A Quick Guide to Moving in at RWU

Important information for students and families to help make the move-in process effortless and fun

By Juan Siliezar
Olivia Flint moving in at RWU last year.
Olivia Flint '21 during move-in last year: “Everyone is very welcoming here – and they’re peppy and very well organized," Flint said. "Having their help has meant a lot to me. It makes this big transition much easier."

There are few things as exciting as moving away from home and being on your own – or as stressful! Luckily, RWU designed a process to make it easy for students and their families. Here’s what you need to know. 

RWU Move-In officially kicks off Friday, August 23 for first-year students. About 1,100 new Hawks will be arriving to settle in their new home over a two-day span: Friday, August 23 from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 24 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

By Monday evening, close to 3,000 students are expected to have moved into the eight university residential communities.

First Year Move-in Process

First year families should use the North Campus entrance and temporarily park in Lot D, which is the first left after entering. See Parking map for reference. From there students and families should head down to the Campus Recreation Center (16 on Parking Map), where students will complete the check-in process on their own while families learn about campus resources. Volunteers of students and staff will be on-site to check students in.

Image of Campus Rec at RWU
RWU Campus Recreation Center.

After the check-in process is complete, students and families will be directed to their assigned residence halls. 

move in
Public Safety and staff directing traffic to first year residence halls.

First year residence halls are Cedar Hall (number 4 on Campus Map Key; see link below), Maple Hall (number 3), Willow Hall (number 5), and Stonewall Terrace (number 24). See campus Campus Map for reference.

Image block of Residence halls
RWU has four first year residence halls: Cedar Hall, top left; Maple Hall, top right; Willow Hall, bottom left; and Stonewall, bottom right.

At each residence hall, RWU’s move-in crew, comprised of student leaders and athletes, will greet and assist students in the move-in process. Labels with students’ name and room number should be attached to all luggage to ensure that suitcases go to the right place. 

RWU Residence Life and Housing staff affirms the unloading process will be about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the amount of items in the vehicle.

Move in crew helping parents move in
Last year's move-in crew helping first year families unload luggage on the basketball court of Cedar Hall.

Please note, a family member must stay with the vehicle at all times while the vehicle is unloaded. Once all belongings are unloaded, all vehicles must be moved to one of the auxiliary parking lots: A, C or H.

After that, all that’s left is the hard part: Saying goodbye. 

Returning Student Move-in Process

Returning students are expected to move back in Monday starting at 12 p.m. with a small number of students who’ve received exceptions to move in Sunday, August 25. 

Returning students should proceed directly to their assigned residential communities. On arrival, they will check in and move luggage into their room. Parking will be available in Lots D and C after luggage has been moved. See Parking Map for reference.

Information for Commuters

Commuter students will check in at the Campus Recreation Center Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then enjoy the Convocation lunch on D’Angelo. At 3:30 p.m. there will be a commuter welcome meeting in room 157 of the Feinstein College of Arts and Sciences building.

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