UGA Move-In Day Fall 2025: Complete Guide for New Students

UGA Move-in Day for Fall 2025 is from Friday, August 8, 2025, at 8:00 AM EDT to Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM EDT.

Whether you’re a first-year student or returning to campus, proper planning ensures a smooth transition to dorm life.

From securing your arrival time through The Dawg House portal to knowing what to pack and where to park, every detail matters for a successful move-in experience.

UGA Move-In Day 2025 Schedule

UGA Move-In Day 2025 follows a carefully structured timeline to accommodate thousands of students efficiently:

Key Dates & Times

Early Check-In (Approved Groups Only)

• Thursday, August 7, starting at 8:00 AM
• Requires arrival time scheduling
• $50 early arrival fee (automatically charged to student account)
• Available for: international students, Redcoat Band members, sorority recruitment participants, and other approved groups
• Hunker Down with Housing volunteers arrive on this day (no fee for volunteers)

Main Move-In Dates

• Friday, August 8, 2025, at 8:00 AM EDT through Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM EDT
• Arrival time scheduling is required
• Unloading zones enforced with one-hour parking passes
• Full volunteer support and staff assistance are available

Extended Check-In Period

• Sunday, August 10 through Wednesday, August 13
• No arrival time scheduling required
• Round-the-clock check-in available
• Unloading zones are not enforced
• Must complete check-in by the morning of August 13

The main UGA move-in period requires scheduled arrival times to manage traffic flow and ensure adequate support staff.

Read Also:

• UGA Academic Calendar, Important Dates and Deadlines
• UGA Holiday Schedules and Breaks
• UGA Spring Break 2026 Dates

The extended period offers flexibility for families who prefer not to schedule specific times, though you’ll have less volunteer assistance available.

Here is a video on what to expect on UGA Move-in Day 2025.

How to Schedule Your Arrival

All students moving on August 7-9 must schedule specific arrival times through the Dawg House portal. This system prevents overcrowding and ensures each family receives proper assistance.

1. Log in to The Dawg House using your MyID and password
2. Select “Schedule my Arrival”
3. Choose your preferred date (August 7, 8, or 9)
4. Select an available time slot for your building
5. Confirm your selection by clicking “Yes” in the pop-up window
6. Save confirmation email – you’ll receive automatic confirmation
7. Log out when finished

Timeline for Scheduling Access:

• July 7: Brumby Hall, Rooker Hall, Busbee Hall, McWhorter Hall, Vandiver Hall, Building 1516, Brown Hall, UV East, unassigned students
• July 8: Russell Hall, Reed Hall, Payne Hall, Church Hall, Hill Hall, Boggs Hall, Mell Hall, Lipscomb Hall, Morris Hall
• July 9: Creswell Hall, Black-Diallo-Miller Hall, Myers Hall, Rutherford Hall, Mary Lyndon Hall, Soule Hall, Oglethorpe House

Scheduling Deadline: Tuesday, August 5

Important Notes:

• You can only book one arrival time slot at a time
• If you don’t have a housing assignment by July 7, you can still schedule – your time will transfer once assigned
• To reschedule, you must first cancel your current slot and then book a new one

Canceling or Rescheduling

1. Log in to The Dawg House
2. Select “Schedule my Arrival”
3. Click “Cancel” next to your booked time slot
4. Confirm cancellation in the pop-up window
5. You’ll receive a confirmation email
6. Schedule a new slot if needed

Complete UGA Move-In Checklist

Strategic packing makes your move-in experience significantly smoother. Focus on essentials first, then comfort items that make your space feel like home.

Essential Items Checklist

Bedding & Linens (Twin XL Size)

• Twin XL sheets, comforter, and pillows
• Mattress protector
• Towels and washcloths
• Extra blanket

Room Setup Essentials

• A desk lamp and a small fan
• Extension cords and power strips (surge protectors recommended)
• Storage bins labeled with your name and room number
• Hangers and closet organizers
• Small toolkit for basic assembly
• Pen for check-in forms

Daily Necessities

• Toiletries and a shower caddy
• Snacks and a water bottle
• Phone chargers and electronics
• Important documents (UGACard, housing forms, ID)
• First aid kit
• Laundry supplies

Smart Packing Strategies

• Create an “open first” box with immediate needs (bedding, toiletries, phone charger)
• Use lightweight carts or dollies for easy transport
• Pre-label all boxes and bins for faster unloading
• Check UGA’s prohibited items list before packing
• Consider bringing a small cart or dolly (limited carts are available in buildings)

