Move-In Guide

Welcome to your new home on campus.

Time to start planning! One of the most memorable days of your college career is the first time you move into the dorms. Learn everything you need to know about preparing to come to campus, packing and move-in day.

Move-In Preparation

Room Basics

Room Assignments

Fall Semester: Room assignments will be emailed the beginning of May.
Spring Semester: Room assignments will be emailed the beginning of January.

Your room assignment email indicates (or confirms) your roommate and room assignment. This information is accurate as of the date it was sent, but it is subject to change if cancelations occur. You will receive an email each time a change is made to your room assignment. You can always view your most up-to-date room assignment by logging into your Housing & Dining Contract.

Roommates

Once you receive your roommate's name and email (through the Roommate Matching System and also available on your room assignment letter), send them a message. Take some time to get to know one another. Discuss what you will be bringing and which of those things you might share (to prevent duplication and waste of space). Refer to this handy Roommate Guide on how to adjust to living with your new roommate.

Room Specs

To view your specific room’s floor plan, login to your Housing & Dining Contract. In the Status section, see “Room Reservation Details” and link to “View Floor Plan”. You can zoom in and out to see proximity to lounges, stairs, bathrooms and more within the hall. Additional photos are available on your respective hall’s webpage.

Contract Terms

For students moving in the fall, your contract is for an academic year – two semesters. For those students moving in the spring, your contract is for one semester only. Review the Terms & Conditions for any questions regarding your contract.

Room Change Request

Room change requests prior to move-in should be submitted via the online request form.

Accommodations

Students with disabilities, who feel they would benefit from housing and dining accommodations, should contact Student Accessibility Services or begin the application process through the online system, Accommodate. Please note that housing and dining accommodations approved by June 30 are prioritized and will be implemented by fall move-in. UNI cannot guarantee that accommodations approved after June 30 will be available by fall move-in. Accommodations approved by December 15 are prioritized and will be implemented by spring move-in. UNI cannot guarantee that accommodations approved after December 15 will be available by spring move-in.

To-Do List

Sign Up For UNI Alert (Parents, you can do this too!)

Complete the contact information to be included in the UNI Alert System. The UNI Alert System notifies the campus community of emergencies and threats to physical safety in emergency situations: tornado, violence, hazardous material incident, canceled classes, university closure, etc. Notifications can be sent by phone, email and/or text message.

Purchase Renter’s Insurance

We suggest you purchase renter's insurance, which is fairly inexpensive. Often, this can be purchased as a rider to a parent's homeowner policy. The Housing & Dining department is not responsible for damage or theft of personal belongings in a room.

Forwarding Address

Contact the postal service to let them know that your mail should be forwarded to the address you get in your assignment letter.

Parking Permit

New residents have the option of purchasing a C or an R permit (or B if living in Roth or Jennings Court Apartments). Parking permits should be purchased and displayed by the time classes begin. This can be done through the Parking Portal, or at the Department of Public Safety in Gilchrist Hall. (Please note: UHD is not responsible for parking or any matters as it relates to parking.)

Login To Your UNI Email Account

Your new UNI email will be accessed using your CatID. View instructions on using your CatID and log-in to your new email account.

Apply To Work On Campus

Earn money and get great employment experience through the convenience of working on campus. Visit the UHD Student Employment page, along with UNI’s Career Services to search jobs and apply online.

Coordinate With Your Roommate On What To Bring

Check out our packing lists to start the conversation.

Packing Tips

What's Included

Central Room Light
Blinds/Curtains
Wastebasket
Recycling Container
Wood Loft (85”L x 39.625”W x 74”H)
Mattress (36”W x 78-80”L)

Mattress Cover
Desk
Chair
Hanging Closet Space
Dresser Drawers

What You Should Bring

Driver’s License/State ID/Passport
UNI ID (new students will receive at check-in)
Bedding
Pillow
Extra Blankets
Towels
Washcloths/Loofa
Soap
Shampoo/Conditioner
Shower Caddy
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, Q-Tips, etc)
Flip Flops/Shower Shoes
Cell Phone & Charger
Clothing (limited amounts, by season)

Hangers
Fan
Surge Protector
HE Laundry Detergent
Laundry Basket or Bag
School Supplies
Cleaning Supplies (glass cleaner, multipurpose spray, dish soap, etc)
Cash and Debit/Credit Card
Key Ring
Medications (prescription and OTC)
Umbrella
Check out what the UNI Bookstore has to offer for room basics and decor!

