Move-In Days for Housing

Housing

From your assigned time to your first night in the dorm, here's what to know before you move in.

a student uses her computer in a common area on campus

Move-In Days for Fall 2026

We want your first steps on campus to feel like coming home! Move-in Day is your first day in living on campus as a Bethel Wildcat!

All students will receive their residence hall and move-in day and time block by email by August IF they have filled out their Housing Application on their student portal. This email will come to their Bethel email address or the email address we have on file. Please watch for it and follow the details closely so our team is ready for you when you arrive.

Housing application and outstanding student portal forms need to be filled out by July 31st to officially lock in your move-in day and time.

Students
Move-In Day
Football & Volleyball Athletes
Aug 5
Renaissance Students
Aug 7
Soccer & Cross Country Athletes
Aug 10
Cheerleader Athletes & STARS
Aug 12
First-year & Returning Students
Aug 15

We ask all students to arrive during their assigned time block so we can keep the day running smoothly for everyone. We look forward to seeing our wildcats!

Important Information

First-year Students
All incoming first-year students will be assigned to Heritage Hall. Move-in day is August 15. In August, you will receive your residence hall and move-in day and time slot as well as some other essential information.
Before you arrive, you will need to:
Complete your enrollment checklist
Fill out information for your parking pass
This paperwork has to be completed by July 31st so secure your move-in day and time slot.
When you arrive, you'll find a folder waiting for you on your bed with your printed parking pass and other helpful content, along with more information about life in your new home.
Once you're moved in, check out the Welcome Week Schedule to see what's exciting things we have planned for you!
Returning Students
All returning students will be assigned housing in Prosser Hall, McDonald Hall, or Wildcat Cove. Move-in day is August 15-16, based on your hall and floor. You will receive an email in August about your residence hall assignment and move-in day and time slot as well as some other essential information IF you have completed your Housing Application.
Before you arrive, you will need to:
Complete your enrollment checklist
Fill out information for your parking pass
This paperwork has to be completed by July 31st so secure your move-in day and time slot.
When you arrive, you'll find a folder waiting for you on your bed with your printed parking pass along with more information about life in your residence hall.
Once you're moved in, check out the Welcome Week Schedule to see what's exciting things we have planned for you!
Athletics
Student-athletes move in August 5, August 10, and August 12, depending on your sport.

To move in early and take part in August training, you must complete the required paperwork in your student portal ahead of time. Athletes who have not completed this paperwork will not be eligible for early move-in or training and will instead be assigned to the general move-in day on August 15. These form have to be completed via your student portal by July 31.

Before you arrive, you will need to:
Complete your enrollment checklist
Fill out information for your parking pass
International student-athletes: see the International Students section below for additional information.
International Students
For International students, you will receive an email in August with your residence hall and move-in time. You should plan to move into their residence hall first, then visit Vera Low if you have outstanding paperwork that will need to be filled out.
For International student athletes, you will need to move-in then make your way to Vera Low to fill out paperwork that can only be completed once you are fully within the United States.
Questions? Contact the Office of International Student Affairs at 731-352-6375 or jentb@bethelu.edu.
Renaissance Students
Renaissance students move in August 7. You will receive in August with your residence hall and move-in day and time slot as well as some other essential information.
Before you arrive, you will need to:
Complete your enrollment checklist
Fill out information for your parking pass
This paperwork has to be completed by July 31st so secure your move-in day and time slot.
When you arrive, you'll find a folder waiting for you on your bed with your printed parking pass along with more information about life in your new home.
Once you're moved in, check out the Welcome Week Schedule to see what's exciting things we have planned for you!

Move-In Day Guidelines

Paperwork is completed in advance so you can go straight to your room. Last day to fill out important forms is July 31st. If anything is still outstanding, you will have to make a trip to Vera Low during your move-in day to fill out those forms.
Follow the route and parking assignment for your hall. Traffic patterns change on move-in day to keep things moving.
Areas closest to your hall's entrance are reserved for unloading. Please move your vehicle to your designated parking area once you're unloaded so the next family can pull in. Our Bethel staff will assist you.
We encourage families to avoid bringing trailers or U-Hauls, as they do not fit well in our parking areas.
If you experience a short wait, the most helpful thing you can do is stay comfortably in your vehicle so our team can keep the line moving fairly for everyone.

two female students talk about life on campus

What to Expect at Welcome Week

Welcome Week kicks off right after you move in and carries you through your first few days as a Wildcat. It's built to help you settle into your new home, meet the people who will become your college family, and get a real feel for life at Bethel before classes begin. Along the way, you'll find a mix of orientation essentials, like meeting your STAR Leaders and connecting with your advisor, and genuinely fun moments like picnics on the lawn, hangouts on the quad, and hall-wide traditions.

Welcome Week Schedule

FAQ about Residence Life and Move-In Day

What are some resources to help me with Residence Life, Housing, and Move-In Day?
What should I bring and what should I NOT bring?
Packing for a residence hall is easier when you know what's already covered and what to leave home. Every room comes with a bed and mattress, so plan to bring the rest of what makes your space feel like yours, and steer clear of a few items that aren't permitted for safety reasons.
What to Bring
• Bedding for an XL twin bed, pillow, and mattress pad
• Towels, shower caddy and shower shoes
• Toiletries, basic first aid supplies, and any prescribed medications
• Laundry bag or basket, hangers, and seasonal clothing
• Desk lamp, alarm clock, trash can, and storage bins
• Laptop and a surge-protected power strip
• Refrigerator (4.2 cubic feet or smaller) and one microwave per room
What NOT to Bring
• Hot plates, electric skillets, deep fryers, Instant Pots, crockpots, convection ovens, toasters and toaster ovens
• Halogen lamps or bulbs, LED light strips, lanterns, or any open-coil heating device
• Candles or incense, lit or unlit
• Hoverboards, motorized scooters, e-bikes and similar devices
• Weapons, fireworks or other explosives
• Pets other than fish, in a tank no larger than 5 gallons
Can I change my housing assignment?
Room and roommate changes need to be approved in writing by the Director of Housing and Residence Life, so you can't switch on your own.
If you'd like to request a change, start by talking with your Resident Director, who can walk you through the process.
Keep in mind that the Director of Housing and Residence Life also reserves the right to reassign a student to a different space, room or hall when it's in the best interest of the individual or the community, or when consolidation is needed.
Trevor Roof
Director of Housing & Residence Life
731.352.4096 | rooft@bethelu.edu
How do I fill out essential paperwork before my move-in day?
Getting your paperwork done ahead of time makes your move-in day stress free.
Log into your student portal before you arrive to complete your Residence Hall Agreement and Housing Application, along with any other outstanding forms flagged on your account.
If everything is submitted in advance, you can skip Vera Low entirely and just enjoy move-in day and the Welcome Week fesitvities.

Still have questions about what's still pending on your account? Reach out to the Office of Residence Life or our friendly I.T. Staff.

Trevor Roof
Director of Housing & Residence Life
731.352.4096 | rooft@bethelu.edu

Jamie Coomer
Application Support Specialist
731.352.6709 | coomerj@bethelu.edu
How do I move in early?

Move-In Days for Housing

Move-In Days for Fall 2026

Important Information

First-year Students

Returning Students

Athletics

International Students

Renaissance Students

Move-In Day Guidelines

What to Expect at Welcome Week

FAQ about Residence Life and Move-In Day

What are some resources to help me with Residence Life, Housing, and Move-In Day?

What should I bring and what should I NOT bring?

Can I change my housing assignment?

How do I fill out essential paperwork before my move-in day?

How do I move in early?

Request Information