Move In and Out
Moving In and Out
The residence halls move-in and move-out processes can differ at the beginning and end of each term. As move-in day approaches, more details will be available here so you know what you need to do during arrivals and checkouts.
What You Need to Know
What's In Your ROom and What to Bring
Here's what to expect, what to bring and what not for bring to your room in a UD residence hall.
What You'll Find in Your Room
Each student is provided with:
- XL twin bed and mattress (full-sized in University Courtyard Apartments)
- Desk
- Desk chair
- Wardrobe, closet or set of drawers
- Waste basket
- Recycling bin
- Shower curtain liner (suite-style and apartments only)
- Ethernet access to the internet and secure wi-fi (no cable television)
In suite-style rooms and apartments, residents are responsible for cleaning and supplying their bathrooms. In traditional rooms, hall bathrooms are stocked with toilet paper and cleaned regularly by custodial services.
For virtual room tours and more building details:
Triples
There are several room types on the campus that house three students and are considered triples.
These are rooms that always house three students in the room or on each side of the suite. The room is designed to have all the furniture placed on the floor.
The “FY” notation means that these are triples in the newest first-year residence halls. These buildings have larger student room square footage to increase occupancy in a room depending on need. These buildings also have additional spaces in mind for the increased occupancy in the building including floor lounges and large common spaces (kitchens, laundry, etc.). These rooms are only located in buildings with air conditioning.
It should be expected that two of the three beds will be bunked in these rooms, meaning less underbed storage is available. After arriving to campus, students interested in unbunking beds can submit a FixIt request to facilities, however, all university-issued furniture must fit in the room and cannot be removed.
What to Bring
We've put together a list of items students should consider bringing to campus. Connect with roommate(s) to discuss a plan for items that can potentially be shared.
- Bedding
- XL twin for traditional and suite-style rooms
- Full-size for University Courtyard Apartments - Pillows
- Towels (bath, hand, washcloth, etc.)
- Clothing and shoes for rain and possible snow
- Clothes hangers
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
- Bathmat (suites and apartments)
- Toilet Paper (suites and apartments)
- Laundry supplies (basket, detergent, etc.)
- Personal and OTC medications
- Bathroom cleaning supplies (suites and apartments)
- Kitchen cleaning supplies (basics for traditional and suite rooms, more for apartments)
- Vacuum
- Disinfectant surface wipes
- Paper towels or reusable cleaning towels
- Microwave no larger than 700 watts (1 per room)
- Refrigerator no larger than 4.5 cubic feet (1 per room)
- Or rent a combined unit from MyMicroFridge with Campus Specialities, Inc.
- Laptop/computer, charger
- Surge protector extension cord
- Desk lamp
- Headphones with mic
- Smart TV (no cable)
- Fan (for non-air-conditioned spaces)
- Decorative items
- Food and snacks
- Bicycle and bike lock
For added safety, register your bicycle with Parking Services. - Umbrella and rain boots
- Shower caddy and shoes
- Kitchen items, depending on room type
- Microwave-safe dishes, mugs, utensils
- Small tool kit
- First aid kit
- Reusable water bottle or bottled water
What to Leave at Home
Microfridge Rentals
One small refrigerator (4.5 cubic feet or less) and one microwave (700 watts max) per bedroom is permitted. If living with a roommate(s), plan with them before purchasing or renting.
Students are welcome to purchase and bring their own minifridges and microwaves.
Alternatively, many families enjoy the convenience of renting a combined microfridge unit. Campus Specialties Inc. provides microfridge rentals (or call 800-525-7307) for all residence halls. All orders placed by August 1 will be delivered to your room prior to your arrival on campus. Students who don’t know their specific assignment by August 1 can still order; just be sure to update your order with your room assignment once you receive it so that it arrives at the correct location before you come to campus.
Moving In for Spring
Staff from all over the University work hard during move-in days to welcome our Blue Hens to campus and make the process as smooth as possible!
Check-In Date and Time
Students with access to their room during Winter Session who are remaining in the same room for spring semester retain access to their room and do not need to see a staff member to check in.
All other students living on campus for spring can report directly to their residence halls for check-in on Sunday, February 1, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Students are not assigned specific check-in windows for that day, but they must plan to arrive during the timeframe. Students should arrive at the check-in location designated for their assigned building where staff will distribute room keys. Signs posted on buildings will direct students.
