Planning Your Move to Campus

Move In Information

Find everything you need for a smooth arrival at Lynchburg — from check-in details to what to pack, where to park, and how to get settled on day one.

Your first day starts here

Move-in at Lynchburg is designed to be clear, organized, and welcoming, giving you step-by-step guidance on when to arrive, where to go, and what to expect. This overview walks you through check-in, parking, unloading zones, support resources, and tips to help you settle in quickly so you can start enjoying life on campus right away.

Spring Move In

Welcome (back) to campus for the Spring Semester. As many of you are preparing for your arrival in January. Be sure to review the information below to plan your move to campus.

If you're an incoming or transfer student, you'll be invited to move in on Thursday, January 8th so that you can attend Orientation. Continuing (returning) students will move in on either Friday, Jan. 9, Saturday, Jan. 10, or Sunday, Jan. 11.

Spring 2026 Move-in Dates

Date Time Eligible Students
Jan 9 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. New incoming first-year and transfer students.
Jan 9-11 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Returning first-year and continuing students.

Fall Move In

What’s more exciting than the beginning of the fall semester? Many of you are already preparing for August. Please review the information below to plan your move to campus. If you’re a new incoming student, you’ll be invited to move in on either Thursday, Aug. 14, or Friday, Aug. 15, so that you can attend Hornet Days Orientation. Continuing (returning) students will move in on either Wednesday, Aug. 13, Thursday, Aug. 14, Friday, Aug. 15, or Monday, Aug. 18.

Fall 2025 Move-in Dates

Date Time Eligible Students
Aug. 13 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Returning Students, Fall Athletes, International Students, Westover Honors, Movers and Shakers, Commuters, Graduate Students
Aug. 14 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. First-year and approved returning students
Aug. 15 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. New Students (FY & Transfer), Returning Students, Commuters, and Graduate Students
Aug. 18 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. New Students (FY & Transfer), Returning Students, Commuters, and Graduate Students
Early Arrivals for Fall

Suppose you are not part of an early-arrival group but are seeking to arrive earlier than the scheduled move-in dates for new or returning students. In that case, you must apply for permission by completing the early arrival application that will be available on the Housing Portal starting July 21. Students will be provided instructions and dates for completing the early arrival application. Approved requests for early arrival may result in a daily rate to be assessed to your student account.

Approved early-arrival students will receive information on the date and time they are to arrive, and the location where they will pick up their residential keys via email on Monday, Aug. 4.

Selecting an Arrival Date and Time

Starting the week of July 21, 2025, new and returning students will receive an email from the Office of Residential Experience asking them to sign up for an arrival date. Please note that this only applies to students who have not been approved for an early arrival.

Students will have the option to move into their residence hall based on their identified move-in dates. Each day will have move-in windows (e.g. 10 a.m. to noon, noon to 2 p.m., etc.). There will be a limit on the number of students who will be permitted to sign up for each shift. This will ensure that not all students move in on the same day or during the same two-hour window. Students will only be permitted to move in during the two-hour time block on their selected move-in day (no exceptions). The move-in day/time selection process is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Only students with an active housing assignment can complete this process. If you intend to live on campus for Fall 2025 and have not yet received an assignment, please contact the Solutions Center via email at [email protected] to secure on-campus housing.

To sign up for a move-in day:

  1. Students must log into their Housing Portal.
  2. On the main screen (students may need to scroll down), go to the “Assignments” box. Click on Fall 2025. *This will only be an option if a student has a housing assignment for Fall 2025.
  3. Under the Fall 2025 housing assignment, there will be a section that indicates Move In
  4. Students will select their move-in date and time from the drop-down menu. (Only available days will appear on the drop-down menu).
  5. Then click on, “Update My Time.”
  6. Once you have a day/time selected, that time will appear as the drop-down menu text.
  7. Your arrival date and time will be displayed anytime you log into your Housing Portal.

You may log back in and update your arrival date and time-based on the items listed in the drop-down menu.

Should a student fail to sign up for an arrival date and time by Aug. 11, 2025, they will be assigned an arrival date and time by the Office of Residential Experience.

