DRAFT: Move-In Day
We’re so excited to see new and returning Terps! Review the move-in information below and on our Before Move-In page to start getting ready. We can't wait to welcome you all!
On this page:
Schedule
We have assigned move-in days and times for new and returning residents to minimize traffic congestion on campus and in the residence halls. Starting on July 18, please check your Arrival Passport via your Housing Portal and follow your assigned move-in window to reduce wait times and ensure a smooth move-in.
| Move-In Day | Student Group |
|---|---|
| Monday, August 19 | International Students |
| Thursday, August 22 | New-to-Housing Students |
| Friday, August 23 | New-to-Housing Students |
| Saturday, August 24 | Returning Students |
| Sunday, August 25 | Returning Students |
Early Arrival options are available from Sunday, August 18 after 12 p.m. through Wednesday, August 21.
We are thrilled to offer early arrival opportunities for residents who cannot arrive during their assigned move-in time or prefer a more relaxed move-in experience. This option provides reduced traffic and wait times, making your transition to campus even smoother. Please note that there is a limited staff presence and fanfare during the early arrival period.
Request Process
Students who wish to request an early arrival can do so via their Housing Portal from July 18 to August 16, 2024. Requests will be approved on a rolling basis if the room is ready for occupancy.
Please note:
- There is a $40/night early arrival fee.
- During the early arrival period, only baseline services, including operational 24/7 service desks, staff duty response for emergencies, and housekeeping services, are offered. Our main move-in days, Thursday through Sunday, include more fanfare and staff presence.
- Fall Welcome program and activities begin in the evening on Thursday, August 22.
- Dining options are limited during the early arrival period. Please refer to dining.umd.edu for hours of operation and early arrival dining plan options.
- Bringing a moving cart or dolly to assist with move-in activities is helpful.
| Dining Plan | Start Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| New student dining plan | Thursday, August 22 at 4:00 p.m. | 251 North South Campus Yahentamitsi |
| Returning student dining plan | Saturday, August 24 at 4:00 p.m. | 251 North South Campus Yahentamitsi |
Dining halls are closed during New Student Welcome on Friday, August 23. Dinner will be provided at Xfinity Center between 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Play at La Plata & RecWellcome are scheduled for Sunday, August 25 between 4:00–10:00 p.m.
| Date | Facility | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, August 22 | Eppley Recreation Center |
6 a.m. to midnight |
| Friday, August 23 | Eppley Recreation Center |
6 a.m. to midnight |
| Saturday, August 24 | Eppley Recreation Center |
8 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Sunday, August 25 | Eppley Recreation Center |
10 a.m. to midnight |
Check-In Steps
Arriving to Campus
- Review your Arrival Passport on the Housing Portal for directions to your residence hall unloading zone and parking information.
- Enter campus and follow directional signs and staff and police instructions to your residence hall.
Construction Notice
We have several construction projects happening throughout our campus, so traffic patterns may vary on move-in days. Use GPS to find your way to College Park, but please refer to the directions and maps outlined in the Arrival Passport to navigate around campus.
View Your Arrival PassportUnloading Zone/Parking
- Temporarily park your vehicle in the unloading zone.
- Unload your belongings curbside within 10 minutes.
- The driver then relocates the vehicle to the designated long-term parking lot (free during move-in) and meets you back at your residence hall.
Our amazing Terp Welcome Crew volunteers will be ready and waiting to greet you, provide information, and retrieve available moving carts.
Check-In & Room Key
- Check-in at your service desk and receive your room key(s).
- Return curbside to help gather and bring belongings to your room.
- Unpack and set up your room!
Pro Tips
Terp families, students, and staff shared their top move-in tips and suggestions to make the most of move-in day.
- Communication is key! Talk to your roommate(s) and coordinate plans for shared items like rugs, Keurig’s, curtains, etc.
- Keep track with checklists. Create a packing list and check items off as you purchase them
- Get creative with packing. Bring your own dolly/moving cart, extra-large zippered moving bags, collapsible laundry baskets, and other reusable containers.
- Bring a reusable water bottle. We have refilling stations available throughout the residence halls.
