The University of Delaware is finalizing preparations to welcome about 4,300 new students and nearly 7,200 total students to campus residence halls at the end of August. Students moving into residence halls were sent an email on Aug. 19 with their specific day and time for them to move in. Most first-year students are scheduled to move into residence halls on Saturday, Aug. 27. Students with pre-arranged early check in will move into residence halls on Wednesday, Aug. 24. Upper division students are scheduled to move in on Sunday, Aug. 28.

Assigning days and times will help students, parents and the UD community better manage the flow of people and belongings.

The kick-off of a new academic year is an energized time on campus and an exciting time for families and students. The UD community will be gathered to support students and their families during move-in and welcome weekend, including hundreds of student staff members, full-time staff and community volunteers.

As Blue Hen families prepare to arrive to campus for move-in, keep these tips in mind: 

• Review the recent University announcement regarding COVID-19 precautions. Masks are recommended, but not required at move-in. 

• Before students arrive on their assigned move-in day, they are urged to print the parking dashtag, which will serve as their parking pass for the day and it also provides driving directions to their residence hall’s unloading zone. 

• Don’t forget the University ID card, sometimes referred to as the UD OneCard. The UD ID serves as the access card to the student’s residence hall. If a student does not have their UD ID but uploaded their photo by Aug. 19, it will be available at the closest IT support center during move-in. All others should make an appointment at the OneCard office. 

• Students and families are asked to do their best to arrive during their assigned 30-minute time period, as this will help manage traffic flow in Newark.

• Label all items with a student name, building and room number. This will assist Blue Hen Helpers in getting the student’s belongings to the right place. 

• The University hopes families and other helpers enjoy their time with their students getting the room set up, but UD asks that outside guests do their best to limit themselves to two hours for set up so that others in the building have space as well. 

• UD encourages first-year students to be ready by 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, to join with their residence hall communities as resident assistant staff will guide students to various evening activities including dinner, floor meetings, and other 1743 Welcome events.

• For many first-year students, this will be their first time sharing a room. It will take time and communication to get the room to its best use. Don’t worry if when families leave for the day that the room isn’t perfect — it will take time to fully realize how it’s best to set up the room

• Be sure to stop by the Family Send Off for swag on the way out. 

• Follow the Division of Student Life’s new Instagram account for live updates during move-in.

• Many more tips for a successful move into a residence hall can be found in the Department of Residence Life and Housing’s online guide called “Moving In and Out.”