Move-In

Move-In is an exciting time for new students!  Living on campus builds a strong sense of community that is woven into the fabric of Vanderbilt. Here are key details you need to have a successful move-in.

Commons Move-In

Overview

Housing assignments and move-in instructions will be emailed to first-year and transfer students in early August. Your assignment information includes your residence hall name and room number, private mailbox address, the name, email address, and phone number of your roommate, and complete move-in instructions, including your assigned move-in time. First-year domestic students will also receive move-in documentation in the mail.

While first-year students and transfer students have different move-in dates, all other information on this page applies to all students moving onto campus.

Before You Arrive

Before you leave home, make sure you have the following with you:

  • Tracking numbers for packages and total number of packages
  • Move-in information
  • Directions to campus
  • A valid photo ID to pick up your Commodore Card
  • Car hangtag (first-year domestic students only)
  • VUceptor letter containing contact information and group number (first-year students only)

OR

  • Transfer Student Leader contact information and transfer group number (transfer students only)

Move-In Dates

International First-Year Student Move-In: Details for 2025-26 move-in coming soon

Transfer Student Move-In: Details for 2025-26 move-in coming soon

First-Year Student Move-In: Details for 2025-26 move-in coming soon

*Students will be provided with a specific move-in time with their room assignment information.
(First-year students between 7 a.m. and noon & Transfer students between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.)

2023 move in

What to Bring

  • Twin size linens, pillows, pillowcases, and blankets
  • Toiletries, shower caddy, towels, shower shoes, and personal items
  • Prescriptions: Minimum 30-day supply- including prescription bottles and any medical records and reports for new providers
  • Cleaning Supplies (broom, dustpan, cloths, disinfecting wipes)
  • Non-Disposable Straws, Dishware, and Cutlery
  • Headphones
  • Rain Gear/Umbrella
  • Bicycle and U-shaped lock (reminder to register your bicycle)
  • Laundry basket and detergent
  • Snacks and beverages, air-tight food storage containers
  • Small First Aid Kit
  • Clothes hangers
  • Rubber Mallet for lofting/unlofting bed
  • Removable, putty adhesive for mounting posters, etc.
  • Tension rods and curtains to hang at windows and closet openings
  • School supplies
  • Computer and associated cables (Wireless routers, wireless printers, and Google Chromecast are prohibited.)
  • Refrigerator that is less than six years old with no more than 4.0 cubic feet capacity
  • Microwave that is 800-watt with an interior capacity of no more than one cubic foot
  • TV (Xfinity on-campus IPTV service is provided to campus residents. It can be accessed with internet-connected devices and smart TVs. A Roku device may be required for TVs that do not have streaming capabilities built in.)
  • Three-way adapter for electrical outlets
  • Multi-outlet power strips with circuit breaker protection and minimum ratings of 15 amps and 1800 watts

What Not to Bring

  • Hot plate, toaster oven, portable grill, popcorn popper, or any utensil with an exposed heating element
  • Electric heaters or air conditioners
  • Electronic personal transportation vehicles (EPTVs), including scooters, bicycles, hoverboards, and similar devices
  • Weightlifting equipment
  • Bed loft
  • Hot tub
  • Halogen lamps
  • Candles, other devices that produce open flames, oil lamps, and incense
  • Cut trees, wreaths, and greenery
  • Firearms and other weapons
  • Fireworks
  • Dartboards
  • A mattress (University-issued mattresses and box springs may not be removed.)
  • Furniture (University-issued furniture may not be removed.)
  • Wireless routers or wireless access points (These degrade the wireless network.)
  • Wireless printers (These degrade the wireless network. We provide a networked printing program that allows students to print wirelessly through Vanderbilt’s network of printers in the residence halls.)

More Information

Renters Insurance

The university’s property and liability insurance does not protect you or your guests against loss or damage to personal property or belongings or cover your liability for loss or damage caused by your actions or those of any of your guests. As a resident you are liable to the university and others for loss or damage caused by your actions or those of your guests. You are required to maintain adequate property and liability insurance. More information, including information about fully compliant renters insurance that you can obtain, can be found on the Housing and Residential Experience website.