Cornell Move-In Day 2025: Important Move-In Dates & Times

Cornell Move-In Day 2025 is from Monday, August 18, 2025, to Friday, August 22, 2025. New students (Freshmen) will move in on Monday, August 18, and Tuesday, August 19, 2025, so that students are able to participate in orientation activities.

Returning students will move in on Wednesday, August 20, through Friday, August 22, 2025, before the first day of classes on Monday, August 25, 2025.  

Cornell University Move-in Day 2025 marks the official beginning of this transformative journey. It’s more than just unpacking boxes; it’s stepping into a vibrant new community, forging independence, and laying the groundwork for your academic and personal growth.

This Cornell Move-In Day 2025 guide covers everything you need to know for a smooth transition to campus life, from packing essentials to navigating North Campus logistics.

Cornell Move-In Dates and Deadlines

Official Move-In Schedule 2025

Students must select a move-in timeslot through the Housing and Dining Portal and must arrive at their selected timeslot in order to move in.

Students will not be permitted to enter the queue to obtain their ID, keys, etc. until the timeslot that they have pre-selected.

Important: All students are required to schedule a move-in/arrival timeslot via the Housing and Dining Portal by August 1, 2025. You can check more dates and deadlines on the Cornell Academic Calendar.

Arrival Timeslots by Student Status

New Students (First-Year & Transfer):

• North Campus:
  • Monday, August 18 from 8 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday, August 19 from 8 am-1 pm
• West Campus and South Campus:
  • Monday, August 18 from 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday, August 19 from 8 am-1 pm

Returning Students:

• North Campus, West Campus, and South Campus:
  • Wednesday, August 20 from 8 am-4 pm
  • Thursday, August 21 from 8 am-4 pm
  • Friday, August 22 from 8 am-4 pm

Critical Note: Your 30-minute timeslot is just for your arrival time at your designated check-in location, not for unloading. You’ll have plenty of time to unload after the check-in process.

Building-Specific Move-In Schedule

North Campus Buildings:

• Monday 8/18: Akwe:kon, Barbara McClintock Hall, Clara Dickson Hall/McLLU, Balch Hall, Ecology House, Ganędagǫ: Hall, Holland International Living Center (HILC), Just About Music (JAM), Latino Living Center (LLC), Mews Hall/Loving House, Ujamaa
• Tuesday 8/19: Akwe:kon, Barbara McClintock Hall, Clara Dickson Hall/McLLU, Balch Hall, Ecology House, Ganędagǫ: Hall, Holland International Living Center (HILC), Hu Shih Hall, Low Rise #6, Just About Music (JAM), Latino Living Center (LLC), Mews Hall/Loving House, Toni Morrison Hall/Language House, Ujamaa
• Wednesday 8/20: All North Campus buildings available
• Thursday 8/21: Court/Kay/Bauer, High Rise #5, Jameson Hall, Low Rise #7, Mary Donlon Hall, Risley Hall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall, Townhouse Community Apartments
• Friday 8/22: All North Campus buildings available

West Campus Buildings:

• Monday 8/18: Becker House
• Tuesday 8/19: All West Campus buildings available
• Wednesday-Friday 8/20-22: All West Campus buildings available

South Campus Buildings:

• Monday 8/18: Cascadilla Hall
• Tuesday-Friday 8/19-22: All South Campus buildings available

Important Timeline:

• August 1: Move-in timeslot selection deadline
• August 12: Mail acceptance begins at Student Service Centers
• August 18: Meal plans begin (lunch service starts)

Assistance with carts and unloading closer to buildings is only provided during the hours listed above for each day.

Pre-Arrival Requirements

Before Cornell Move-In Day 2025, complete these essential steps:

1. Move-in timeslot reservation via Housing and Dining Portal (DEADLINE: August 1, 2025)
2. Housing agreements and confirmations
3. Health forms and vaccination records
4. Room condition inspection upon arrival
5. Orientation registration

Key Services:

• DormCo Partnership: Order room essentials by August 1, 2025, for pre-arrival delivery
• Big Red Shipping and Storage: Ships items directly to your room (packages accepted July 14 – August 7)
• Student Service Centers: Mail acceptance begins August 12, 2025

Missing deadlines can delay room assignment or prevent check-in entirely.

Complete Cornell Packing Checklist

Bedroom Essentials for Cornell Dorms

Bedding (Cornell dorms use XL Twin beds):

• Extra-long twin sheets
• Comforter or duvet
• Pillows and pillowcases
• Mattress topper for comfort

Room Setup:

• Desk lamp
• Small area rug
• Command hooks and strips
• Power strips with surge protection
• Small fan for early fall weather

Academic and Technology Essentials

Tech Requirements:

• Laptop with all chargers
• Ethernet cable for a stable connection
• External hard drive for backups
• Basic school supplies (notebooks, pens, highlighters)

Cornell-Specific Items:

• Student ID documentation
• Course materials (if pre-ordered)
• Calculator for STEM courses

Personal Care and Health Items

Daily Necessities:

• Toiletries and a shower caddy
• First-aid kit with basic medications
• Prescription medications
• Thermometer

Safety Items:

• Personal alarm or whistle
• Flashlight
• Emergency contact card

Laundry and Cleaning Supplies

Laundry Essentials:

• Mesh laundry bags
• Laundry detergent (pods are convenient)
• Dryer sheets
• Laundry basket

Cleaning Supplies:

• Disinfecting wipes
• Paper towels
• Basic cleaning spray

Prohibited Items at Cornell

Fire Hazards (Strictly Forbidden):

• Candles and incense
• Space heaters
• Hot plates and toasters
• Halogen lamps

Policy Violations:

• Weapons of any kind
• Illegal substances
• Alcohol (in first-year housing)

Check the complete Cornell student housing policies before packing.

