Housing Arrival Schedule
WE ARE excited to welcome you to campus!
We want your move-in experience to be simple and stress-free.
The move-in process starts before you actually arrive on campus, with you reviewing move-in information pertaining to Scheduling Move-In, what to pack/leave behind, driving directions, where to check in, and so much more!
Remember to dress comfortably and bring some water. Be prepared for inclement weather, it's been known to rain during Arrival.
Review the Housing Arrival Schedule below. Welcome Week activities begin on Saturday afternoon, and students are advised to be prepared to get involved around 3:00 p.m., which means parents and families should plan on leaving campus by 2:00 p.m.
Thursday August 17
Early Arrival (no fee)
9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET
Bryce Jordan Center
(BJC), Gate B
7:00-10:00 p.m. ET
Findlay Commons Desk
Friday August 18
ARRIVAL
9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET
Bryce Jordan Center (BJC), Gate B
7:00-10:00 p.m. ET
Findlay Commons Desk
Saturday August 19
ARRIVAL
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ET
Bryce Jordan Center (BJC), Gate B
5:00-10:00 p.m. ET**
Findlay Commons Desk
or Weston Community Center
*** Students may arrive and check-in after 10:00 p.m. ET at the Findlay Commons Desk.
Move-in Exceptions
*Nittany Hall will NOT be available for students to check-in until after 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET on Wednesday August 16.
**Nittany Apartments 4101, 4102, 4103, 4104, 4401, 4402, 4403, 4404, 4501, 4502, 4503, 4504, 4505, 4506, and 4507 will NOT be available for students to move in until after 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET on Wednesday, August 16. This is due to renovation work happening in those apartments.
Special Programs & Early Arrival
Students who are a part of a special program or group (such as Blue Band, ROTC, TEEMS, WEPO, MEPO, etc. -- there may be other groups that are not specifically listed, but the group will provide the expected Arrival date) that requires students to be on campus on a specific date OR students who need to arrive early due to work, travel, etc. may Schedule Move-In to arrive earlier in the week. The earliest arrival date is Monday August 14; students will not be able to arrive prior to Monday August 14. There is an Early Arrival fee charged for Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday arrivals.
Starting at 5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday August 19 and on Sunday August 20, all students will check-in at Findlay Commons Desk in East Halls, except White Course Apartment residents will go directly to Weston Community Center. Starting on Monday August 21, students will then check-in at the Housing area Commons Desk.
Nittany Hall will NOT be available for students to check-in until 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET on Wednesday August 16.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS Early Arrival
Before You Arrive
Fall Semester Room Assignment
Fall semester room assignments will be posted in eLiving at 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET on Tuesday July 18.
Login to eLiving > My Info > My Room
Students interested in a room change or living with a different student may use the Room Exchange eBoard in eLiving, which will be available from July 18 through noon Tuesday August 8.
Login to eLiving > My Info > Room Exchange eBoard
Additional information about the Room Exchange eBoard is available at https://liveon.psu.edu/university-park/manage-your-hfs-contract#eBoard
Schedule Move-In
All students Schedule Move-In in eLiving, which is available only after room assignments are posted. The availability of dates/times is dependent upon the building.
To Schedule Move-In:
- Login to eLiving > My Info > Schedule Move-In
- Select a date/time that works for your schedule. No confirmation will be sent. You can modify your date/time as necessary
- It is recommended that you and your roommate do not move in at the same time, to allow for space to unpack
Download the Penn State GO app
The Penn State GO app is great resource for students, parents, and families. The app offers easy access to websites, bus information, dining, maps, and so much more! Students will be able to login after they attend New Student Orientation. Parents and families should select the "parents and families" experience on their profile. Learn more at https://mobile.psu.edu/.
Upload Immunization Records
In addition to the immunizations required and suggested by the University, students living in University Housing must also submit the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Submit your immunization records through myUHS.
