Move-In Checklist
Plan ahead for a smooth start to your semester.
Are you feeling stressed about everything to do before and after you move in? We get it! Starting college can be intense. Move-in is a time of high emotions — mostly excitement, but also nervousness and uncertainty for both students and their families.
To help you prepare, we've compiled this checklist of items to do before, during, and after you arrive.
Do you have questions?
We have answers to all of the questions we receive most frequently in our Move-in Guide and Move-In Checklist. You can also feel free to contact us. We've helped countless students prepare to move in, so we are happy to help!
Please note: Email responses may be delayed after housing assignment notifications are emailed to students at the end of July, and on August 26 and 27, 2024, as Housing & Residential Life staff are assisting residents at move-in. Please review the information on the website; otherwise, staff will be able to answer questions when students check in.
As You Prepare
At the end of July, all students who have been guaranteed housing received an email with their housing assignment. This email included the student’s building and room assignment along with the name of their roommate(s) and a link to get their contact information.
Non-guaranteed and/or waitlist students will receive an update on their status by mid-August.
Note: You will need your UMN email and password to access My Assignment (directions for resetting your password are available on the Office of Information Technology website).
Requesting an Assignment Change
Our ability to make changes in assignments is extremely limited. Residents may submit a request for a change in their building, room, or roommate assignment. These requests must be submitted in advance, and many factors impact approvals. Review our webpage about Changes or Cancellations for more information about the process and timeline for these requests.
There will also be a period at the end of September when residents can submit Assignment Change Requests, but only a limited number of changes will be possible as available spaces are limited.
Important! Your move-in reservation will automatically be deleted if your room/building assignment is changed. You must make a new move-in reservation if your assignment is changed (even if your new assignment is in the same building).
Canceling your contract
Incoming new residents (first-year and new transfer students) wishing to cancel their housing contract can submit a release request. You must make this request before the Housing Cancellation Deadline if you wish to be refunded your Housing Guarantee payment. Review the Changes or Cancellations webpage for more information. First-year students can still submit a contract release request after the deadline has passed, but they will not be refunded their Guarantee Payment.
All other students should carefully review the Changes or Cancellations webpage for more information.
Residential hall students wishing to change between the Silver, Gold, and Platinum meal plans can do so by going to housing.umn.edu/mealplanchange. The deadline to make these changes is Monday, August 12. Additional Dining Dollars can be added to a student's account online at any time, and these funds can be used to pay for students or guests.
Students assigned to a residence hall who do not make another selection will automatically be assigned to the Silver Meal plan (unlimited meals, $100 in Dining Dollars, no guest passes).
Students can go to the My Assignment webpage to review their current meal plan assignment.
Reminders:
- All students living in a residence hall are required to have a meal plan. Apartment and commuter students can elect (but are not required) to purchase a meal plan. For students assigned to an apartment, any meal plan selected during the application process is automatically removed and you will need to purchase an optional apartment meal plan if you are interested,
- All of the meal plans for residence hall students include unlimited meal swipes in the dining hall located in Middlebrook, 17th Ave, Sanford, Bailey, Pioneer, and Comstock.
- Additional Dining Dollars can be added at any time online. These funds can be used at any of the 20 retail restaurants operated on campus by M Food Co., including Starbucks, Panda Express, Subway, Erbert & Gerbert's, and more.
- The Gold and Platinum meal plans include a set number of guest meal passes to be used at the dining halls. Residents can use Dining Dollars to pay for their guests if they do not have guest passes.
- Students with a food allergy or those in need of dietary assistance are encouraged to reach out to M Food Co. as soon as possible. Amy Hommes, M Food Co. Registered Dietitian, is available to consult with students with food allergies, intolerances, diseases, and conditions who may need help while navigating the dining hall menus
Housing & Residential Life organizes a staggered move-in process to limit traffic both on the roads and in our hallways.
Information will be sent at the beginning of August regarding how to reserve a Move-In appointment. Please confirm your schedule before making a reservation. If you need to change your move-in time, please use the link in your confirmation email.
Are you part of a group that requires you to move in early (Marching Band, MCAE Kickoff, or certain student jobs)? Your group will provide information regarding your move-in. You will not need to reserve a Move-In Appointment.