What You Can Bring

Laptop/Tablet (there are computer labs)
Items to Hang Decorations (push pins recommended; 3M strips only allowed on brick walls)
Social Security Card (for employment)
Eating Utensils (silverware, plates, cups, can opener)
Bike & Heavy Duty Lock
Closet Hooks
Desk Lamp (no halogen)

Music Player & Headphones
Network Cable
Electric Blanket
Heating Pad
Iron
Hair Dryer
Curling Iron/Straightener
Razor

What You Cannot Bring

Candles (unless you cut out the wick)
Space Heater
Air Conditioner
Pets (unless it’s a fish that fits in a 29 gallon or less tank)
Wireless Router
Halogen Lamp
Hot Plate
Sunlamp

Live Trees
Waterbed
Ceiling Fan
Fireworks/Explosives
Hoverboard/Electric Scooter
Open Coil Appliances
Weapons or Ammunition, including toy weapons, as defined by IA law and University policy

What You Should Coordinate With Your Roommate

Furniture (futon, chairs, etc)
Carpet/Rug
Vacuum Cleaner
Decorations (posters, pictures)
Microwave
Refrigerator (4.5 cu ft or smaller)
Food Storage (shelving, stackables)

TV
Gaming System
Coffee Maker
Crockpot/Instant Pot
Pizza Pizzazz
Other Cooking Appliances (w/ closed UL-approved heating elements)

‌Packing List

FAQ

Do most students live on campus?

They do. While living on campus isn't a requirement for students, the vast majority of students (particularly first-year students) do because of the opportunity to meet new people, the convenience of attending classes and participating in activities, as well as accessing campus resources.

How big will my room be?

Most rooms are approximately 12'x12', with an 8' high ceiling. However, there are many variations from dorm to dorm and sometimes within the same dorm. You can view your specific room's layout and dimensions on your online contract.

What's provided in my room and what can I bring?

See Packing Tips for a list of what comes standard with your room and recommended items to bring with you to campus.

Who runs the building I'll be living in?

A full-time, live-in Residence Life Coordinator or Assistant RLC is responsible for each dorm. Also, a student staff member, called an RA (Resident Assistant), lives with about 50 residents in each community ("house") within each dorm.

Does each student need a computer for their room?

No, students have access to campus computer labs that also have printers. Students who wish to bring a personal device can enjoy the convenience of having internet connectivity through ResNet as well as wireless access in their room. Technical requirements for ResNet connection are listed on the ResNet website.

What internet networks are available at UNI?

UNI provides wired and wireless network connectivity. Wireless cell phones, laptops, tablets and computers can connect to UNI's secure eduroam network. Streaming devices and gaming consoles can connect to UNI's wired or wireless smart devices network.

How safe and secure will I be on campus?

The concern for the safety and security of our residents is shared by all segments of the university. The dorms are locked 24/7 and residents gain access to their respective building through electronic access using their UNI ID card. The university also has a full-time professional police department.

Is a meal plan required?

A meal plan is required for those students living in our traditional and suite-style residence dorms. Our meal plans give students freedom from grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning up and provides good daily nutrition. Our dining halls serve as an extension of students' living space.

What about a parking permit?

Please contact Parking Operations at 319-273-2710.

What if my roommate cancels?

You will likely receive a new roommate should your roommate cancel prior to move-in. Please contact the University Housing & Dining at 319-273-2333 with questions.

How do I make a room change?

Prior to move-in, students can submit a room change request online.

What is my new mailing address?

Mailing addresses listing.

Move-In Day

Fall

Move-In Calendar

August 2025

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
					1 Group Early Arrival Begins	2
3	4	5	6	7	8 Drop & Go Begins	9
10	11	12	13	14	15 Individual Early Arrival Begins	16
17	18	19	20 New Students Move In	21	22 Returning, HCC, Allen Students Move In	23

Directions and Parking

Move-in Options

Drop & Go

Students wishing to move their items in early and return home before the start of their housing contract can sign up for a date/time within the housing contract portal under the move-in section.

Individual Early Arrival

Students arriving early to campus as part of a group will work directly with the group organizer to coordinate a move-in time and do not need to sign up individually.

