Move In 2012 - FAQ

What should I bring to campus?

 Visit our "things to bring" page for suggestions on items to bring to campus and items to leave at home. If you are driving to campus, please remember that you can save space in the car by purchasing items once you arrive in Evanston. 

Will there be help moving in on move in day?

If you are moving in on September 20 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Peer Adviser and Purple Posse move in volunteers will be available to assist in moving your items to your room. For returning students, Purple Posse will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist with move in.

Do you have carts for move in?

A limited number of carts will be available in each area to check out on move in day. If you are able to bring your own, we recommend to.

How do I ship items to campus?

If you'll be living in University housing and intend to ship some of your belongings before you arrive, please refer to the information on the Wildcat Welcome Package Centers for the process, important dates, and other useful information to ensure a smooth experience.

Can I move in early?

University Residential Life (URL) occasionally gets requests for students wanting to move in earlier than their assigned move in days. Selected students deemed essential for the opening of the residence halls and residential colleges are permitted to check in on Thursday, September 19, 2012 (after 1 p.m.). Examples include Peer Adviser staff, Purple Posse volunteers, selected hall government officers, and selected staff working the Information & Mail Centers. Students with one of these groups are encouraged to confirm with their advisor or supervisor that they are permitted to move in on Thursday. NOTE: There are representatives of some student organizations that are given the opportunity to participate in Wildcat Welcome. However, most of these groups are not approved to move in early. Students not in one of the groups listed above should assume that the earliest they can check in to the residence halls is 9 a.m. on Monday, September 24, 2012. Early arrival request should be directed to your Area Coordinator.

Can I see my room before I move in?

Unforunately, we are unable to provide access to view your room before move in day. During the summer months, conference participants and summer residents occupy many of our buildings. We also use the summer to complete renovations and routine maintenance. Closer to the beginning of the academic year, the Housekeeping staff is busy cleaning your space and the Community Assistant staff is perparing for your arrival. For more information about your specific building, visit our webpage featuring profiles for each housing option. 

What size is my room?

The residence halls at Northwestern come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide dimensions for each room. For more information about your specific building, visit our webpage featuring profiles for each housing option. 

What size is my bed and where can I get sheets?

All mattresses on campus are (36" by 80"). They're sometimes referred to as "extra long twin mattresses." Please make sure that you check the measurements of the sheets before purchasing them. Most department and discount stores offer these size sheets during the beginning of the academic year. Also, the Residence Hall Association (RHA) works with Residence Hall Linens to offer a linen program. Information is mailed to students over the summer. For more information, contact Residence Hall Linens at (800) 957-4338. You can also visit the Residence Hall Linens website for their products and pricing information.

NOTE: Students are not limited to using a specific company. Northwestern University does not assume any liability in relation to any agreement reached between vendors and students. Contracted services between students and vendors are individual agreements and do not include Northwestern University. Please review all services and documents carefully before contracting with any vendor.

Why do I need to sign up for a move in time?

All of our over 2,000 first year and new transfer students move in on the same day. To help reduce the time you spend waiting to check in and to allow more people to unload vehicles closer to each building, the move in appointment time process is utilized. The move in times are planned so that you will be able to place your items in your room before the Wildcat Welcome activities begin.

Do I need a move in permit if I am not unloading a vehicle at move in?

If you are not bringing a vehicle to unload, you will still access the move in permit system to let us know when you plan to arrive. You will not have a permit to print, but must simply bring a photo ID to your check in location at your designated time.

I signed up for a move in time, but need to change it.

Please call Residential Services at (847) 491-3541 on a weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time to see if your preferred time is available.

My building assignment changed do I need to confirm my move in time?

If your building assignment changed, please call Residential Services at (847) 491-3541 to confirm your move in time. If your unloading zone changed, you may need to choose a new move in time. If your unloading zone remains the same, simply log back into the move in system and print two new move in permits.  

What do I do if I have any questions about the move in process?

Please call Residential Services at (847) 491-3541 or email res-life@northwestern.edu.