Do you need to arrive early?
Domestic Students
Due to space limitations, requests from domestic students to move in early are only approved for extenuating circumstances. When submitting a request, please explain the reason(s) that you need to move in early. We will review the request and determine if the need meets our requirements.
Students arriving early should expect to be placed in a temporary housing assignment, and requests should be submitted by August 16.
Note: There are limited unassisted move-in appointments available on the afternoon and early evening of Sunday, August 25, but a nightly fee of $38 will apply. Use the Early Arrival Request form to apply.
International Students (Students on an F, J, or similar visa)
New international students who arrive before they can move into their school-year assignment can reserve space in International Early Arrival Housing. This option is available to all incoming international students including students who will live off campus during the academic year.
Reservations must be made by August 16.
International Early Arrival Housing
Please note: You should carefully review all of the information sent regarding International Early Arrival Housing.
- Your check-in location will be determined based on 1) when you arrive and 2) where you will live during the academic year. This means you may be told to go to a different location than another international student.
- You may need to live in a temporary location before moving into your permanent assignment.
- New students are the only people who can live in International Early Arrival Housing. Students traveling with families must find other temporary housing.
We have web pages for each of our buildings along with the neighborhoods on campus.
Once you receive your housing assignment (see above), you can use these pages to learn more about your space including any special amenities that are in/around your building. You can also learn about the full-time and student-peer staff working in your building on our Community webpage.
Please note: We are unable to provide estimates or exact measurements for individual rooms as they vary. The average square footage is listed for each room type, and residents can access a floor plan on the My Assignment page.
We strongly encourage incoming residents to contact their roommate(s) before arriving on campus. This contact information is available on the My Assignment webpage.
In addition to getting to know each other, you should talk about what you plan to bring to campus and when you will arrive. This means you can save money and space by avoiding unnecessary duplication.
The University does not provide insurance for your personal property.
You should check whether your family’s homeowner’s insurance can cover your items. If not, you may want to speak with your provider about purchasing renter’s insurance. It can be inexpensive, and many companies provide discounts for customers who have more than one type of insurance.
The front doors of our residence halls/apartments are locked 24 hours a day, so all residents must tap their U Card to enter the building.
You should pick up your U Card either during orientation or at the U Card Office before moving in. Please bring your U Card with you when you check-in.
U Card Information for Students
Reminder: Do not allow others to enter the building behind you without tapping their U Card unless they are your guest. Strangers following residents into our buildings is one of the primary ways unauthorized individuals gain access to our residence halls/apartments!
We know it may feel rude or awkward to ask someone to tap their U Card, but doing this is part of the responsibility we all share in keeping our building and community safe.
The turnstile access at Pioneer Hall provides an additional measure to ensure only one person enters the building with each U Card tap. Those with access to Pioneer will be able to tap their U Card to escort guest(s) through the turnstile.
Part-time Jobs
Housing & Residential Life and M Food Co. are currently hiring students for a variety of part-time jobs.
Working in the same building where you live will save you time and give you the opportunity to meet your neighbors. Additionally, we offer flexible schedules since we know you are a student first.
Bonus: Students who are hired to work for Housing & Residential Life can move in early if they assist with move-in! Ask for more information about this when you interview.
Find a Job
Housing & Residential Life JobsM Food Co. Student Jobs
Volunteer Opportunities
We are seeking volunteers for the following positions. These roles are a great way to learn new skills, meet new people, and make a difference in your community.
- Health Advocate
Note: Health Advocates are required to attend a class every Tuesday from 2:30-4:25 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters, so interested individuals will need to have that time available in their schedule. - Sustainability Advocate
Space is going to be limited in your room/apartment. Because of this, we encourage residents to only bring essentials when first moving in. You can then assess what you need after knowing how much space you have.
If you are arriving at a residence hall on August 26 and 27, we will have volunteers to help unload your vehicle. You should consider this when packing your belongings.
Packing tips
- Pack your belongings in luggage, boxes, or closeable bags. This will make it easier for you to avoid losing or breaking loose/individual items.
- When feasible, remove items from their individual boxes. Our dumpsters fill quickly on move-in day so we appreciate your assistance with eliminating large boxes.