Campus Arrival and Parking Guide

Cornell Move-In Day 2025 Process

Step-by-Step Move-In Process:

1. Check-in: Report to the designated location during your selected timeslot to receive keys
2. Proceed to building: Follow the signage to your building queue
3. Unload belongings: Use provided carts for easy transport
4. Move vehicle: Relocate to long-term parking immediately after unloading
5. Return via shuttle: TCAT buses or shuttles are available from the parking lots
6. Unpack and settle: Take your time setting up your new space

Vehicle and Transportation Guidelines

Vehicle Restrictions:

• One vehicle per family is permitted on campus
• 14-foot length limit (SUVs, pickup trucks, standard vans exempt)
• No U-Hauls, moving trucks, or trailers allowed on campus
• You must carry your own belongings

Parking Process:

• Designated unloading zones near residence halls
• Immediate relocation to long-term parking is required
• Shuttle service is available back to the residence halls
• Detailed arrival routes available in late July

Check-In Process Overview

Check-In Requirements:

• Report to your designated check-in location during the selected timeslot
• Bring a government-issued photo ID
• Receive room keys and move-in materials
• Complete room condition inspection upon arrival

Important: Submit maintenance requests for any existing room damage to avoid billing when you move out. Check out the Cornell Holiday Calendar.

Shipping and Storage Solutions

Big Red Shipping and Storage (Preferred Vendor):

• Package acceptance: July 14 – August 7, 2025
• Pre-arrival delivery: Items placed in your room before August 18
• Services: Move-in, move-out, and summer storage
• Ideal for students traveling long distances

Cornell Student Service Centers:

• Mail acceptance begins: August 12, 2025
• Pickup location: Your designated Student Service Center
• Allow extra time for package sorting at semester start

DormCo Room Essentials:

• Order deadline: August 1, 2025
• Service: Items delivered to your room before arrival
• High-quality bedding and over 5,000 budget-friendly products

Packing Requirements:

• Label all items with full name, NetID, residence hall, and room number
• Pack for easy transport in boxes
• Students are responsible for moving their belongings to their rooms

Essential Campus Resources for New Students

North Campus Housing Amenities

Common Areas in Residence Halls:

• Study lounges and quiet spaces
• TV rooms and social areas
• Kitchenettes (where available)
• Laundry facilities

Mail and Package Services:

• Central mailroom locations
• Package pickup procedures
• Proper addressing for deliveries

Cornell Dining and Meal Plans

Meal Plan Start Date: Monday, August 18, 2025 (lunch service begins)

Meal Plan Basics:

• Combination of meal swipes and flex dollars
• Multiple dining halls across campus
• Dietary accommodations available
• Visit the Cornell Dining website for detailed information

Dining Locations:

• North Campus dining facilities
• Various cuisine options campus-wide
• Late-night dining availability

Technology and Wi-Fi Setup

Cornell NetID Activation:

• Required for all campus services
• Wi-Fi network access
• Academic software access

IT Support Resources:

• Cornell IT Service Desk
• Campus tech centers
• Device connectivity assistance

Cornell Orientation Week Activities and Schedule

New Student and Family Orientation

Confirmed Dates for Fall 2025:

• New Student Orientation: August 18-24, 2025
• Family Orientation: August 18-19, 2025

Important: Avoid making travel arrangements until additional details are shared by Cornell.

Mandatory Orientation Events

Academic Components:

• Academic advisor meetings
• Course registration assistance
• College-specific presentations
• Campus safety briefings

Administrative Requirements:

• Final health clearance
• ID card photo and activation
• Residential life policies review

Social and Community Events

Welcome Activities:

• New student mixers
• Campus tours and explorations
• Residence hall community building
• Activities fair

Ithaca Exploration:

• Local area tours
• Downtown Commons visits
• Gorge and waterfall excursions

Building Connections

Student Organizations:

• Hundreds of clubs and activities
• Sports and recreation opportunities
• Academic and professional groups
• Community service organizations

Networking Opportunities:

• Meet faculty and staff
• Connect with upperclass mentors
• Join study groups
• Participate in hall activities

Final Tips for Cornell Move-In Success

Before You Leave Home

• Double-check all online requirements
• Pack according to the prohibited items list
• Confirm travel and accommodation arrangements
• Prepare emotionally for the transition

During Move-In Day

• Stay flexible with timing
• Accept help from volunteers
• Allow the student to take ownership
• Enjoy the excitement of new beginnings

First Few Weeks

• Participate actively in orientation
• Explore the campus thoroughly
• Join clubs and activities
• Establish study routines early

Cornell Move-In Day 2025 marks the beginning of an incredible college journey. With proper planning, understanding of logistics, and an open mindset, your transition to Cornell University will be smooth and memorable.

Remember that thousands of students successfully navigate this process each year, and Cornell’s extensive support systems are designed to help you thrive from day one. Welcome to the Cornell community!

Planning for Cornell Move-In Day 2025? Bookmark this guide and share it with other incoming students and families. For the most current information, always check Cornell’s official websites and Student Essentials portal.

Need more Cornell resources? Explore Cornell’s official new student resources, residential life guides, and orientation materials for additional support during your transition.

Cornell Move-in Day 2025 FAQs