Penn State id+ Card
Your Penn State id+ Card is an important component of your Penn State experience, and provides access to your Campus Meal Plan, LionCash, residence hall building access, PNC Banking, fitness facilities and classes, and library services. Before you attend New Student Orientation (NSO), you will need to upload your ID photo and government-issued photo ID. The Penn State id+ Office will then ensure that your id+ card will be ready for you to pick-up during NSO! Learn more about the first-year student process for receiving your id+ card. Your Campus Meal Plan and residence hall building access will be activated when you check-in for housing, and you can add LionCash funds online at any time.
Parking Permits
Arrival: each student will receive one (1) temporary parking permit valid for one single 20-minute trip for their designated residence hall unloading area. Trailers and second vehicles may not be parked near the residence halls and must remain in the long-term parking lots. Second trips to the housing area are not permitted. If you have a second vehicle or items from a shopping trip, your vehicle can be parked at either the Bryce Jordan Center - Jordan East lot or campus parking decks. CATAbus will also have the loop and link service available. Passengers can walk or use the shuttle to the housing area.
Academic Year: Students with at least 29.1 completed credits may register online for a parking permit. Students who do not meet the minimum credit requirement but have an extenuating circumstance that may support having access to a vehicle on campus may apply online for an exemption. Visit Transportation Services for more information.
Mailing Address
Receiving mail and packages is exciting! We want you to receive your items in a timely manner, please review the proper layout of your mailing address, which is based on your fall room assignment. Items may be shipped in advance of your arrival, however, we request that it's not sent prior to August 15.
Get Connected
Penn State offers a great Wi-Fi service across campus, including all residence halls. Learn more about connecting your cell phone and laptop at wireless.psu.edu. For game consoles, TVs, streaming devices, etc., you can setup these devices at roomgear.psu.edu.
Renter's Insurance
It is recommended that students consider either purchasing a Renter's Insurance policy through various insurance companies, or adding coverage on to a homeowner's insurance policy, to cover the belongings of a student living in University Housing. The University is not responsible for a student's belongings in the event of damage, theft, fire, sprinkler discharge, water leaks, etc., as indicated on the Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract Terms, Conditions, and Regulations.
Semester Bill
Room and board charges, tuition, and other University fees will be added to the student's account in LionPATH, which is managed by the Office of the Bursar. The semester bill is expected to be issued at the beginning of August for payment and will be due on August 28, 2023. Students will need to Grant Authorized Payer Access to those who may be assisting with paying the bill.
Bicycle Registration
There are many bicycle routes on and around campus catering to the avid bicyclist. All bicycles on campus must be registered online with Transportation Services.
Arrival Guide
The Penn State Arrival Guide is an online reference magazine with lots of shareable information for you and your family to make your arrival to University Park smooth. This resource will be available later this spring.
Welcome Week Activities
Welcome Week activities start Saturday afternoon, students are encouraged to be ready to participate by 3:00 p.m. (which means, parents and families should head out by 2:00 p.m.!). Check out the tons of activities that are available at https://welcomeweek.psu.edu/, which provides information on events, common questions, hours of operation, campus maps, dining, and much more. Along with the Welcome Week activities there are many other things to do while visiting Penn State.
Social Media
Stay up-to-date by following important social media accounts related to your LiveOn Experience
Hotel Accommodations
Parents and family members who need to stay can find several hotel accommodations nearby.
Parents and Families
The Penn State Parents Program is available to assist you during your student's transition to Penn State. Two Welcome tents will be available during Arrival, stop by to meet current Penn State families and get answers to questions.
What To Pack
Please refer to the HFS Contract Terms, Conditions, and Regulations for more detailed information. Only one vehicle is permitted to unload, so be careful not to overpack.
- Alarm Clock
- Baskets for toiletries and storage
- Bed risers (only needed in traditional residence halls)
- Cleaning supplies and paper towels
- Computer, printer, and cables
- Desk lamp, desk supplies
- Fan (portable), box fan for window
- Financial items (checking/savings account, credit/debit card, health insurance card, Social Security card, driver's license, etc.)