Move In Day Process
  1. All students should arrive through the main entrance of campus (off Lakeside Drive) during their selected/assigned move-in day and time frame.
  2. Students will be directed to their key pick-up locations.
  3. Directional signage will be placed around campus to assist students and their families. Refer to the campus map for assistance.
  4. Students arriving outside the designated move-in days will pick up their keys at Campus Safety and Security.
  5. First-year students moving into Montgomery and Tate Halls on Aug. 14, 15, or 18 will have volunteers (Movers and Shakers) on-site to assist with moving items. Returning students do not receive volunteer assistance.
  6. There are no restrictions on how many helpers students can bring or how long they can stay on campus.
  7. Students and helpers should unload vehicles quickly and move them so others can unload.
  8. Students running late who arrive after the close of check-in should contact the Office of Residential Experience at 434.544.8320 to have their key placed at Campus Safety and Security for pick-up.
  9.  
Move In Reminders
  • Review the checklist of what to bring (and what not to bring).
  • Students may verify their housing assignment at any time by looking at their Housing Portal.
  • University-issued furniture may not be removed from residential spaces. Even if students bring their own furniture, the University furniture will remain in the space. Please do not ask staff to remove University furniture.
  • Loft kits will be available for pick up in or near your assigned residence. These are free and do not require sign-up in advance. Your Community Assistant and/or move-in volunteers can assist you in locating the closest loft kit pick-up location.
  • Rented micro-fridges ordered by Aug. 1 will be delivered and set up in residences before move-in. If you rented a unit from the Melvin Corporation and have any questions, please contact them directly at 800.525.7307. Units ordered after Aug. 1 will most likely be delivered the first week of classes.
  • Only approved emotional support animals or service animals are permitted inside campus residences at any time.
  • To avoid break-ins, don’t leave your belongings inside parked cars; always lock car doors.

What to Bring to Lynchburg

Getting ready to move to college is fun – and a bit stressful! Our list of what to pack will help you know what to bring and what to expect. Use this checklist to ensure you have everything you need for your first year at college. These are just suggestions; adjust this list to fit your specific needs and residence hall setup. To save packing time and shipping charges, it might make sense to buy some of these items after you arrive. It might also make sense to pack for one season at a time and switch items when you go home during breaks.

We also encourage using our partners when purchasing items for the move to the University of Lynchburg.

Things to Bring with You
  • Bed linens
    • Extra-long twin sheets, mattress topper, pillows, blankets. 
  • Towels.
  • Alarm clock.
  • Laundry supplies
    • Hangers, laundry bag, detergent, fabric softener, drying rack, ironing board, iron/steamer
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Hangers
  • Emergency medical information
    • Insurance information
    • Family doctor information
    • Medical conditions
    • Prescriptions
    • Emergency contact information
    • Employment Documents: If you intend to get a job during the year, please bring a physical, unexpired ID and the required documents.
Things You Might Want
  • MicroFridge or mini-refrigerator.
  • Dishes and utensils.
  • Storage bins.
  • Mini trash can.
  • Trash bags.
  • Disinfecting wipes.
  • Desk lamp.
  • Computer.
  • Coffee maker (with auto shut-off).
  • Vacuum and/or broom and dustpan.
  • Television.
  • Gaming systems.
  • Surge protector.
  • Fan.
  • Noise-canceling headphones.
  • Curtains. Students can bring tension rods for curtains, if desired.
  • Shower caddy.
  • Wall decorations.
  • Mini toolkit (including screwdriver, hammer, wrench).
  • Mini sewing kit.
  • Full-length mirror.
  • Bicycle. Bikes may be stored only in individual rooms or in provided bike racks. They cannot be stored in hallways, stairwells, lounges, bathrooms, or other designated areas.
  • Umbrella.
Things to Leave at Home
  • Microwaves (consider a MicroFridge instead). The only way to have a microwave in your room is to rent a MicroFridge, a combination refrigerator, and a microwave, which are offered in partnership with the Melvin Corporation.
  • Firearms (including BB guns) and other weapons.
  • Toasters or ovens.
  • Crock pots.
  • Candles. Unauthorized items like candles observed during safety walk-throughs or inspections may be confiscated.
  • Any open flame source (including incense).
  • Space heaters.
  • Alcohol. Unauthorized items like alcohol observed during safety walk-throughs or inspections may be confiscated.
  • Fireworks.
  • Pets (except fish). Only approved emotional support animals or service animals are permitted. For more information on animals, refer to the Animal Policies and Accommodations webpage.
  • Halogen lamps.
  • Grilling machines (i.e., George Foreman).
  • LED/fluorescent strip lights.
  • Personal furniture and refrigerators. Students should discard or take home any personal furniture or refrigerators when moving out; charges will be assessed for items left behind.
What the University Provides