What NOT to Bring

• Review the Community Guide for prohibited items
• Check building-specific restrictions

UGA Move-In Day Logistics

Success on UGA move-in day depends on following the established procedures and timing guidelines designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

Arrival Day Process

For August 7-9 (Scheduled Arrivals):

1. Display your parking pass on your dashboard (details provided in an early August email)
2. Arrive during your scheduled time slot – early/late arrivals may face delays
3. Proceed to the designated unloading zone near your residence hall
4. Unload within a one-hour time limit – vehicles exceeding this may be towed
5. Move the vehicle immediately to long-term parking as directed by staff
6. Limit of two vehicles per resident in unloading zones
7. Follow the volunteer directions for traffic management

For August 10-13 (Extended Check-In):

• No scheduled arrival time needed
• Check in any time, round the clock
• Unloading zones are not enforced
• Parking in regular campus lots

Traffic Flow & Parking

Unloading Zones (August 7-9 only):

• One-hour parking passes issued for temporary unloading
• Maps with specific unloading zones are provided two weeks before UGA move-in day
• Vehicles must relocate to long-term parking immediately after unloading
• Only vehicles with items to unload should use the unloading zones

Long-Term Parking:

• Staff will direct you to the appropriate lots after unloading
• Regular campus parking rules apply
• Resident parking permits should be activated by 7 AM on August 11

UGA Check-In Process & Room Setup

The check-in process is straightforward when you know what to expect and come prepared with the required documents.

What You Need for Check-In

Required Items:

• UGACard or government-issued photo ID
• Student ID number (memorized)
• Emergency contact information (preferably US-based)

Important Notes:

• Only the student can receive the room keys
• Family members and roommates cannot check in on behalf of a student
• Parents cannot pick up the keys

Check-In Steps

1. Present your ID at your residence hall front desk
2. Confirm room assignment with housing staff
3. Receive the room key or access card and building information
4. Pick up a cart or dolly if available (limited supply)
5. Set up your building access PIN within 24 hours of card activation
6. Review building guidelines and emergency procedures

Room Setup Priorities

Immediate Tasks:

1. Inspect your room thoroughly for any pre-existing damage
2. Take photos of any issues you find
3. Test all fixtures – lights, outlets, plumbing, heating/cooling
4. Submit maintenance requests immediately for any problems
5. Check bed height and request adjustments if needed

Bed Height Information:

• Default height: 52″ clearance under the bed, mattress at 62″ height
• Traditional height: 15.75″ clearance, mattress at 26″ height
• Adjustment options: Submit a bed height change request in The Dawg House before UGA move-in day, or request staff assistance after arrival

Room Organization:

• Arrange essential items first (bedding, toiletries, electronics)
• Locate building amenities (laundry, lounges, study areas)
• Review Community Guide policies
• Complete room condition report to protect against damage charges

Building Access & Services

UGACard Requirements

Your UGACard provides access to your residence hall and campus facilities. Visit tate.uga.edu/ugacard for information about obtaining your card.

Important UGACard Details:

• Required for building access
• Must be active for 24 hours before setting a PIN
• PIN required for building entry
• Used for dining, library access, and other campus services

Mail & Package Delivery

When to Start Receiving Mail:

• Packages can be delivered starting from your check-in date
• Do not have items delivered before your check-in date (may be returned to sender)
• Mail is delivered to central mailboxes in each area/hall
• Building-specific addresses are available on the UGA Housing website.

Insurance & Protection

Renter’s Insurance:

• University Housing strongly recommends renters’ insurance
• Can be added to parents’ homeowner policy or a separate student policy
• Protects against fire, storms, theft, vandalism, and other losses
• University Housing is not liable for personal property damage
• GradGuard is a preferred vendor for student-focused coverage

Minifridge Rentals:

• Combination minifridge/microwave units available
• Rent through MyCollegeFridge.com
• Convenient option to avoid transporting large appliances

Support Services & Resources

UGA Move-In Day Road Map Webinar

Date: Wednesday, July 16 Time: 7:00 PM Eastern

What’s Covered:

• Tips and tricks for a successful move-in
• What to expect on UGA move-in day
• Parking and unloading procedures
• Building-specific information
• Live Q&A session

This webinar is essential preparation – register and attend to get answers to your specific questions.

Here is what to expect at the Webinar.

