Move-in Fall 2026

New students:  Residence hall move-in for new international students has not been set yet. Apartment and Spindler Hall move-in is on the apartment complex’s designated move-in day.

Returning students:  Residence hall move-in begins 9 a.m. Aug. 30. Apartment and Spindler Hall move-in is on the apartment complex’s designated move-in day.
 

Fall athletes and Bronco Marching Band move-in will be communicated by coaches and the band director.

Returning students arrive Aug. 30 - Sept. 1. They do not need to sign up for an arrival time.

What to bring
Click here to see what comes in the room, TV compatibility, wireless compatibility for gaming systems and other devices, and what is not allowed. There is also a printable packing list that covers all the bases. If you are ordering an ExoMax, carpet or futon for in-room delivery from our vendor, orders are due by August 10.

Student ID
Students participating in the in-person orientation sessions will get their student ID while on campus. Those not coming to Kalamazoo can submit their photo online and pick up their ID from Parking Services upon arrival to campus, or take a picture when on campus and get their ID then. Contact Parking Services with questions.

Pre-arrival form
On Aug. 10 the pre-arrival form link will be sent to your WMU email. It must be completed before a room key can be issued. Once submitted, a copy will be emailed to you. When you get to the building, show housing staff a screenshot of the confirmation or your confirmation email.

Lofts
All halls have loft kits already in the room. Some beds may already be lofted. If not, the extra head and footboard, stabilizer rail and safety bar will be in the closet. You can set the loft to any height you desire. Watch our video showing how to loft your bed so you know what to do.

• Valleys
• Western Heights
• Henry Hall

Mail and Packages
Housing will begin accepting mail and packages Aug. 24. Items received prior to then will be returned to the sender. More information about mail is in the mid-July summer updates email.

Other
Check the Orientation Hub for any information needed for Fall Welcome.

Arrival time
Students will have a 60-minute block in which to arrive on campus and get their room key. Then they can take all day to move-in and unpack.

Unloading zones and parking
Volunteers will be in roadways to greet you. They will direct your car into a temporary unloading spot in front of the residence hall.

While students get their room key, family unloads the vehicle onto the grass. Once unloaded, the vehicle is moved to a nearby parking lot for the day.

Students and parents can park in any student space in lots designated A, C, F, K and W during move-in week. Valley parking lots fill quickly, so Valley overflow parking is designated in nearby lots (see map). Cars in employee, reserved and handicapped (unless a permit is displayed) spaces will be ticketed, as well as vehicles on sidewalks and the grass. Unloading areas in front of the residence halls will also be enforced.

Check-in
A government-issued photo ID or WMU ID is needed to get your room key. You will also receive directions on how to complete your online room inventory to document the condition of your room. 

New students should have their phones cued to the Fall Welcome QR code to check-in for the program and receive your materials.

Student ID
Bronco Cards (student ID) are needed the day you move in. If you did not get one during orientation, please plan to stop at Parking Services to pick yours up. Contact Parking Services with questions.

Carts and dollies
Each hall will have 15-20 large bins students or families can check out to help get belongings to the room. Bins will be wiped down between families. Families can also bring their own carts and dollies to move boxes and belongings.

Dining Services
Throughout Fall Welcome, Aug. 27-29, WMU Dining Services will be open for enrolled students and Fall Welcome program staff.  Due to occupancy restrictions, families are encouraged to eat before or after moving their student into their residence hall at an off-campus location or pack their own beverages and meals. To ensure that our enrolled students receive the best service, this also means that Guest Passes from student meal plans will not be accepted during Fall Welcome. Dining apologizes for this inconvenience, as usually they are thrilled to invite families and others to try the dining experience at WMU. 

Doors, elevators and stairs
All front doors, security doors and stairwell doors will be propped open until 6 p.m. on major move-in days to eliminate a high-touch surface area.

Valley residence halls and Western Heights have elevators. A service elevator is available at Henry Hall. To expedite the use of elevators, we encourage you to take the elevator up with belongings, but use the stairs to come down, as long as you are able to do so.

Problems with your room?
If you have any concerns with your room upon arrival, please speak with the hall director or graduate assistant. They can be found in the hall office or check-in room. Custodial and maintenance are on standby to assist.

Pets
Pets, other than fish and service animals, are not allowed into the residence halls.  We recommend leaving family pets at home so you do not have to leave them in the car during August’s hot temperatures.

Room inventory
Complete the online room inventory found in the housing portal. This documents the state of your room, furniture, etc. upon arrival. When you move out, housing staff compare the inventory to the room's move-out condition to determine if damages happened. Room inventories are due a few days after you move in.

Logging on – computer, phone, gaming systems, TVs
Once you get into your room, register your computer or phone on the wireless network. If you have a gaming system or TV, register them on the network too. The site includes a list of incompatible devices.

Mail
Mail will begin to be delivered to the residence halls the first day of move in. Click here for details about sending and receiving mail.

Hall postings
Please take time to look at the information posted in the halls. This will include information about policies and campus services, as well as information about campus and hall events.