We start accepting packages for incoming residents on Friday, August 23. Mailing items to yourself is a useful option for reducing how much you need to bring in on move-in day.
Tip: When mailing items, the address should be formatted as follows:
Student's Name
Building's street address, room number
Building's city, state, ZIP code
More information about mail delivery is available on our Current Residents webpage.
Driving directions are available on our website along with information about the designated unloading zone for each building.
QR codes for free parking will be sent to incoming students before move-in. This code will vary by building/day, so the front desk will also have a copy of the appropriate QR code.
Note: We encourage incoming residents and helper(s) to research if there are any construction projects that could delay your arrival.
When First Arriving
Our driving directions include information about the designated unloading zone for each of the buildings.
These zones are only for active unloading, so residents/helper(s) should unload and then move the vehicle to nearby parking (listed in our Directions). Our directions will be updated in early August if there are any construction issues known at that time.
Once you arrive, incoming residents should go to the lobby of their building to check in. You need to bring your U Card.
You will be given keys and additional information.
Tip: If there is a wait for parking/unloading spots, students can check in and return to the vehicle when it is time to unload.
We supply moving carts to make move-in easier.
We encourage residents to completely fill these carts when unloading so you can make fewer trips and minimize congestion in the hallways/elevators. You can also bring your own cart/dolly if you prefer.
Please note:
- If you are moving into a residence hall on August 26 or 27, we will have some assistance available to help unload your vehicle. While we want to be of assistance, our move-in volunteers will not help bring your belongings to your room.
- Many residents and families find it necessary to make more than one trip when bringing everything inside. We will not have staff/volunteers responsible for monitoring carts left unattended, so you do so at your own risk. This is one of the reasons we encourage residents to only bring essentials when first moving in!
- A driver must remain remain with the vehicle at all times.
Our unloading zones are only for active unloading.
After everything is unloaded from the vehicle, the driver should move their vehicle to long-term parking. Incoming residents will receive an email with a QR code for free parking before the start of the semester.
Helpers are then welcome to return to help residents get settled and to celebrate/say goodbye.
Once in Your Room/Apartment
To ensure they are available for other residents, please return your moving carts as soon as possible.
We only have a limited number of carts available. Please unload all of the contents at one time. You or your helper(s) should then return your carts to the front before arranging your room.
Thank you for helping other incoming residents have a smooth and enjoyable move-in.
When first arriving in your room, you should submit a Room Condition Report (RCR). This will help ensure you are not charged for pre-existing damage when you move out.
Immediately after you check-in, you will receive a message to your UMN email with a link to complete a Room Condition Report (RCR). We encourage residents to complete this form before unpacking so you will have an unobstructed view of the room.
You can access this form either on a computer or a smartphone, and it can be completed by you or one of your helpers.
Submit your Room Condition Report (RCR)
Note: This link is only provided above in case a resident deletes or cannot find the email. Do not submit this form until after you check-in.
Many residents choose to loft or bunk the bed(s) in their room to create more floor and storage space.
We encourage residents to do this themselves (we have easy-to-follow directions, and mallets can be checked-out from the Information Desk). Alternatively, if you are unable or do not want to do it yourself, you can submit a Fix It request for help after you arrive.
Please note: Due to space limitations, the bed arrangement in some of our rooms cannot be changed. A list of these rooms is available in the “Exceptions” section of the Lofting & Beds webpage. Incoming residents should review this list after receiving their housing assignments.
All residents have access to both Gigabit Ethernet (wired) and WiFi (wireless) in their rooms.
To take full advantage of high-speed internet, we encourage residents to use the Ethernet connection. Directions for how to get connected are available on our Internet webpage.
Have a computer-related problem?
Each building has a Computer Center Coordinator (a fellow resident) who can help. They can assist you with setting up the internet on your computer/devices or watching UMN-TV. They also take care of the Computer Center to ensure everything is working including the computers and printers.
If you have a question or want to meet them, they will post their hours in the Computer Center. Otherwise, you can submit a Connect It ticket when you need help.
All residents have access to UMN-TV from the day they move in. With it, you can watch through streaming, cable or computer apps.
Go to our UMN-TV webpage for directions on how to access UMN-TV through streaming, cable, or computer apps. Need assistance? Submit a Connect It ticket.