On-Campus Support

Hunker Down with Housing Volunteers:

• Student volunteers assist with carrying items
• Available during main move-in dates (August 8-9)
• Help with directions and general questions
• Volunteers arrive on August 7, but focus on August 8-9 assistance

Staff Support:

• Help desks at major residence areas
• Housing staff at each building for check-in
• Maintenance staff for immediate room issues
• Campus transit information and assistance

Additional Resources

Virtual Resources:

• Virtual residence hall tours are available online
• 360-degree video tours on YouTube
• Bulldogs Friends+Family magazine with move-in tips
• Community Guide (download and review before arrival)

Post-Move-In Resources:

• Welcome.uga.edu for orientation information
• Device connection guides for campus WiFi
• Roommate agreement templates
• Maintenance request system
• Student Wellbeing Resources

Safety & Health Guidelines

Moving day involves physical activity and large crowds, making safety awareness essential for everyone involved.

Safety Measures

Physical Safety:

• Use proper lifting techniques to prevent injury
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Take breaks when moving heavy items
• Be aware of your surroundings in busy areas

Security:

• Keep valuables secure during the moving process
• Don’t leave items unattended in vehicles or common areas
• Lock your room when leaving, even briefly
• Know emergency contacts and campus police information (706-542-5813)

Traffic Safety:

• Follow all volunteer and staff directions
• Watch for pedestrians in unloading areas
• Drive slowly on campus roads
• Be patient during busy periods

Health Considerations

• Stay updated on any health advisories from UGA Health Services
• Sanitization stations may be available at check-in locations
• Follow any specific health protocols in effect
• Know the location of campus health services

Next Steps After UGA Move-In Day

Immediate Priorities (First 24 Hours)

1. Set up your building access PIN for your UGACard
2. Connect devices to the campus WiFi
3. Review the roommate agreement with your roommate
4. Submit any maintenance requests for room issues
5. Locate important building features (exits, laundry, study areas)

First Week Tasks

1. Visit Welcome.uga.edu for orientation information
2. Learn visitation policies for your building
3. Set up the campus dining plan and locate dining halls
4. Learn campus bus routes and schedules
5. Join community councils or floor activities
6. Complete any bed lofting if desired

UGA Welcome Week Events

Transfer Welcome

• Date: Monday, August 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT
• Location: West End Zone Lounge at Sanford Stadium (101 Sanford Drive)
• For: Incoming transfer students
• Includes: Free food, UGA t-shirt (while supplies last), chance to win UGA swag
• Entry: Under jumbotron gates, elevator/stairs to the second level
• RSVP: RSVP Forms.
• Note: Bring Event Pass (can be added to digital wallet)

Freshman Welcome

• Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT
• Location: Sanford Stadium (45 Baxter Street)
• For: All incoming freshmen
• Activities: Party in Reed Plaza, hear from VIP Bulldogs, learn game day cheers and traditions, form the Power G on Dooley Field
• Special Note: Last time on the field until Commencement – don’t miss it!
• Host: Student Alumni Council

Important Contacts & Information

University Housing:

• Phone: 706-542-1421
• Email: housing@uga.edu
• Address: 515 Baxter Street, Athens, GA 30602

Emergency Services:

• UGA Police: 706-542-5813
• Campus emergencies: 911

Student Services:

• Work requests: Submit through The Dawg House portal
• Student complaints: Available through the housing website
• General campus information: MyUGA portal

Final Tips for Success

Start Early

• Schedule your arrival time as soon as your window opens
• Download and review all resources well before move-in
• Pack strategically with labeled boxes
• Attend the UGA Move-In Day Road Map webinar

Stay Organized

• Keep important documents easily accessible
• Have emergency contacts readily available
• Bring copies of housing contracts and confirmations
• Create a checklist for UGA move-in day tasks. Check out the UGA Checklist.

Be Patient and Flexible

• UGA Move-in Day involves thousands of students and families
• Allow extra time for all activities
• Follow staff directions and be courteous to volunteers
• Remember that everyone is working to make your experience smooth

Connect and Engage

• Introduce yourself to neighbors and floor mates
• Participate in welcome activities and floor meetings
• Join community councils or interest groups
• Take advantage of campus resources and support services

Frequently Asked Questions

Proper preparation for UGA Move-In Day 2025 sets the foundation for a successful college experience.

Remember that University Housing staff and student volunteers are there to help make your transition as smooth as possible.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions and take advantage of all the resources available to you.

Welcome to the University of Georgia – Go Dawgs!