- First-Aid kit (band-aids, cotton balls, cotton swabs, cold/cough medicine, aspirin, thermometer, box of masks, 4 at-home COVID tests)
- Food items (can opener, bottled beverages, coffee maker with automatic shutoff, one set of silverware/plates/bowls/glasses, snacks, dish detergent/towel)
- Games (cards, board games)
- Game consoles and cables
- Hangers
- Laundry bag/basket and detergent
- Padlocks for desk, laptop, and bike
- Room decorations^
- Sewing kit/safety pins
- Sheets, pillow, and blanket - we recommend purchasing extra-long sheets (80" x 36") to fit any size mattress on campus
- Snow shovel to store in your car
- Toiletry items
- Toilet Paper for students living in North Suites, Nittany Apartments, Eastview Terrace, and White Course
- Towels
- Umbrella, rain boots
Items available for check-out at the Commons Desks:
Cleaning Supplies
Recreational Equipment (basketballs, Spikeball, volleyballs, ping pong paddles, pool cues, etc.)
Vacuum cleaners
Tool Kit
What to Leave Behind
Please refer to the HFS Contract Terms, Conditions, and Regulations for more detailed information.
- Air Conditioning units, including portable units and "swamp coolers"
- Alcohol+
- Appliances, air fryers, griddles, instapots, rice cookers, toasters, toaster ovens, etc.
- Ashtrays*
- Candles and incense
- Ceiling fans
- Firearms
- Fitness Equipment
- Grills
- Halogen lamps
- Heaters
- LED strip-lighting
- Pets (small fish tanks up to 5 gallons are allowed)
- Pianos
- Skates, skateboards, and scooters
- Vacuum cleaners (available for check out at commons desk)
- Waterbeds
- Window Treatments (blinds, draperies)
- Wireless Routers
What Is In Your Room
Twin Bed with mattress (we recommend purchasing extra-long sheets [80" x 36"] to fit any size mattress on campus)
Bookshelf
Bulletin Boards (available in traditional residence hall rooms only)
Chest of drawers
Closet or wardrobe
Desk with chair (Note: not all desks are equipped with a task light)
Mirror
Window treatment
Microfridge (refrigerator/freezer/microwave unit - one per room)
Smoke detector (one per room)
Trash can (one per room)
Nittany and White Course Apartments
Bedroom includes: Twin Bed with mattress (some Nittany Apartments offer a Full Size bed with mattress), Bulletin board, Carpeting, Chests of drawers, Closet, Desk and chair, Internet connections, Individual door lock, Smoke detector (one per room)
Living/Dining includes: Carpeting, Coffee table, Couch (two-seater), Easy chairs (two), End tables (two), Floor lamp, Table lamps (two), Table and four chairs
Kitchen includes: garbage disposal, refrigerator, oven, microwave.
General includes: Carpeting (living room, hallways, bedroom), Linoleum floors (kitchen and bathroom), Curtains, and Heating/Central Air Conditioning.
Laundry: washer and dryer unit provided in White Course apartments only. Nittany Apartments have a laundry facility available in Nittany Community Center
^Please visit your residence hall building page or the Room Decoration Guidelines in the TCRs to learn more about what product to use to hang items in your room
+Alcohol is prohibited on campus, regardless of the resident's age
* Smoking is prohibited in all residence halls, common areas, and dining facilities.
Move In Day!
Here's what to expect on your Scheduled Move In day.
Get Packed
After Scheduling Move-In, plan your arrival to University Park. Visit our Travel Information page for details about travel options and directions.
Only one vehicle will be permitted into the residence hall parking area and no return trips, be careful not to overpack unnecessary items.