To request an early check-in (Thursday, January 29, noon–5 p.m. or Friday, January 30, 2–6 p.m.) for a fee $50 per night), complete the Early Arrival Spring 2026 application in the Breaks and Early/Late Stay section of My Housing Portal by Monday, January 26, 5 p.m.
Students attending in-person New Student Orientation and/or International Student Orientation on Friday, January 30 are eligible for a reduced rate of $25 per night. Eligibility and participation will be verified.
Charges will be billed to the student account after move-in weekend.
Check-In Locations
During both early arrival and standard check-in times, in-hall staff will distribute room keys/fobs in the locations listed below.
Gates around walking paths at South Academy, Gilbert, Redding, Caesar Rodney, James Smith, Thomas McKean and Independence halls will be open for drop-and-go unloading at the following times:
Early Check-In
- Thursday, January 29, noon–5 p.m.
- Friday, January 30, 2–6 p.m.
Standard Check-In
- Sunday, February 1, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
| Caesar Rodney | Caesar Rodney Commons Main Lounge |
| George Read North and South |
George Read North Main Lounge |
| Gilbert | Gilbert Main Lounge |
| Harrington | Harrington Commons Lounge |
| Independence East and West |
Independence West Main Lounge |
| James Smith, Thomas McKean |
James Smith Main Lounge |
| Lane and Thompson | Thompson Main Lounge |
| North Central (Brown, Sypherd, Harter, Sharp) |
Sypherd 114 (RA Office) |
| Ray Street A, B, C | Ray Street A Main Lounge |
| Redding | Louis Redding Main Lounge |
| Russell | Russell 133B (RA Office in D/E Lounge) |
| Smyth | Smyth Main Lounge |
| South Academy | South Academy 133 (RA Office) |
| South Central (Cannon, Kent, New Castle, Squire, Sussex) |
Squire Main Lounge/Office |
| Courtyard Apartments | UCA Clubhouse |
Get Ready to Move In!
- Make sure you have your student ID (ONEcard) when you check in. If you're new and haven't already, submit your photo to the ONEcard office as soon as possible.
- If you have a vehicle to unload, proceed to the drop-and-go lane for your assigned building. Students may have helpers to assist with move-in, but someone must stay with the vehicle at all times.
- After unloading, move your vehicle and park in a designated long-term parking spot. We recommend someone stays with your belongings while the car is moved.
- Take your belongings to your room. A limited number of wheeled carts will be available to help move belongings in buildings with elevators.
- We cannot offer alternate check-in dates or times due to staff schedules and to minimize the disruption to Winter Session final exams. If you’re unable to arrive during the posted early arrival times, you should check in during standard move-in times on February 1.
- In rare instances, some students who are brand new to the residence halls in the spring won’t be able to check in early if their space is occupied by another student during the Winter Session. We will notify these students.
- Spring meal plans start with brunch on February 1. Students without a Winter Session meal plan who arrive before that can pay for meals at the door at the Caesar Rodney dining hall and access other open retail locations.
Students experiencing food insecurity can find resources at Blue Hen Essentials.
Parking Services supervises and directs parking for the purpose of loading and unloading student possessions during the change of semesters.
Vehicles are permitted to briefly unload or load in driveways adjacent to residence halls at the beginning and end of each semester when students move in and out of residence halls. Vehicles are not permitted to park in fire lanes and should unload and move to long-term parking as quickly as possible.
Each vehicle must be attended by a person who can move it immediately in the event of an emergency; any unattended vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense. Handicap parking spaces are enforced at all times.
Moving Out
All residents (including those in apartments) are asked to move out of their rooms within 24 hours of their last final exam, and must vacate no later than 10 p.m. the day following final exams.
Students with certain circumstances, like graduating seniors or those with late final exams, can request a late stay.
Students may have guests enter the building to help move out their belongings. Please stay with your guests at all times, as the doors to the building will be locked.
Additional spring semester move-out updates and details will be added here as the end of the semester approaches.
Traditional and Suite-Style Residence Halls
Students needing to check out at any time outside of the posted standard checkout hours must schedule an appointment at least 24 hours in advance with their floor's RA.
Remove all of your belongings from bedroom, bathroom and shared spaces.
