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Move-In

Assigned Move-In Dates and Times

All first-year students will be pre-assigned a move-in time block for either the morning or afternoon.  You can arrive at any point during your assigned time block:

  • Morning time block: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Afternoon time block: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Arriving at the start of your time block is not required. We anticipate wait times will be longest at the start of each shift. Students are allowed to have personal helpers to help them move into their building.

June 29, 2026- All first-year students will receive an email with your housing assignment and move-in time block. 

June 30, 2026 - The move-in appointment tool will be available in the Housing Portal which will allow first-year students to adjust their move-in block time.

Incoming transfer students can arrive at any point between 9:00 AM to 4:00PM on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Returning students moving in on any other approved move-in day, including approved early arrival dates, can arrive at any point between 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. In the event you arrive after 3:00 PM, we will have very limited staff for check-in from 3:30 - 9:00 PM in the main Residential Life office, in the lobby of East Tower, and in the Circles Area Office, within the Circles Community Center.
Please note, there will be no assistance for check-in after 9:00 PM. We strongly encourage you to plan to arrive prior to 3:00 PM.

Fall 2026 Move-In

Move-in will take place the week prior to the start of classes. 

Dates, Times, & LOCATIONS

  • If you have approval to arrival earlier than August, 17th, please see the Early Arrival page for check-in information.
  • Monday, August 17, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM - Early Arrivals* (Jumpstart)
    • Residents for all other areas of campus: Athletics and Events Center (A&E)
    • Circles residents: Circles Community Center Office (9:00 AM-9:00 PM)
  • Wednesday, August 19, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM - First Year and Transfer Students
    • Residents for all other areas of campus: Athletics and Events Center (A&E)
    • Circles residents: Circles Community Center Office (9:00 AM-9:00 PM)
  • Saturday, August 22, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM - Upper Years Students
    • Circles residents: Circles Community Center Office (9:00 AM-9:00 PM)
    • Residents for all other areas of campus: Towers Eatery
  • Sunday, August 23, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM - Upper Years Students
    • Circles residents: Circles Community Center Office (9:00 AM-9:00 PM)
    • Residents for all other areas of campus: Towers Eatery

*Essential student employee early arrival requests must be submitted by your employment supervisor, coach, academic advisor, or other IC staff or faculty member. The date to arrive on the submitted form takes precedence over the set aside date/s listed above.

IC's move-in dates are selected with a variety of internal and external factors in mind such as staffing resources and the greater Ithaca community. Thank you so much for your cooperation and support in ensuring that Fall 2026 Move-In is a great success!

Severe Weather Plan

If the weather team determines that there are dangerous conditions (lightening) and it is unsafe for staff, students and families to be outside, key distribution would be paused.  Staff directing traffic and Move-in crew volunteers would be directed to shelter inside.  In the event of severe weather, the SAFE IC App will be used to communicate if there is a pause in move-in and when the activities can be resumed once the danger has passed.

Students can use the SAFE IC app for free (learn more). 

When on-campus, family members can opt into the college’s Emergency Notification System to receive an IC Alert text whenever the college sends out an emergency message via SAFE IC. If you wish to opt in to this service, text “ICVisitor” to 226787. You can stop receiving messages at any time by texting “stop” to 226787.

Residential Resources
Explore the resources available in your residence hall or apartment.
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What to Bring
Tips for what you may want to bring with you or leave behind as you prepare for your arrival.
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