In Residence Hall Rooms: Each resident is provided with basic furniture:

  • A bed with an extra-long twin mattress.
  • A dresser. In Westover Hall, rooms include a dresser with a floating top.
  • A desk. In Westover Hall, the dresser’s floating top serves as a desk.
  • A desk chair.
  • A closet or wardrobe. In Westover Hall, rooms include a standing wardrobe.
  • An ethernet port for each resident.

University-issued furniture cannot be removed from the rooms.

In Southside Housing Rooms (Townhouses, Apartments, University Houses): Bedrooms in Southside residences are furnished with:

  • A bed.
  • A dresser.
  • A desk.
  • A closet/armoire.

University-issued furniture must remain in the residence at all times. However, students are responsible for furnishing the common living area in Southside residences themselves.

General Residential Facilities (Residence Halls and Southside):

  • Air conditioning and heating are provided in all residential facilities.
  • High-speed Wireless Internet is available in all residential areas.
  • Loft kits are university-furnished, free, and available upon request. Only one University loft kit may be used per bed, and no other kits are permitted.
  • Bike racks are provided for storing bicycles.

In Residence Hall Common Areas:

  • Community kitchens are available, generally including a refrigerator, microwave, oven, stove, and sink. Westover Hall has a large community kitchen on the third floor and kitchenettes on each floor with a fridge and microwave.
  • Each traditional residence hall has shared laundry facilities with high-efficiency washers and dryers.
  • Lounges with furniture (sofas, chairs) and televisions (flat-screen, HDMI compatible, with cable) are available. Some main lounges may have a pool table.
  • Community bathrooms and gender-inclusive bathrooms are provided.
  • Cable TV is provided in residence halls.

In Southside Housing Common Areas:

  • Full bathrooms are included.
  • Full kitchens with an oven, refrigerator, and stove are provided.
  • Common laundry facilities are located in areas like Peaksview, Rainsford Townhouse, and a central facility at 504 Westwood Avenue for University houses.
  • Cable TV is provided in University Houses.
Wall Decor Guidelines
  1. Concrete/Cinder Block Walls: Use Command Strips only. When you move out, leave them for removal by University Facilities.
  2. Drywall/Plaster Walls: Use thumbtacks only. Remove all thumbtacks before moving out.
  3. Prohibited Methods: Do not use tape, poster putty, or hanging LED/fluorescent lights; violations may result in fines.
  4. Painting: Painting is not allowed in individual or common areas. However, proposals for murals can be submitted for approval.
  5. Safety: Decorations shouldn’t block lights or fire safety equipment. Electric decorations must be University-approved.
  6. Exterior Appearance: Items that affect the exterior of University buildings may not be displayed. Exceptions require approval from the Office of Residential Experience. 
  7. Prohibited Items: Street signs and kegs are not allowed and will be confiscated.
  8. Cleaning: Remove posters, nails, and tape to avoid charges. Careful removal of Command Strips is advised. 

Bedding, Bath, and Storage

This year, we’ve teamed up with Dormify, the one-stop shop for college, to make it easy for you to find everything you need for your room. From bedding and dorm bundles to essential items and trending decor, we’ve selected all the school-approved items you’ll need to make your transition to college smooth. Start shopping now and prepare for move-in day today!

If you don’t use Dormify, remember that our mattresses are extra long. Many manufacturers produce twin extra-long sheet sizes.


MicroFridges

In partnership with the Melvin Corporation, we offer MicroFridges — combination refrigerators and microwaves — for rent. While small refrigerators are permitted on campus, we encourage the rental of a MicroFridge — this approved unit is the only way to have a microwave in your room.

Roommates often split the cost to rent a unit for their room. Watch this video for more information on the MicroFridge unit.


Shipping Items to the University of Lynchburg

If you need to ship a trunk or box to the University of Lynchburg before you arrive, use the 4-digit campus box number assigned to you in mid-summer, as follows:

Your Name
University of Lynchburg
Box XXXX
1501 Lakeside Dr.
Lynchburg, VA 24501-3113

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