myBama
Housing and Residential Communities

Move-In Day

InfoImportant Move-In Day Information

  • Only the resident may check into the residence hall. Parents/guardians will not be permitted to check in on the resident’s behalf, or in the student’s absence.
  • No trailers or moving trucks are allowed through the unloading lanes. Moving vans are permitted, as long as they fit in a typical parking space.

What to Expect

  1. Arrive at Your Scheduled Time

    Arrive at your building at your scheduled Move-In time and date. Scheduling is set up to prevent traffic jams and long elevator waits. If you arrive outside of your scheduled time, our staff will direct you to a waiting area.

  2. Receive Windshield Mark for Unloading

    Upon arrival, you will receive a washable mark on the driver’s side of the front windshield of your vehicle(s) (max. 2 vehicles/ resident, no moving trucks or trailers) which gives you access to the unloading zone.

  3. Unload at the Loading Zone

    When you pull into the loading zone, our staff will unload your vehicle into carts and then meet you at your room to unload all belongings (except in Bryce Lawn and Smith Woods). Label your belongings with your last name and room number for extra security. In Ridgecrest South, designate North or South Tower. In Burke, designate East or West. 

    You do not have to have HRC staff or volunteers unload all of your items. If you have belongings that you do not want HRC staff/volunteers to unload, please tell staff when you first arrive and carry those items or place them in a cart by yourself.

  4. Check In and Get Your Keys

    While our staff is unloading the vehicle, the resident will start the check-in process to receive their keys. Action Card and CWID are required to complete check-in. The resident or one party member must accompany the belongings to the room.

  5. Park Your Vehicle

    Once your vehicles are unloaded, our staff will direct you to park all vehicles in the designated parking area. Residents who arrive alone will be provided temporary parking accommodations to allow them to unload belongings before parking. Depending on proximity to the building, shuttles are provided to bring you back to the building.

  6. Head to the Room and Unpack

    Meet up at the resident’s room and let the unpacking begin!

Helpful Reminders

  • Due to limited space in elevators, over-sized items (42″ W x 24″ D x 72″ H or greater) are not allowed during scheduled Move-In hours. You can unload these items into the building’s monitored storage area and move them in after scheduled Move-In hours that day. Staff will provide further instructions for these types of items during unloading.
  • Pack belongings into easily transportable containers (suitcases, moving boxes, etc.).
  • Our staff transport carts to and from rooms and empty them, but do not assist with unpacking, arranging furnishings, etc.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes!
  • University staff and third-party contractors assisting on move-in days cannot accept tips per Alabama state law. The best way to show your gratitude is with a smile!

Driving Directions

Each residence hall has its own driving route for Move-In. Use the links below to view the directions for your building before you arrive.

Other Resources