Opening Information

As you prepare for the start of the new academic year, you will find the following information useful (please note that this page will be updated to provide additional information as it becomes available).

Dates and Times for Opening

FOR NEW STUDENTS: The residence halls open for new students at 9 a.m. on Monday, September 12. Be sure to refer to the section called "Unloading Permits for Move-In" below. No early move in options are available.

FOR RETURNING STUDENTS: The residence halls open at 9 a.m. on Friday, September 16. You may arrive any time after Friday at 9 a.m. up through Monday, September 19. You will not need to schedule a check-in time in advance and you can report directly to your check-in location upon arrival. If you do not know your check-in location, you can report directly to your building and there will be signage directing you to the appropriate location. In general, if the check-in location is not in your building, it is in a large building close to your building. No unloading permit will be required. We do ask that you move your car away from your building once you have finished unloading so that other students may unload. No early move in options are available. NOTE: The check-in locations will be fully staffed during peak move-in hours (mainly during the day on Friday). In the evenings and on the weekend, you can still get your key.  If the check-in station is closed, then there will be a number posted on your building's door; you should be prepared that there could be a delay from when you call until when a staff member is available to facilitate your check-in.

Early Arrival Requests

University Residential Life (URL) occasionally gets requests for students wanting to move in earlier than the dates listed above. Selected students deemed essential for the opening of the residence halls and residential colleges are permitted to check in on Friday, September 9 (after 1 p.m.). Examples include peer adviser staff, Purple Posse volunteers, selected hall government officers, and selected staff working the mailrooms. Students with one of these groups are encouraged to confirm with their advisor or supervisor that they are permitted to move in on Friday. 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 Friday, September 16.

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.

Unloading Permits for Move-In

This information is for new students ONLY. Unloading permits will not be needed for students arriving on Friday, September 16 or later.

You will register for an unloading time permit during the summer (information will be e-mailed to you in late July or early August). These permits help keep long lines to a minimum and help prevent parking congestion. An e-mail confirming your selected unloading time will be sent late August 24 to your Northwestern e-mail account. The actual unloading permit will be e-mailed to you in early September. This permit must be displayed on your vehicle’s dashboard during your assigned unloading time. Cars should be moved to alternate lots on campus after you have finished unloading. Maps showing open parking will be available at check in.

NOTE: You are able to check in to your hall and receive your room key anytime between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. However, you are only able to park your car close to your residence hall during your selected unloading time.

Elder LEAD Program

LEAD is a pre-wildcat welcome program for incoming freshman students. Participants will gain the confidence for a successful transition to college and be prepared to serve as leaders in their community. The weekend will be filled with fun and educational programs for residents to enjoy while getting to know other freshman living in their community. For more information, refer to the Residential Communities website.

Residence Hall Linens

All mattresses on campus are (36" by 80"). They're sometimes referred to as "extra-long mattresses." Please make sure that you check the measurements of the sheets before purchasing them. The Residential Housing 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.

Refrigerator Rentals

Students can have a refrigerator that is three cubic feet or smaller. Some students choose to purchase a refrigerator. Other students opt to rent one. The University is currently working with a vendor to provide refrigerator rentals to students; details will be posted here when that information is solidified.

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.