You must register your devices with the University before they will connect to WiFi.
You can use our WiFi to use wireless devices like a Roku or PlayStation, but you need to register your device with the University first. Directions are available in the Connecting Devices section of our Internet webpage.
Tip: Some smart/IoT devices designed for home use will not work on the UMN’s WiFi due to the size and design of our network. We encourage residents to wait on buying these items until after arriving so they can easily be returned. Additional information is in the Connecting Devices section of our Internet webpage.
Your room is your new home, so you are encouraged to decorate and make it your own.
Caution! It is important that you are careful when hanging/attaching any items to the walls or other surfaces. You may be charged for any damage that is left when you move out.
In particular, do not use the adhesive that comes on the back of LED light strips. These strips significantly damage walls when the lights are taken down (for more information, review the Warning in the “Other” section of our What to Bring webpage).
Review the Community Behavioral Standards
You should also review the Community Behavioral Standards for other information about prohibited decorations, including:
- Weapons and drug paraphernalia are prohibited in all buildings, and alcoholic beverages (including empty containers) are not permitted in the residence halls. As such, none of these items should be used as decoration.
- No more than 30 percent of your unit’s front door can be covered, and no flammable materials should be placed on your room door or the adjacent walls.
- Residents cannot hang wreaths or other protruding items on the outside door of their room or apartment door.
- Floor mats cannot be placed in the hallway outside your room/apartment.
- Open flame items such as candles and incense are not permitted.
All residents are responsible for properly disposing of their trash and recycling. Residents should break down/ flatten cardboard boxes before disposal, and all trash bags should be securely closed.
If you are not sure where to take your trash or recycling, please ask your Community Advisor or another staff member.
Tip: Instead of recycling big boxes, flatten and save boxes so you will have them when you move out.
Now that you've arrived, you can assess your space and decide what you want to buy. There is a mini-Target in the University Avenue neighborhood that is popular with students, and the Quarry, Rosedale Shopping Center, and HarMar Mall (along with the Mall of America) are all short bus/car trips away.
Another Option: The ReUse Program
The University's ReUse Program is a great option for buying futons, furniture, and refrigerators at an affordable price. When students move out in the spring, they are encouraged to donate things they no longer need to the ReUse program, and it is also the place University departments send items they no longer want.
Donated items are available at the University's ReUse Program Warehouse.
Bonus Tip: We recommend following the ReUse Program on Facebook as they regularly post new items that are available for sale. Items are sold on a first-come-first-served basis.
The ReUse program also holds a popular bike sale twice a year where they sell refurbished bikes that have been abandoned on campus. It is a great chance to buy an inexpensive bike. Watch their Facebook page for more information.
Welcome Week is a week-long event that is required for first-year students and strongly recommended for new transfer students. Students arriving on our recommended dates will arrive in time for Welcome Week.
During Your First Month
Your Community Advisor will hold a House Meeting soon after move-in.
These sessions are an opportunity for your Community Advisor to share information about upcoming opportunities, discuss community issues, and help you get to know your neighbors.
Don't miss your House Meetings!
Your Community Advisor will expect all residents to attend House Meetings. Reach out to your CA before the house meeting if you have a conflicting appointment.
We have a team to support you.
Each of our residence halls and apartment buildings has a dedicated team of professional and student-peer staff ready to provide support or connect you with services and campus resources.
You will interact most often with your Community Advisor, but you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to the Residence Director or any of the other staff members with questions or concerns. We are here to help.
Have a question but aren’t sure who to ask?
The Information Desk staff will be happy to connect you to the right staff person. Feel free to stop by the Info Desk or contact us.
Understand the Student Conduct Process
Community Behavioral Standards express our expectations about how each of us will contribute to a community where every individual is cared about, invested in, and included.
We encourage all residents to review these policies along with the Student Conduct Process. Our philosophy for this system places primary emphasis on education and development. Rather than being punitive, our desired outcome is for residents to gain an increased understanding of self and others, and to influence a positive change in behavior.
Just like your building has a physical Information Desk, our Virtual Info Desk will be your main portal to the resources and services available through Housing & Residential Life.
This is the website that you will use to check out games and supplies from the Info Desk, track if you have packages that arrived, and submit Fix It requests to get help when things are broken.
