Information for First Year and Transfer Students

New Student Move In 2012

We are excited that you will be living with us this fall!
Returning students should visit the Move In information for returning students webpage.
The information below is for new first year or transfer students.

Overview of the Move In Process for New Students

New student move in takes place between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Thursday September 20, 2012.

Around August 22, students will receive an email to sign up for a move in/unloading time. The move in time will be a hour block in which you will receive your key from the check in location and park near your residence to unload your vehicle. Move in times are available on a first come, first served basis. You have until September 14 to select a move in time. If you do not select a move in time by September 14, one may be selected for you. The August 22 and September 14 dates were updated after the Purple Prep newsletter was published.   

On move in day, you will head to your unloading zone (designated on your parking permit or found on the New Student Building 2012 webpage).

Peer Advisers (PAs) and Purple Posse move in crew will meet you and assist in moving your items to your room. The student will go to one of eight centralized check in locations (indicated on your permit) to receive the room key and other important information.

After your items are unloaded from the vehicle, parking is available in designated locations on both North Campus and South Campus.

Prior to Coming to Campus - Signup for a Move In Time

  • Sign Up for a Move In Time - On August 22nd, you will receive an email in your Northwestern email account detailing how to sign up for a move in time and a link to the application to sign up. The move in times consist of one hour blocks between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on September 20.  If you have not received this email by August 23rd, call Residential Services at (847) 491-3541. The link to sign up for your move in time is only available in your personalized email that you will recieve on August 22.  
  • If you are bringing a vehicle to unload on move in day - Select "Yes, I need a permit." After you sign up for a move in time, you will be sent an email with a link to your permit. Your permit will contain important information, regarding your unloading zone, check in location and time for move-in.
  • IMPORTANT: You will be provided an option to print your permit. Be sure to print two copies of your personalized move in permit.  One is to be placed on your dashboard to allow for access to your parking lot. The other will be used to verify your move in time inside your check in location.
    Be Aware: If you do not print your permit this will delay your move in process.
  • If you are not unloading a vehicle on campus on move in day - Select "No, I do not need a permit," but you must sign up for a move in time. You will not need to print a permit, but will still sign up for a move in time. Use this option if you are a new first year or new transfer student and are arriving on a day other than September 20. You will have the opportunity to indicate to us that you do not need a permit but to let us know when you are arriving.

On Move In Day

  1. Picture ID - Be sure to bring a picture ID.
  2. Vehicles and Parking Permits - Students bringing vehicles to unload are REQUIRED to bring two copies of the move in permit. Students arriving without vehicles to unload will have signed up for a move in appointment, but will not have printed permit. If you forget your permit on move in day, contact Residential Services at (847) 491-3541 to have a new one printed for you at our office in Scott Hall, room 10.  
  3. Check In Location & Unloading Zone - As you get to campus on move in day, students should head to the designated check in location and unloading zones for 2012.
  4. Unloading a vehicle and parking permits - If you are unloading a vehicle:
    A.Place one copy of your move in permit on the dashboard for entrance to your unloading zone (listed here). Write your cell phone number in the designated space so that you may be contacted if needed.
    B.The student can bring the second copy into the check in location, along with a picture ID, to receive a room key, temporary Wild Card, and other important information. Room keys will only be issued to students.
  5. Assistance Unloading - Family members or friends staying with the car can begin unloading belongings with help from the Peer Advisers (PAs) and Purple Posse move in team members. The PAs and Purple Posse will assist in moving items up to the room.
  6. Parking after you have unloaded - Be sure to move vehicles out of the unloading zone as soon as you are done unloading or if your time expires. Parking for the remainder of the day is available on North Campus in the east rows of the SPAC lot, or on South Campus in the South Beach Parking Structure.
    Click here for a map of parking locations after you have unloaded for 2012 (pdf).
  7. Arriving outside of your designated check in time - Students who arrive outside of their designated check in times will not be permitted to enter unloading zones until the assigned time and will experience delays in checking in. Students assigned for the current check in time will be served first.

Parking Locations (outside of your unloading time)

Outside of your unloading time, move your vehicle to one two locations. On North Campus, park in the east rows of the SPAC lot, located off of Campus Drive south of Lincoln. On South Campus, park in the South Beach Parking Structure, located off of Campus Drive just north of Sheridan.
Click here for a map of parking locations after you have unloaded for 2012 (pdf).

Shipping Items in Advance

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. NU will begin accepting mail for Fall 2012 residents on September 18, 2012. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our frequently asked move in questions webpage for further information. 

Questions?

If you have any questions about move in, please contact Residential Services at (847) 491-3541. We are open between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time on weekdays. Questions can also be sent to res-life@northwestern.edu.