Approximately 5,600 new West Virginia University students will move onto campus to begin the fall 2011 semester on Friday.

“This is an exciting time of year in Morgantown, but it can also be a bit chaotic,” said Corey Farris, director of WVU Housing and University Apartments. “We work hard to ensure the process is as comfortable and easy for students and their families as possible.”

In order to minimize the crowd, students are designated specific time frames to check in to their respective dorms. Students who attended orientation on or before June 10 are asked to move into their assigned residence halls from 8-11:30 a.m. The rest of the students are asked to move in from 12:30-4 p.m.

During these times, students and their parents will be directed to an unloading zone that is as close as possible to the residence hall. Students will unload their belongings while the driver will stay with the vehicle.

Once unloaded, the driver will be directed to a nearby parking lot. Most will be able to park in a University parking lot, while others will be given vouchers that entitle them two hours of free parking in the city parking garages on University Avenue and Spruce Street. These passes were mailed ahead of time to students living in Dadisman, Arnold, Boreman and Stalnaker Halls and the International House.

Members of the Mountaineer Parents Club were mailed a special permit that can be used for free parking in University parking lots during move-in and move-out days, compliments of the Department of Transportation and Parking. However, the pass does not include the Mountainlair Parking Garage.

Residence Hall room keys will be issued upon arrival and a limited amount of moving carts are provided.

“To make move-in go smoother, bring a dolly or cart and a box of patience,” Farris said. “It’s an exciting yet hectic day with lots of students and their families on campus, as the University rapidly comes back to life after the summer break.”

Once the students are settled in, there are plenty of things to do on campus. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., there will be representatives in the Mountainlair Ballrooms to help with questions concerning financial aid, work study, registration, scholarships, student accounts, dining services and student employment. Campus tours are available upon request.

Lunch will be served for students who are already moved into the residence halls from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Caf� Evansdale, Boreman Bistro and Hatfields. Students who have a meal plan may use it at this time.

Residents will attend their first mandatory floor meeting at 4 p.m. to meet their Resident Assistants and floor mates. Welcome Picnics, as part of Welcome Week festivities, will be held on both campuses from 5-7 p.m.

From 5:30-9 p.m., transportation to University Town Centre for the Shopping Extravaganza will start. Buses will depart from the front of the Mountainlair and the Student Recreation Center for more than 20 stores and restaurants in the plaza.

“After unpacking, if a student has forgotten something from home or need something additional to personalize his or her room, this will be a quick and easy way to get it right after arrival on campus,” Farris said.

Students living off-campus are asked to avoid returning to campus on Friday and to avoid unnecessary trips to and from campus areas during move-in day. Alternate transportation, including the Mountain Line buses and PRT are available.

Traffic congestion is expected from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday.

For more information, visit http://housing.wvu.edu/.

-WVU-

td/08/16/11

CONTACT: Corey Farris, Housing and University Apartments
304-293-2790, corey.farris@mail.wvu.edu

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