Moving-In

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.

Submit Meningitis Form

All students will receive an email with instructions on how to submit a photo for their PennWest student ID. You must submit a headshot photo for your ID to be created which will be available for you when you arrive at move-in.  

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. 

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!

View Packing List

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.

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. International Early arrivals should complete the individual early arrival request, so housing is aware when you are planning to arrive if it is during the Move-in Schedule.

All times listed are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

• International early 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 international earlyarrivals must be scheduled in advance, including those during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.).
• International early 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 and also complete an early arrival request form if you plan to arrive outside the scheduled Move-in days 
• Returning early international students arriving as part of an early arrival group (athletics, student organizations, etc.): Please follow your group’s check-in process and arrive during their scheduled time.
• Individual returning early international students not affiliated with a group:  You must complete the early arrival request form for approval.  Staff will be in touch to review and 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.

If you are in a program that moves in early (e.g., University Sports, BASIS, Marching Band), please contact your program directly for move in details.

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 Friday, December 5 through January 16.

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 January 12, 2026. International early arrivals are scheduled between January 12 through January 16 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).

• International Early 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 international early arrivals must be scheduled in advance, including those during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.).
• International Early 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: First-year international students: Please coordinate your arrival with the International Education Office at internationaled@pennwest.edu and also complete an early arrival request form if you plan to arrive outside the scheduled Move-in days. 
• Returning early international students arriving as part of an early arrival group (athletics, student organizations, etc.): Please follow your group’s check-in process.
• Individual returning early international students not affiliated with a group: You must complete the early arrival request form for approval.  Staff will be in touch to review and 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.

Fall: 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.

Spring: No, you are not required to arrive on this date; however, we strongly encourage it. The University is closed on Monday for MLK Day, and staffing will be limited.

Fall: New transfer students may arrive on New Incoming Student Move-In Day, if they are planning to participate in Welcome Weekend.

Spring: New transfer students may arrive on New Incoming Student Move-In Day.

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 may occur 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.

Fall: 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.

Spring: Meal plans will begin with brunch on January 18, 2026.