Freshman Move-In - Housing and Residence Life - Christopher Newport University

Housing and Residence Life

Freshman Move-In

Move-in will take place from Friday, August 11 through Sunday, August 13, 2023, for Santoro Hall, Potomac River North and South, York River East and York River West.

  • All students will be required to register for a date and time that best meets their needs. Registration instructions can be found below.
  • Because of this coordinated effort, students should not request to arrive in advance of the dates designated for their specific residential area. Students required to return early for a university-sponsored event, employment, athletic team or marching band must have their name submitted via their coach, employer or other University sponsor.
  • To speed up the unloading process, residents should pack lightly and efficiently, focusing on essentials. Consolidate items into bins and boxes so the vehicle can be unloaded in minimal trips. Residents should not bring additional furniture such as futons, sofas, chairs, etc.
  • Residents must unload in their selected time frame and move their vehicle from the unloading area as soon as all belongings have been removed.
  • Label all items with the student's name and room number.
  • Consolidate items into as few vehicles as possible. You can visit nearby stores later to purchase consumables and other items.
  • A limited number of wheeled carts and bins will be available to use on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to bring their own carts, wagons, etc.
  • Packing List

NOTE: Students will NOT be permitted to move in until all University requirements have been met. This includes:

  • The required immunization form with signatures has been submitted or immunization exemption form with all required signatures has been submitted. Immunization forms must be submitted to the immunization portal prior to arrival on campus. Questions regarding immunizations should be directed to registrar@cnu.edu
  • An approved photo must be submitted for an official CNU ID. (instructions were provided at Setting Sail and in the student's room assignment letter. You may also visit the Captain’s Card website for more information.)
  • Students' payment due date is August 7, 2023. The balance will need to be paid in full unless you have signed up for a payment plan or contacted the office of Student Accounts, studentaccts@cnu.edu, with how payment will be made.

  • Residents and families must adhere to their selected move-in schedule.
  • Students must have a government-issued photo ID available for identity verification and to receive their CNU ID card. If a student has not uploaded their photo, then an ID card will not be available and they will need to go wait in line to get their card. They will NOT be permitted to begin their move-in process until they have their CNU ID. (Instructions were provided at Setting Sail and in your room assignment letter. You may also visit the Captain’s Card website for more information.)
  • Students arriving on Friday, August 11, or Sunday, August 13 will have designated unloading zones. This option is suggested for families who wish to have several vehicles. Students arriving on Saturday, August 12 should arrive in as few vehicles as possible (two or fewer).
  • Pack lightly and efficiently, focusing on essentials, and making use of easy-to-handle boxes and storage containers. Do not bring additional furniture such as futons, sofas, chairs, etc. For specific information about your Residence Hall click here.
  • Label all items with your name and room number.
  • Consolidate items to as few vehicles as possible. You can visit nearby stores later to purchase consumables and other items.
  • A limited number of wheeled carts and bins will be available to use on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Residents are encouraged to bring their own carts and hand trucks.
  • Vehicles must be moved from the unloading zone once empty to allow space for others.
  • Residents and their helpers may return to the room to continue setting up.

  • At the start of your registered time, arrive at campus and follow the signs to your designated unloading zone.
  • A limited number of wheeled carts and bins will be available to use on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • All residents are encouraged to bring their own carts and hand trucks.
  • Vehicles must be unloaded in the selected time block.
  • Once unloaded, move vehicles from the unloading area to make space for others to unload.
  • Residents and their helpers may return to the room to continue setting up.
  • After unpacking, break down boxes, bag trash, and remove all debris to designated trash locations. Please do not leave trash in hallways, lounges, stairwells, or parking lots.

  • At the start of your registered time, arrive at campus and follow signs to your designated unloading zone
  • When instructed, pull up to the building to unload, be prepared to move quickly.
  • The student should head directly to the check-in table while another driver remains with the vehicle. Volunteers will help unload your belongings and take them to your room while the student checks in.
  • As soon as the vehicle is unloaded, it must be moved to make room for others to unload. Drivers may return to the building after parking.
  • Elevator use will be limited to carts and bins only whenever possible. We ask students and family members to use the stairs.
  • If the resident is the only driver, the student should check in after the car is unloaded by volunteers and parked.