Email any items which need to be repaired to fixit@udel.edu.
Remove and dispose of garbage, recycling and unwanted items.
Lock the windows and shut the blinds (where applicable).
Unplug, defrost and clean out rented microfridge (where applicable).
Double check all drawers, closets, nooks and crannies for belongings.
Turn off the lights and lock the door.
Check your mailbox and retrieve packages before leaving.
Meet with a staff member during posted hours or an appointment to check out of your residence hall and return your room key and any other resources or access items (must check out with staff member even if key is lost).
University Courtyard Apartments
UCA residents must have their apartments inspected upon their check out at the end of the semester. Students needing to check out any time outside of the posted standard checkout hours must schedule an appointment at least 24 hours in advance with their Apartment Assistant (AA). Reach out to your in-hall staff ahead of time with any questions so that you can plan accordingly.
Remove all of your belongings from bedroom, bathroom and shared spaces.
Email any items which need to be repaired to fixit@udel.edu.
Close and lock all windows and exterior doors. Set thermostat on cool to 78°.
Remove all unwanted items, including perishables, trash and items on walls, doors and ceilings.
Ensure all university-provided furniture is in your room and shared apartment spaces.
Check your mailbox and retrieve packages before leaving.
Complete the checkout process with your AA during your scheduled checkout appointment or check out in the clubhouse during posted hours. Return your room fob, mail key and any other resources at that time (must check out with staff member even if key is lost).
Belongings
We do not offer storage for belongings. Students must remove all belongings from their rooms upon checkout. Pursue local, off-campus storage options, if needed.
Belongings You No Longer Want
Dumpsters will be placed around campus for residence hall move-out. The UDon’t Need It program also will be available for move-out. For more information, check out the UDon’t Need It website.
Failure to remove all of your belongings or not leave your room clean may result in being billed an excessive housekeeping charge. Belongings left behind after checkout will be discarded. Damage to the room or its contents may also result in being charged additional fees.
Parking
Please note that parking regulations are in effect. Please do not leave cars parked in fire lanes and be sure that you have the proper permit for any space you park your car. Learn more about the proper loading and unloading of vehicles prior to your departure.
Gates near the walking paths at South Academy, Gilbert, Redding, Caesar Rodney, James Smith, Thomas McKean and Independence Halls will be open to assist with loading on designated move-out days.
Room Key/Fob and Mailbox Key (UCA)
Students that may have lost one of the above items during the year still need to properly check out with a staff member upon their departure from the halls to avoid an improper checkout fee. Your student financial account will be billed replacement fees for those items at the end of the semester.
Microfridge Rental
If you rented a microfridge, please unplug, defrost and clean out the unit before checking out. You may leave the unit in your room; it will be picked up after buildings have closed. Failure to clean out your microfridge may result in an excessive housekeeping charge.
Students with eligible circumstances can request a late stay by completing the Late Stay application in the Breaks and Early/Late Stays section of the My Housing portal. Fees may apply depending on the circumstances.
Eligible circumstances:
- Late final exam: Vacate by 10 a.m. the day after residence halls close
- Graduating or participating in commencement: Vacate by commencement day at 6 p.m. (no fee); participation will be verified
- Other special circumstances approved in advance by the Residence Hall/Apartment Coordinator - Vacate by commencement day at 6 p.m. ($50 per night)
Also applied and was approved for Interim and First Summer Session housing. Move date and time will be communicated to students when scheduled (no late stay fee, will pay interim housing fee).
Failure to folllow proper checkout procedures may result in a $150 improper checkout fee. Additional fees will be applied if a key/fob or resource is not turned in; we cannot accept these items via mail.
Improper checkout examples include, but are not limited to, leaving:
Your key/fob in the self-service checkout box without seeing a staff member.
Your key/fob in your room, under your RA/AA's door or having anyone else check out for you.
Without doing anything.
Later than the posted checkout time without prior approval.
Outside of scheduled check-out times without an appointment.
Blue Hen Helpers are volunteers who help new first-year students and families move their belongings into their residence hall rooms during New Student Move-In Day. All students are eligible to be Blue Hen Helpers!
Students who serve as Blue Hen Helpers and check in to the residence halls early will get their standard early check-in fee waived entirely! Sign-ups begin this summer through the My Housing Portal.