If you are in a program that moves in early (e.g., Fall Sports, BASIS, Marching Band), please contact your program directly for move in details.
Moving-In
Settle In, Start Fresh!
Move-in day is the first big step in your PennWest journey! It’s an exciting milestone filled with new faces, big emotions, and plenty of anticipation. Whether you're feeling thrilled, nervous, or somewhere in between, we’re here to make your arrival as easy and comfortable as possible. Our team will be on hand to greet you, answer your questions, and help you settle into your new campus home. From meeting your roommate to discovering your residence hall, it’s the beginning of something special.
Expect a lively and energetic atmosphere across campus during move-in. You’ll see students and families unloading, staff stationed throughout campus for guidance, and lots of activity in and around the residence halls. While we’re here to support you, please note that move-in is a self-service process—staff will not be available to help unload vehicles. Plan for a full-day experience, even though the actual time may vary. Weather delays, traffic, or unexpected slowdowns can happen, so we encourage you to stay patient and flexible throughout the day.
If you arrive before your roommate(s), we recommend holding off on rearranging the space until everyone has arrived. It’s best to work together to decide how the room will be set up—unless, of course, you've already discussed and agreed on a plan beforehand.
Move-In Schedules
We can’t wait to welcome you, whether you're joining us for the first time or returning to your home away from home. Mark your calendars and get ready for the Fall 2025 Move-In Schedule!.
New Incoming Students
Friday, August 22, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Last Name A-M, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Last Name N-Z, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Returning Students
Saturday, August 23, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 24, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Check out our Welcome Weekend page for campus-specific events happening during move-in weekend.
Move-In Maps
View your campus move-in map for more detaled information.
Early Arrivals
If you are not part of a designated early arrival group but need to move in early, you may submit an individual early arrival request. The application will be available in your Housing & Dining portal from Monday, July 14 through Wednesday, August 20.
A nightly fee of $50 may apply. Approval is not guaranteed and is based on availability and reason for the request.
The first day international students may begin arriving to campus is Monday, August 18. International early arrivals are scheduled between Monday, August 18 through Sunday, August 22 only. Staff availability for weekend arrivals cannot be guaranteed, and all check-ins, regardless of day or time, must be scheduled and confirmed in advance.
All times listed are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
- Arrivals will only be permitted between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EDT.
- Please avoid planning travel that would result in arrival before or after these hours.
- All arrivals must be scheduled in advance, including those during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.).
- Arrivals outside of business hours (after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays or on weekends) must schedule an appointment with their campus Residence Life and Housing Office for check-in between 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. EDT. Weekend appointments are limited and not guaranteed.
- First-year international students: Please coordinate your arrival and any linen requests with the International Education Office at internationaled@pennwest.edu. Linens may be provided only for first-year international students and must be arranged in advance with the International Education Office.
- Returning international students arriving as part of an early arrival group (athletics, student organizations, etc.): Please follow your group’s check-in process.
- Individual returning international students not affiliated with a group: You must schedule your arrival directly with your campus Residence Life and Housing Office.
We strongly encourage international students to finalize their travel plans in coordination with these guidelines to ensure a smooth arrival experience.
Pre-Move-In To-Do List
In accordance with Pennsylvania law, all students living in university housing must submit their meningitis information. We strongly recommend completing this requirement as early as possible, before arriving on campus. Submitting your form in advance helps ensure a smooth and efficient move-in process. Please note that we cannot issue your keys until the form is completed.
All students will receive an email with instructions on how to submit a photo for their PennWest student ID.
New incoming students will pick up their student ID at their designated move-in check-in location.
Returning students should bring their existing student ID with them. If a replacement is needed, they must contact their campus ID office in advance to schedule a time to obtain a new card.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact onecard@pennwest.edu.
Below is a brief, not exhaustive, list of items to consider when packing for PennWest. Don't forget to talk with your roommate(s) about what they intend to bring. Too much stuff can easily crowd a room!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you are not required, but we strongly recommend arriving on this date. There are events planned specifically for new students during Welcome Weekend. Additionally, we have many volunteers to assist you in bringing your items in on New Incoming Student Move-In Day.
New transfer students may arrive on New Incoming Student Move-In Day, if they are planning to participate in Welcome Weekend.
University carts are limited so we recommend bringing dollies or carts to help with your move-in experience.
As noted in your housing contract, PennWest does not assume any financial responsibility for students' personal property or any large-scale unintentional damage that students cause to housing property. We strongly encourage residents to obtain renters insurance prior to moving on campus.
Information on parking permits has not yet been sent out. When information is available it will be sent out to your student email account. For more information, please check out our Campus Parking page.
Meal plans will begin with brunch on Sunday, August 24; however, new incoming students participating in Welcome Weekend and arriving on Friday, August 22, will eat at the open dining facilities while attending the orientation program.