is a great opportunity to get out there and see what other great activities & clubs there are to be involved in! It takes place on the quad, in the middle of campus, where clubs and organizations set up tables to provide information and sign-up opportunities for new students. It lasts from 12:00-4:00 p.m. Meals are not provided.
Monday: Classes Begin!
What will moving in be like?
Move-in Day can be overwhelming, but overall it's enjoyable! When you arrive, the day is yours to set up & arrange your room just the way you want it. Your parents are welcome to stay as long as they like. Dinner will be provided by the house, but you're more than welcome to eat dinner elsewhere with your parents, if you so choose!
What happens at the house before classes start?
Move-in Day is usually on a Wednesday, and classes don't normally begin until the Monday after; but, there are plenty of house events to participate in before then! The days after move-in day can be roughly scheduled as follows:
Wednesday: Move in! (see packing list above)
Thursday: Work day! Work day begins around 9 a.m. & lasts until about noon. During work day members work together to clean the house before the semester officially begins! Members are divided into groups to complete tasks that include cleaning the bathrooms, washing dishes, sweeping & mopping, cleaning trash cans, & vacuuming. Work day is a great day to serve each other & the house, while also getting to know one another. Work day is done by noon, when lunch is provided. The rest of the day is yours!
Friday: Volunteer Day! Volunteer day begins around 9 a.m. & lasts until noon. During volunteer day residents volunteer together at local organizations! In the past, the house has volunteered at a non-for-profit called Salt & Light, where members helped to sort & hang up clothes that were donated to the second-hand shop. Volunteer day is another great way to serve each other, but also the Champaign-Urbana community, while once again getting to know your fellow Stratford sisters more! Volunteer day is done by noon. The rest of the day is yours!
Friday evening - Saturday morning: Retreat! Retreat begins around 5 p.m with dinner provided Friday evening, & lasts until around 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Retreat takes place at a local church off campus. At retreat, Stratford is joined by Koinonia, our brother house. Together the two houses eat dinner, worship, have a talent show, and play games! In the morning, breakfast foods are provided and we worship once more before heading back to campus. Not only is retreat another fantastic way to get to know the girls living in the house, but you can also get to know your brothers at Koin, too! Lunch & dinner for Saturday are not provided. The rest of Saturday is yours to prepare for the start of classes on Monday! (See packing list for recommendations).
Sunday: Quad Day! Quad Day is a great opportunity to get out there and see what other great activities & clubs there are to be involved in! It takes place on the quad, in the middle of campus, where clubs and organizations set up tables to provide information and sign-up opportunities for new students. It lasts from 12:00-4:00 p.m. Meals are not provided.
Monday: Classes Begin!
If you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to reach out & contact us, we're happy to help! You can send an email to stratford310@gmail.com and our Public Relations Chair will gladly answer your questions!