  • Proceed to the check-in location to register with Residence Life staff.
  • Students will receive their CNU ID card at this time
    • Students must have a government-issued photo ID available for identity verification.
    • A photo must have been submitted in advance. Contact captainscard@cnu.edu for instructions.
    • Residents who did not submit a photo will need to report to the David Student Union Welcome Desk to have a photo taken and ID card printed. You will NOT be able to move in until you have your CNU ID card. Plan accordingly to avoid wait times.
  • Residents will receive instructions for completing a room condition form via their cnu.edu email.

  • Campus traffic and parking during move-in will be congested, so please be patient.
  • Drive carefully and watch for pedestrians.
  • Do not park on the grass, in front of fire hydrants or along yellow curbs.
  • Display DMV-issued permit to park in handicapped spaces.
  • Once unloaded, move vehicles away from the unloading area to make space for others.
  • For more information about parking on campus, contact Parking Services at (757) 594–7129.

  • Please direct questions about move-in to (757) 594–7527 or reslife@cnu.edu.
  • Please direct questions about room and roommate assignments to (757) 594–7756 or housingadmin@cnu.edu.
  • You can view a typical room layout and room furnishings on the University Housing webpage.
  • Review suggestions of “Things to Bring” as well as “Prohibited Items” as listed in the Residence Life Handbook.
  • Contact roommate(s) to discuss which items to bring (storage boxes, TV, gaming system, etc.) in order to eliminate duplicate items.
  • Review the family’s homeowner’s, renter’s and/or health insurance policies and obtain additional coverage if necessary. CNU does not cover liability on any personal belongings.
  • Do not use screws, nails, duct tape, masking tape, double-sided foam tape (with or without hooks) or any other method of hanging things that may cause damage or leave residue on residence hall walls. Residents are responsible for any damage(s) they may cause.

Directions

For Arrival August 11 and 13

  • Arrive on campus via Avenue of the Arts
  • Turn left onto Shoe Lane
  • Turn right onto Moore’s Lane
  • Turn right onto the roadway behind Potomac River Hall South
  • Use the sidewalk between the two buildings to access the building entrance
  • Check-in at the front desk, located in the building to the left (follow the sidewalk)
  • Once checked-in, park in an available space in Lot K or L to unload
  • Once unloaded, move vehicles elsewhere on campus to allow others to unload close to the building. Parking is available in lots G, H, E3, E4 and I

For Arrival August 12

  • Arrive on campus via Avenue of the Arts
  • Turn left onto Shoe Lane
  • Turn right onto Moore’s Lane
  • Turn right into Lot I and follow signs and staff directions
  • After vehicles are unloaded, parking is available in lots G, H, E3 and E4

For Arrival August 11 and 13

  • Arrive on campus via Warwick Blvd by turning West onto University Place
  • Turn left into Lot D
  • Check-in at the tent (if the tent is not present, proceed to the front desk)
  • Once checked-in, park in an available space in Lot D to unload
  • Once unloaded, move vehicles elsewhere on campus to allow others to unload close to the building
  • Parking is available in Lot E1

For Arrival August 12

  • Arrive on campus via Avenue of the Arts
  • Turn left onto Shoe Lane
  • Turn right onto Moore’s Lane
  • Turn right into Lot I and follow signs and staff directions
  • After vehicles are unloaded, parking is available in Lots E1 and D

For Arrival August 11 and 13

  •  Arrive on-campus via Avenue of the Arts
  • Turn left onto Shoe Lane
  • Turn right into Lot M
  • Pass through the Northeast corner of Lot M on to the road in front of York River Hall
  •  Briefly park along the road in front of York River Hall
  • Check-in at the front desk.
  • Once checked-in, immediately return to your vehicle and begin unloading
  • Once unloaded, move vehicles elsewhere on campus to allow others to unload close to the building. 
  • Parking is available in Lots A, C and the Ferguson Parking Deck

For Arrival August 12

  • Arrive on-campus via Avenue of the Arts
  • Turn left onto Shoe Lane
  • Turn right into Lot M
  • Check-in at the tent
  • Follow signs and staff directions
  • After vehicles are unloaded, parking is available in Lots A, C1, C2 and the Ferguson Parking Deck

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