Pack light - you may not need everything as soon as you move in. Consider shipping winter clothes later in the semester. Previous residents have shared that heavy duty large storage bags are the easiest way to pack and transfer items. Consider packing your car so that larger items can be removed first and put into the cart, and then lighter items can be placed on top.
Large laundry carts are available in every residence area to use for unloading your vehicle.
Get Ready
Review the Arrival Schedule and identify the specific location you where you will check-in, you should NOT go directly to your residence hall. Some streets on campus and within the local area may have the flow of traffic altered to accommodate the flux of students returning to campus. You will receive specific directions to your residence hall when you check-in, please follow these to ensure a smooth arrival to a parking area near your residence hall.
Staff will be available at check-in and throughout campus to help you with questions, directions, or concerns.
Arriving to college is a new experience, have fun with the adventure and try not to be overwhelmed. Plan to take some photos to document this exciting step of your Penn State journey.
Check-in
Bring your Penn State ID+ card or other photo ID to your check-in location.
Only the student is permitted to check-in to University housing. You cannot send a friend or family member to check-in for you.
Vehicle and Parking Information
- Each student will receive one (1) temporary parking permit valid for a single 20-minute trip for their designated residence hall unloading zone.
- Use the Unloading Zones links below on your mobile device for navigation directions to your unloading zone
- The temporary parking permit cannot be used on more than one vehicle, and multiple unloading permits will not be issued.
- Second trips to the housing area are not permitted. If you have a second vehicle or items from a shopping trip, your vehicle can be parked at either the Bryce Jordan Center - Jordan East or Beaver Stadium - Stadium West lots or campus parking decks. CATAbus will also have the loop and link service available. Passengers can walk or use the shuttle to the housing area.
- Large vehicles/U-Hauls/trailers/RVs are NOT permitted in the parking areas near the residence halls. Parking areas are limited and do not provide enough clearance to maneuver large vehicles into spaces. With the vehicle and pedestrian congestion in the residence hall areas, large vehicles simply cannot be accommodated for safety reasons. These types of vehicles must remain at Bryce Jordan Center - Jordan East lot.
Check-In Locations
Bryce Jordan Center Check-In
Arrive at Gate B of the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) at your Scheduled Move In time. Parking is available in the Bryce Jordan Center - Jordan East lot. You will not be required to pay for parking at this lot during the Arrival event.
Family members are invited to the visit the Parents Program Welcome tent, located inside of BJC near Gate B. Restroom facilities and various information tables will also be accessible inside of Gate B. Parents and family members will not able to accompany the student for the housing check-in process and should wait near Gate B. You can also visit the Welcome tent that will be located at the corner of Pollock and Shortlidge Roads.
When you check-in, you will receive your room key and specific directions from the Bryce Jordan Center to a temporary unloading zone near your residence hall. You will receive ONE temporary 20-minute parking pass that is valid for one trip only for unloading your belongings. Once you have finished unloading, please move your vehicle to the long-term parking at Beaver Stadium - Stadium West Lot
Commons Desk Check-In
During the evening hours check-in timeframe, all students will check-in at FINDLAY Commons Desk in East Halls, regardless of fall room assignment.
When you arrive to campus, proceed to the East Parking Deck and then walk to the Findlay Commons Desk in East Halls. You will be able to park in the East Parking Deck for up to one hour with no charge. The East Parking Deck has a 7' 6" height restriction; taller vehicles will not be permitted to enter.
When you check-in, you will receive your room key, and specific directions from the East Parking Deck to a temporary unloading zone near your residence hall. You will receive only ONE unloading permit, which is valid for ONE trip only to the housing area. The unloading permit cannot be used on more than one vehicle, and multiple unloading permits will not be issued. Once you have finished unloading, please move your vehicle to the long-term paring at Beaver Stadium - Stadium West lot.
