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First-Year Move-In

Fall 2026

Move-In Dates

Move-in will take place from Friday, August 14–Sunday, August 16, 2026, for Santoro Hall and York River East and West.

Move-In Process

  • All residents will be required to register for a date and time that best meets their needs. Registration instructions will be sent to residents’ CNU email addresses in July with their housing assignment.
  • Residents required to return early for a university-sponsored event, employment, athletic team, or marching band must have their name submitted via their coach, employer, or other University sponsor.
  • To speed up the unloading process, residents should pack lightly and efficiently, focusing on essentials. Consolidate items into bins and boxes so the vehicle can be unloaded in minimal trips. Residents should not bring additional furniture such as futons, sofas, chairs, etc.
  • Residents must unload in their selected time frame and move their vehicle from the unloading area as soon as all belongings have been removed.
  • Label all items with the student's name and room number.
  • Consolidate items into as few vehicles as possible. You can visit nearby stores later to purchase consumables and other items.
  • A limited number of wheeled carts and bins will be available to use on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to bring their own carts, wagons, etc.

Packing List

Registration links will be available on the Housing Portal once room assignment emails have been sent to first-year residents by the Office of Residence Life and Housing Administration. Follow the instructions below to register for a move-in time block:

  • Log in to the Housing Portal using your CNU credentials
  • Select the MyHousing tab in the navigation bar along the top of the page
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Continue on the Academic Year 2026-2027 section
  • Select Fall Room Assignment
    • Your room assignment and roommate/suitemate information will display here
  • Click on the Move-In Registration button on the right side of the page
  • Click the arrow under Book an Appointment and select the date and time that works best for you

You may update your selected move-in time as needed by returning to this page.

NOTE: Residents will NOT be permitted to move in until all University requirements have been met. This includes:

  • The required immunization form or immunization exemption form with all required signatures has been submitted. Immunization forms must be submitted to the immunization portal prior to arrival on campus. Questions regarding immunizations should be directed to the Office of the Registrar at registrar@cnu.edu.
  • An approved photo must be submitted for an official CNU ID by July 31, 2026. Visit the Captains Card website for more information about submission details and photo requirements.
  • Students must have a government-issued photo ID available for identity verification and to receive their CNU ID card. If a student has not uploaded their photo, then an ID card will not be available, and they will need to proceed to the Welcome Desk in the David Student Union to get their card.
  • Students’ balance for the Fall 2026 semester will need to be paid in full unless you have coordinated a payment plan with the Office of Student Accounts. Visit the Student Accounts website for more information about payment due dates.
  • Residents and families must adhere to their selected move-in schedule.
    • Residents arriving on Friday, August 14, or Sunday, August 16, will have designated unloading zones. This option is suggested for families who wish to have several vehicles. Residents arriving on Saturday, August 15 should arrive in as few vehicles as possible (two or fewer).
  • Pack lightly and efficiently, focusing on essentials, and making use of easy-to-handle boxes and storage containers. Do not bring additional furniture such as futons, sofas, chairs, etc. Find specific information about your residence hall on the housing homepage.
    • Label all items with your name and room number.
    • Consolidate items to as few vehicles as possible. You can visit nearby stores later to purchase consumables and other items.
    • Do not utilize methods of adhesion or surface mounting that may cause damage or leave residue on residence hall walls, doors, floors, or furniture. This includes screws, nails, duct tape, masking tape, double-sided foam mounting tape (with or without hooks) and adhesive-backed LED lighting. Residents are responsible for any damage(s) they may cause.
  • A limited number of wheeled carts and bins will be available to use on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents are encouraged to bring their own carts and hand trucks.
  • During your registered time block, arrive at campus and follow the signs to your designated unloading zone. Follow the directions listed at the bottom of this webpage to reach your designated unloading zone.
  • Vehicles must be unloaded in the selected time block.
  • Once unloaded, move vehicles from the unloading area to make space for others to unload. Residents and their helpers may return to the room to continue setting up.
  • After unpacking, break down boxes, bag trash, and remove all debris to designated trash locations. Please do not leave trash in hallways, lounges, stairwells, or parking lots.
  • At the start of your registered time, arrive at campus and follow the signs to your designated unloading zone. Follow the directions listed at the bottom of this webpage to reach your designated unloading zone.
  • When instructed, pull up to the building to unload. Be prepared to move quickly.
  • The student should head directly to the front desk to check in while a driver remains with the vehicle. Volunteers will help unload your belongings and take them to your room while the student checks in.
  • As soon as the vehicle is unloaded, it must be moved to make room for others to unload. Drivers may return to the building after parking.
  • Elevator use will be limited to carts and bins only whenever possible. We ask residents and family members to use the stairs, if possible.
  • If the resident is the only driver, the student should check in after the car is unloaded by volunteers and parked.
  • Proceed to the check-in location to register with Residence Life and Housing Administration staff.
  • Residents will receive their CNU ID card at this time.
    • Residents must have a government-issued photo ID available for identity verification.
    • A photo must have been submitted in advance. Contact captainscard@cnu.edu for instructions.
    • Residents who did not submit a photo will need to report to the David Student Union Welcome Desk to have a photo taken and a Captains Card printed. Plan accordingly to avoid wait times.
  • Residents will receive instructions for completing a Room Condition Form via their CNU email following their arrival on campus.
  • Campus traffic and parking during move-in will be congested, so please be patient.
  • Drive carefully and watch for pedestrians.
  • Do not park on the grass, in front of fire hydrants, or along yellow curbs.
  • Display DMV-issued permit to park in handicapped spaces.
  • Move vehicles away from the unloading area to make space for others. Please utilize the following parking lots based on the residence hall you are moving into:
    • Santoro Hall: Lots E1, E2, and E3 located behind and next to Warwick River Hall
    • York River Hall: Ferguson Parking Deck
  • For more information about parking on campus, contact Parking Services at (757) 594-7129.
  • Direct questions about move-in and/or room and roommate assignments to (757) 594–7527 or reslife@cnu.edu.
  • You can view a typical room layout and room furnishings here.
  • Review the Residence Life & Housing Administration Handbook to familiarize yourself with the policies and expectations of living on campus at CNU. Refer to the “Prohibited Items in the Residence Halls” (page 30) sections for information about what items are not permitted in our residence halls for safety purposes.
  • Contact roommate(s) to discuss which items to bring (storage boxes, TV, gaming system, microwave, etc.) to eliminate duplicate items.
  • Review the family’s homeowner’s, renter’s and/or health insurance policies and obtain additional coverage if necessary. CNU does not cover liability for any personal belongings. Consider protecting your property with GradGuard Renters Insurance.
  • Do not use methods of adhesion or surface mounting that may cause damage or leave residue on residence hall walls, doors, floors, or furniture. This includes screws, nails, duct tape, masking tape, double-sided foam mounting tape (with or without hooks) and adhesive-backed LED lighting. Residents are responsible for any damage(s) they may cause.