Students needing to move-in prior to the start of their contract may do so at a rate of $42/day, which is charged to the student’s u-bill. The cost is inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner each day in the dining hall. Please sign up for an early arrival time within your housing contract under the move-in section.

Group Early Arrival

Students arriving early to campus as part of a group will work directly with the group organizer to coordinate a move-in time and do not need to sign up individually.

Those making arrangements for a group of students to arrive early to campus should complete the online request form. You will need to provide names and UID numbers for each student. The cost is $42/day for each student arriving early, which is inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner each day in the dining hall. By completing a group early arrival request, the requesting group is responsible for the early arrival charges. If the individual student is responsible for their early arrival charge, they must each sign up for an early arrival time within their housing contract rather than a group request being filled out.

Check-in Information

Follow the directional signs to the check-in area. This may be in the hall office on the ground floor OR in a larger public area, such as the lobby on the ground floor.

Please bring the following with you to check-in:

UNI ID
Returning students will need to bring their UNI ID to check-in. If you have lost your ID over the summer, please visit the Housing & Dining Office in Redeker Center to get a new one.

If you are new to UNI, you will receive your ID at check-in if you had submitted your picture over the summer. Please bring another picture ID to check-in so we can provide your UNI ID to you. If you did not submit a photo over the summer, please visit the Housing & Dining office in Redeker Center to get a UNI ID.

FAQ

When can returning students move in?
Please see the move-in calendar above.

If I am part of a group, how do I find out my early arrival move-in date?
If you are part of a group, contact that group’s coordinator to find out your early arrival date. Each group does this differently and may have staggered days within the group for move-in based on your role in the group. Your group will be the most accurate source for this information.

If I am part of a group and want to move in a day before my group has me registered, can I do that?
Any individual can arrive as early as our first day of individual early arrival (see calendar) by completing the individual early arrival form. If your group is moving in prior to the first individual early arrival date, you would not be able to move in any earlier.

If I sign up early, but am also part of a group, who will pay for my stay?
Students who arrive as an individual will be charged on their U-bill. Students who arrive as part of a group would not be responsible for any charges, as the group will cover those costs. However, if you arrive earlier than when the group has you registered and it’s on or after the first day of individual early arrival, the individual student would be responsible for any early arrival charges prior to the first day of the group reservation date.

If I am signing up a group and the group will not be eating meals, can we get a discounted rate?
The daily rate is all inclusive of room and meal charges, regardless of whether the group chooses to eat with us.

If I am signing up as an individual and will not be eating meals, can I get a discount?
The daily rate is all inclusive of room and meal charges, regardless of whether the group chooses to eat with us.

Spring

Move-In Calendar

January 2025

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
5	6	7	8 New HCC & Allen Students Move-In Begins Call # on door upon arrival	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17 New Students Move-In 8am-6pm	18 New Students Move-In 8am-6pm
19 New Students Move-In 8am-6pm	20 New Students Move-In 3-6pm	21 Classes Begin	22	23	24	25

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

8

New HCC & Allen Students Move-In Begins
Call # on door upon arrival

17

New Students Move-In
8am-6pm

18

New Students Move-In
8am-6pm

19

New Students Move-In
8am-6pm

20

New Students Move-In
3-6pm

21

Classes Begin

Directions and Parking

Early Arrival

There is no individual early arrival for spring. Spring contracts can begin moving in the Friday prior to the start of Spring semester.

Group Early Arrival

Groups requesting early arrival should send their request to housing@uni.edu. Include: Student Names, Student ID Numbers, Date of Arrival, Account to Bill.

Check-in Information

Check-in at your hall’s main office. Please bring the following with you to check-in:

UNI ID – If you are new to UNI, you will receive your ID at check in if you had submitted your picture a week prior to move in. Please bring another picture ID at check in so we can provide your UNI ID to you. If you did not submit a photo prior to arrival, please visit the Housing & Dining Office in Redeker Center to get a UNI ID.

Summer

Move-In Calendar

May 2025

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
18	19	20 Internal Apt Moves	21	22 External Moves into Apts	23	24

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

20

Internal Apt Moves

22

External Moves into Apts

Check-in Information

Check-in at your hall’s main office.

Please bring the following with you to check-in:

UNI ID – If you haven’t gotten your UNI ID yet, visit the Housing & Dining Office in Redeker Center to get one.