7/25/23 — Move-in information

07/25/2023

Dear Student,

Greetings once again from the Office of Residence Life at James Madison University! Due to the large number of students moving in on August 18 – 21, we have very specific guidelines for the move-in process that will allow for the best possible traffic flow and the smoothest move in process possible. Please read through the move in information below carefully. 

• Please follow the special driving directions for your hall that day. If you have previously saved directions on a GPS or other navigation system, please do not use them for move in. You can find the special driving directions for your hall on our website. 
• Please label all boxes and containers with your name and full room number! This prevents items from being misplaced or mixed up with another student's belongings.
• It is very important that you plan to arrive on your assigned move in date and during your assigned move in time. If something beyond your control happens on move-in day (i.e., weather or traffic delays, family issues, other) please do not panic. Just arrive as close to your move in time as possible.
• While there is nothing wrong with roommates choosing the same appointment timeslot, it is discouraged. We encourage roommates to stagger move in appointments to avoid congestion in the room while moving in ("tripping over one another" was a quote used to describe this). A one hour gap in between appointments could make the world of difference in the move in experience. Roommates can also choose different days if needed for their schedule.
• There is no limit to the number of helpers you can bring, however, families should plan for belongings to be packed into one personal vehicle. Someone who can drive will need to stay with the vehicle at all times. If there are additional helpers in a separate vehicle, please have that car go to the designated parking area (listed below) first and walk to the building to help with unloading/setting up the room. Only one vehicle per student should follow the move-in driving directions to the building.
• Please do not plan to bring any large box trucks/moving trucks or trailers at move in, as this makes the move in process much more difficult. Vans, pick-up trucks, SUVs, and other personal vehicles are permitted. We will most likely not be able to accommodation large vehicle close to the buildings, which will require you and your family to move your items in from a distant location.
• Once you arrive to your building, you will be directed to the check-in area for your building where you will receive the key to your room. Some check-in areas are outside under a canopy and some are inside in a lounge or office. After you check-in, you will have 30 minutes to unload your vehicle and move it to the designated parking location for your area (listed below).

You can see where these parking lots are located on the Campus Map.

There is a lot of move in information on our website, If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please contact the Housing Office at 540-568-4663 or at res-life@jmu.edu. 

Welcome home to JMU!  We wish you the best for a successful year!

Thank you,
Office of Residence Life