Below is your official Commons Desk location for the fall semester:
- East Housing Area: Findlay Commons
Includes: Bigler, Brumbaugh, Curtin, Earle, Geary, Hastings, Martin, McKean, Packer, Pennypacker, Pinchot, Sndyer, Sproul, Stone, Stuart, Tener - Eastview Terrace: Redifer Commons
Includes: Brill, Curry, Harris, Miller, Nelson, Panofsky, Young - Nittany Apartments: Pollock Commons
Includes: Nittany Apartments and Nittany Hall
- North Housing: Warnock Commons
Includes: Beam, Holmes, Leete, Robinson, Runkle - Pollock Housing: Pollock Commons
Includes: Beaver, Hartranft, Hiester, Mifflin, Porter, Ritner, Shulze, Shunk, Wolf - South Housing: Redifer Commons
Includes: Atherton, Chace, Cooper, Cross, Ewing, Haller, Hibbs, Hoyt, Lyons, McElwain, Simmons, Stephens
- West Housing: Waring Commons
Includes: Hamilton, Irvin, Jordan, McKee, Thompson, Watts - White Course Apartments: Weston Community Center
Includes: Dunham, Garban, Grubb
Unloading Zones
Using your mobile device, select your building name to use Google Maps, then click "Directions" and/or "Start" for navigation to the unloading zone:
- East Housing Area:
Bigler, Brumbaugh, Curtin, Earle, Geary, Martin, McKean, Packer, Pennypacker, Pinchot, Sproul, Stuart, Tener - Eastview Terrace:
Brill, Curry, Harris, Miller, Nelson, Panofsky, Young - Nittany Apartments:
Nittany Apartments and Nittany Hall
- West Housing:
Hamilton, Irvin, Jordan, McKee, Thompson, Watts - White Course Apartments:
Dunham, Garban, Grubb
Back to the top of unloading directions.
After you have moved in
Maintenance Needs
If you experience any issues with your room for a maintenance issue, you can submit an online FixIt Request. Housing Operations will respond to your request in a timely manner. Emergency situations should be addressed with your RA or contact the Housing Operations office immediately.
Room Inspection Form
Complete the online Room Inspection Form in eLiving within 7 days of check-in, to ensure that you have inspected your room and documented any findings. Housing Operations will conduct a room inspection at the end of the semester, after you have moved out, and you could be liable for any damages identified that were not listed on the Room Inspection Form.
Connection Issues?
Let us help! Support is available 24/7. Learn more about online assistance or visit a Help Desk: help.psu.edu
Laundry Facilities
Download the Speed Queen app to make doing laundry easier! Locate the laundry facility in your residence hall or area. Don't forget to load LionCash funds on your id+ Card - the machines only accept LionCash for payment.
Get a Job!
Working during your first-year on campus is a great way to create a structured schedule, meet new friends, build your resume, and earn some money to spend! There are many positions available within Housing and Food Services for students that offer a flexible schedule, a competitive wage, and a great work environment.
Welcome Guide
The Penn State Welcome Guide is an online reference magazine with lots of shareable information for you and your family to make your arrival to University Park smooth.
Living with a Roommate and In a Community
Living with a roommate is a great experience and helps you learn more about yourself and how to communicate and relate effectively to others. Knowing how to take responsibility for yourself and how to respect others are valuable skills in all relationships. Living in a community also brings a responsibility to residents - safety and security are very important, and you play an important part in keeping yourself and your community safe. If you see something, say something. University Police are available by calling 814-863-1111.
To support the mission of providing a safe, comfortable, secure, and nurturing living-learning environment that is conducive to students' academic pursuits and personal growth while fostering a sense of community, civic responsibility, and an appreciation of diversity, the University offers Residence Life staff in every residence hall and apartment area. Residence Life staff include student and professional staff members who live in the community and are available 24/7 to provide information and resources, offer help and support, plan social and educational activities, and address residents' concerns.
Resources for Living On Campus
- Communities On Campus
- Living With a Roommate (and Roommate Agreement form)
- Residence Life Policies and Rules
- Emergency Telephones
- Safe Walk Service