- Less is more – pack light! Only bringing the essentials and don't over buy. Shop for any additional items after you arrive.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Bottle-filling stations are available in your residence hall and across campus.
- Take rest breaks. Find shade or a cool area (like floor lounges and multipurpose rooms) to give yourself time to recover from the heat.
- Dress for the heat. Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat.
- Keep windows open, fans blowing, and room doors open to create cross-ventilation if possible.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to move-in day. This will help you plan accordingly and make necessary adjustments.
- Pack your belongings in waterproof bins or plastic bags to protect them from rain. Use tarps or plastic sheets to cover items in the back of open vehicles.
- Allow extra time for travel and drive cautiously in adverse weather conditions.
- Keep umbrellas or ponchos handy to stay dry while moving items.
- Carry manageable loads to reduce the risk of slipping or falling.
- Register your phone for UMD Alerts.
- Monitor local weather reports with the Weather Channel, National Weather Service, WTOP 103.5 FM radio, @NWS, @WTOP, @UMPD, @NWS_BaltWash, and local television stations.
- Remain alert for approaching storms. Seek shelter indoors immediately in the event of hazardous weather conditions and stay indoors until the weather passes.
- Bring reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags to reduce single-use plastic waste.
- Use reusable bins, dollies/carts, or suitcases.
- Until you are ready to use them, keep electronics and appliances unplugged to save energy.
- Use natural light as much as possible and choose energy-efficient LED bulbs for your room.
- Visit the Terp to Terp ReUse Store during the semester to shop for unused or gently used items, or donate or recycle any items you no longer need.
Fall Welcome
Join our Fall Welcome program for a fun introduction to campus life! Make connections, find community, and take part in traditions. From check-in to the day before classes start, enjoy a variety of special events like movie nights, trivia, yoga, and fairs. Be involved! So many Terps to meet and so much to learn!
FAQs
Check out our FAQs below for additional information and if you still have questions, feel free to reach out. We're here to help!
Contact Information:
Email: reslife@umd.edu
Phone: 301.314.2100
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
We're excited to assist you with your move-in experience!
Starting on July 18, please check your Arrival Passport via your Housing Portal for your housing assignment and specific move-in arrival date, time, directions, and more.
If you are unable to arrive during your assigned move-in window, that's ok! You are welcome to move in anytime after 4 p.m. on the day of your arrival.
Once we begin the move-in process, our residence hall desks are open 24 hours each day to assist. Please keep in mind that we have additional staff and resources available during assigned move-in dates and times to welcome new residents and to assist students in the process. Moving in as close to your assigned time will also give you more opportunities to engage in planned activities and welcome events.
We can only accept items to the buildings after your arrival. Any items shipped before your arrival will be sent to our central receiving location off campus.
If you lose or forget to bring your unloading permit, please head to your designated check-in area upon arrival. Our staff will assist you by issuing a temporary unloading permit so you can proceed with move-in smoothly.
You can take your time moving items from the curbside to your room as long as your vehicle is moved within the 10-minute limit. Students should unload all belongings curbside within 10 minutes. After unloading, the driver must move the car to long-term parking and can then return to help move the belongings to the room.
Resources
Arrival Passport
Your one-stop shop for room assignment information, move-in date/time, directional maps, and more!
UMD App
Download the UMD app for access to move-in details and Fall Welcome schedule at your fingertips!
What to Pack
Pack light and only bring the essential items you need, like bedding, bathroom supplies, and small room items.
Bed Lofts/Fridge Rentals
Rent bed lofts and refrigerators, including MicroFridge units (fridge/freezer/microwave all in one), from approved vendors.
Roommate Relationships Tips
Learn how to create a healthy roommate relationship with tips we call the "4 C's" of campus living.
Maintenance Requests
Contact Residential Facilities if you notice any maintenance/repair issue in your residence hall or room.
Get Connected
Connect to eduroam using your university credentials. Families and visitors can select umd-guest for free guest Wi-Fi.
Family Resources
Visit the Office of Family Engagement for valuable resources and support tailored to Terp parents and families. Discover how you can stay informed, get involved, and support your student's University of Maryland experience.