Moving to Campus

Austin Hall and Clare Hall are designed to facilitate a safe, healthy and enjoyable living-learning environment that promotes social and academic growth of all residents. We strive to create a positive community built on a foundation of respect and courtesy and to uphold the highest level of security for our residents.

2026 Important Dates

Important Dates
Date Event
June 26 Housing assignments will be sent to students who have requested and confirmed a roommate and completed their application prior to June 22
July 17 Housing assigments will be sent out to students who have completed their Housing Application prior to July 13
August 7 Last day to complete a Housing Application and plan to move in on Move-In Day
August 20 Move-In Day for new residents from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
August 24 Undergraduate weekday classes begin
September 9 Last day to complete a Petition for Release of Contract form for fall 2026. Last day to change your Meal Plan for Fall 2026.
December 11 Residence Halls close for Winter Break at noon

Preparing to Move In

Carts are available on a limited basis to assist with your move-in process. For a smoother process, students must have completed and turned in all student accounts paperwork, including your loan agreement and agreement on payments. In addition, all resident students must complete the immunization record form that was sent to them with their room assignment information.

Additional copies will be available. If you need to research your immunization record and you are from Wisconsin, please visit the Wisconsin Immunization Registry by clicking here. Students are required to submit completed forms prior to receiving room keys.

Roommate Information

We know that the idea of living with a new person can be difficult for students. By completing the housing application honestly, you will be able to give us information to create the best possible roommate match.

If you have a specific roommate in mind, you are able to request that student through the housing application. Both students must request each other as roommates. If you do not designate a person as your roommate, the housing staff will match you with a roommate based on the housing application information.

What to Bring and Not to Bring

Talk to your roommate about who is bringing what to your room for the year! It is a fun way to get to know each other and will help you be more prepared on Move-In day.

Every student's needs, preferences and budget are different. This list is intended to help you prepare for move-in and provide ideas of items you may want to bring. You do not need everything on this list. Start with the essentials and add other items as needed throughout the year. 

Bedding & Comfort

Essentials

  • Standard twin sheets
  • Pillow and pillowcase
  • Duvet, comforter and/or blankets
  • Bath towels, hand towels and washcloths
  • Fan (Austin Hall does not have air conditioning in rooms)
  • Floor lamp (Austin Hall does not have overhead lighting)

Optional

  • Mattress pad or mattress topper
  • Rug
  • Throw pillows
  • Photos or small decorative items
  • Plants
  • Books, games or other hobbies

Cleaning & Laundry

Essentials

  • Laundry basket, hamper or laundry bag
  • Laundry detergent (laundry is free!)
  • Trash bags

Optional

  • Stain remover
  • All-purpose cleaner and/or disinfecting wipes
  • Paper towels
  • Drying rack

Kitchen & Food Items

Essentials

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Mug

Optional

  • Plates, bowls, cups and utensils
  • Food storage containers
  • Snacks

School Supplies & Electronics

Essentials

  • Backpack or book bag
  • Notebooks and writing utensils
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Surge protector

Recommended

  • Laptop or tablet and charger

Optional

  • Headphones or earbuds
  • Folders and organizational supplies

Clothing

Bring clothing for a variety of weather conditions and activities, including:

  • Everyday clothing
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sleepwear
  • Workout or athletic clothing
  • Socks and undergarments
  • Light jacket or rain jacket
  • Winter coat
  • Gloves, hat and scarf
  • Professional or interview attire (our Career Studio can help with this!)
  • Shower shoes or flip flops

Toiletries & Personal Care

Essentials

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
  • Soap, shampoo and conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Nail clippers or files
  • Medications
  • Hair brush or comb

Optional

  • Lotion or moisturizer
  • Portable shower caddy
  • Razor and shaving supplies
  • Hair accessories
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Contact lenses, glasses and supplies
  • Basic first-aid supplies

Helpful extras

  • Umbrella
  • Flashlight
  • Reusable shopping bags
  • Microwave and fridge (we provide one in each room)
  • Air Conditioners
  • Space heaters or other auxiliary heating devices
  • Candles, incense or anything with a wick (even if decorative)
  • Pets (fish are welcome in tanks no larger than 10 gallons)
  • Hot plates, french fryers, toasters/toaster ovens (hot pots and closed-coil popcorn poppers are allowed)
  • Grills (charcoal or gas)
  • Charcoal or lighter fluid
  • Firearms, including ammunition
  • Sharp knives or other objects that could be considered weapons
  • Halogen lamps
  • Tasers
  • Hoverboards
  • Chewing tobacco
  • Vape pens and/or CBD products
  • Some common electrical appliances pose a safety hazard in confined spaces. If your appliance is rated over 6 amps (700 watts), has an exposed heating element (i.e., coils), or is not Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed, it is not permitted in your room.