Arrival Directions

Navigating campus during move-in days may look slightly different than arriving on campus at other times during the year. Please follow the directions below based on your residence hall and arrival date to ensure that you have a smooth arrival to campus.

FOR ARRIVAL AUGUST 14 AND 16

  • Arrive on campus via Warwick Blvd by turning West onto University Place.
  • Proceed to Lot J, in front of James River Hall, at the end of University Place.
  • Check in at the Santoro Hall front desk. 
  • Once checked in, park in an available space in Lot J to unload.
  • Once unloaded, move vehicles elsewhere on campus to allow others to unload close to the building. Parking is available in Lots E1, E2, and E3, located behind Warwick River Hall.
  • Arrival and Move-In Map

FOR ARRIVAL AUGUST 15

  • Arrive on campus via Avenue of the Arts.
  • Turn left onto Shoe Lane.
  • Turn right onto Moore’s Lane.
  • Turn right into Lot I and follow the signs and staff directions. Check in at the blue tent.
  • After vehicles are unloaded, parking is available in Lots E1, E2, and E3, located behind Warwick River Hall.
  • Arrival and Move-In Map

FOR ARRIVAL AUGUST 14 AND 16

  • Arrive on campus via Avenue of the Arts.
  • Turn left onto Shoe Lane.
  • Turn right into Lot M.
  • Pass through the northeast corner of Lot M onto the road in front of York River Hall.
  • Briefly park in the unloading zones located along the road in front of York River Hall.
  • Check in at the front desk.
  • Once checked in, immediately return to your vehicle and begin unloading
  • Once unloaded, move vehicles elsewhere on campus to allow others to unload close to the building. 
  • Parking is available in Lots C1 and C2, as well as the Ferguson Parking Deck.
  • Arrival and Move-In Map

FOR ARRIVAL AUGUST 15

  • Arrive on campus via Avenue of the Arts.
  • Turn left onto Shoe Lane.
  • Turn right into Lot M and follow the signs and staff directions. Check in at the tent.
  • After vehicles are unloaded, parking is available in Lots C1 and C2, as well as the Ferguson Parking Deck.
  • Arrival and Move-In Map
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