Note: In case of clogged drains, please do not use any type of liquid drain cleaner to clear the drains. Instead, submit a Fix It request.
Tip: Make sure to take time to familiarize yourself with everything you can do through the Info Desk. You might be surprised about some of the things you find there!
Housing & Residential Life Groups
Want to find other residents who share your interests? Joining or starting an Housing & Residential Life Group is a great way to do that!
Groups are exactly what they sound like, a way for you to connect with others in your building community around something you love to do. You will also be able to get financial support from Housing to support your Group’s activities.
Housing & Residential Life Groups
Other Ways to Get Involved
If you want more opportunities to get involved and gain leadership skills, explore the options on our Get Involved webpage, including:
Each of our buildings has a Computer Center/Tech Lounge that is available to all residents 24/7. They have PC and Mac desktops along with scanners, printers, and other peripherals that vary by building.
All residents can use the computers at any time, and printing is inexpensive (only $0.10 per page for black/white and $0.50 per page for color). Printing can be done either from a computer in the Computer Center, or you can send it wirelessly directly from your own room.
Reminder: You will need to bring your U Card to access the Computer Center, and you will use Gopher GOLD on your U Card to print.
Maintaining the safety of our residents and the entire campus priority is a top priority both within Housing & Residential Life and across the University of Minnesota.
Take time to go to our Health & Safety webpages to learn about safety within our buildings (including your role) along with campus safety initiatives like the following:
- SAFE-U
The University of Minnesota’s notification system sends alerts when an emergency or dangerous situation poses an immediate threat to campus. - 624-WALK
A free service where you can have a campus security officer walk or bike with you to and from campus locations and nearby adjacent neighborhoods. Escorts are available at any time. - Gopher Chauffeur
A program that provides free rides to students during the night. - RAVE Escort App
A free smartphone app that acts as a virtual escort. Once you activate it when starting a trip, it will track your progress and can contact 911 or a designated contact if you do not report arriving at your destination by the expected time.
Bike theft is a concern at the University of Minnesota. Residents are encouraged to bring only inexpensive bikes with them to campus.
Additionally, to make it easier for you to recover your bike if it were lost/stolen, you should register/record your bike’s information. Police will then be able to use this information if necessary.
Parking & Transportation Services has more information about how you can register your bike if you are in Minneapolis, and St. Paul residents are encouraged to record their bike's information and save it somewhere secure.
Fee paying students have access to unlimited public transit on their U Card through the Universal Transit Pass (UTP). The UTP can be activated on the first day of classes at any light rail station. Learn more about checking your eligibility and activating the pass from Parking & Transportation Services.
Eating on campus will be an integral part of your life at the University of Minnesota. In addition to the six dining halls, there are more than 20 places to eat on campus including food courts, restaurants, coffee shops, and markets.
Residential meal plans come with two dining features—meal swipes used for all-you-care-to-eat meals at residential restaurants and Dining Dollars.
Dining Dollars are loaded on your U Card and can be used at any M Food Co. location on campus including Starbucks, Panda Express, and more! They work like cash, and you can add Dining Dollars at any time. The Gold and Platinum meal plans also include a certain number of guest passes.
Additionally, if you don’t have time to eat in your residential hall, you can grab your favorite meal in a to-go box through the M Food Co. To-Go Program.
What’s on the menu?
M Food Co.’s website includes a link to the menus for all of their dining halls. In addition to listing what will be available, the website/app includes dietary information including Know Your Food labels for food fitting certain wellness criteria.
Do you have special dietary needs?
M Food Co. has a registered dietitian you can meet with. Amy Hommes is available to assist individuals with food allergies, intolerances, diseases, and conditions navigate the dining halls. She can also help all residents understand M Food Co’s vegan and vegetarian options, balanced meals, and wellness.
Do you live in an on-campus apartment?
Apartment residents can buy a meal plan at any time, but it is best to make the request by Monday, August 26. In addition to being able to take advantage of any of the residential meal plans, apartment residents or commuters may sign up for semester block meal plans or Dining Dollars plans—a flexible option for students with a busy schedule.
Questions about M Food Co., meal plans, or dining options?
M Food Co. is separate from Housing & Residential Life, so please contact them directly if you have questions or feedback.