Move-In
The essential steps and guidelines students need to follow when relocating into university-managed residences.
This process typically includes receiving detailed move-in instructions, scheduling assigned move-in times to avoid congestion, and adhering to specific check-in protocols at designated locations. Students will be required to complete any necessary paperwork, obtain their room keys, and familiarize themselves with Housing policies. It is important to prepare by bringing the appropriate documentation and ensuring that all pre-arrival tasks are completed. Detailed information, including arrival instructions, and support services, will be provided on this page to ensure a smooth and organized move-in experience.
Preparation
Before the hustle and bustle of Move-In Day, we have tons of information that will help future residents and family members prepare in the months prior. Please take the time to explore all topics below. Many of your questions about what residents should expect in a roommate, deeper explanations of spaces and amenities, additional rentals a resident may want in their room/suite, and what to pack or avoid bringing will be answered. If you still have questions, you are welcome to email housing@uwm.edu.
Appointments
University Housing assigns Move-In appointments based on a balance load by room assignment and the available parking we have during Move-In. We have a limited number of Move-In appointments by hour to help make your Move-In process efficient!
We understand if the date and/or time you are assigned conflicts with your current schedule. If this is your situation, please complete the Move-In Appointment Adjustment Request and we will do our best to accommodate you. If your adjustment request is not approved, you will be emailed at the email address(es) provided on your request form. University Housing will work to best accommodate an alternative time for those requests that are unable to be granted.
The Process
While locations and directions are customized for each of our University Housing buildings, what follows is a general outline for Move-In. You will receive a printed copy of our Move-In Guide approximately 1-1/2 months prior to Move-In via USPS if your address on file is within the contiguous United States.
Vehicles
Each student may bring up to two vehicles of belongings to Move-In. Vehicles should be standard cars, minivans, or SUVs.
Large vans, pickup trucks, and trailers are extremely difficult to navigate through the parking garage, and therefore using oversized vehicles is highly discouraged.
Each Move-In vehicle will only be allowed into the unloading zone once.
Neither additional vehicles nor additional trips by the same vehicle are permitted into the unloading zone.
Move-In Helpers
Residents will not have to formally check-in guests who are helping with Move-In during the resident’s scheduled time. However, guests must wear a provided guest tag/sticker during their stay through official Move-In dates. We highly encourage each resident to limit their Move-In assistance to two (2) helpers due to parking and elevator constraints.
Arrival
Arrive no sooner than 15 minutes before, and no later than 45 minutes after, your designated Move-In time.
When approaching the building for curbside check-in, a UWM volunteer will stop your vehicle and ask to see the student’s campus ID. Make sure to keep this accessible. The volunteer will then retrieve the student’s key packet and paperwork; bringing all items back to your vehicle. You will not need to exit your vehicle until you have been parked.
After receiving the key packet, you may proceed to the designated parking area to begin unloading. Students should keep careful track of the packet and its contents, as there are important items included.
Unloading
Residents have approximately 60 minutes to unload their vehicle(s). Please focus on getting all belongings up to the room first, before starting to unpack. When unloading is complete, we ask that residents or a family member move their vehicle to an extended parking location. Each University Housing building has a designated location for vehicles while families help their students unpack and set up their room.
Hauling Assistance
Residents will be able to check out a maximum of two (2) carts to assist in the moving of belongings into the University Housing facilities. Two different cart styles are available. One is a bin on wheels, as shown on page 4. The other is a flatbed-style moving cart. Since the flatbed-style cart is more widely available, we encourage residents to use packing containers that are stackable.
Once a cart is full, ensure that items will not fall off while being pushed to the elevator. Staff members will be available to “shrink wrap” your cart(s) to make the trip to the resident’s room easier.
Residents may repeat the process of loading these two moving carts as many times as necessary to complete the unloading process. We kindly ask you to return the carts to the check-out location when unloading is complete.
Instruction & Signage
Upon arrival, large signs will be posted in key areas both inside and outside University Housing facilities. Look for them to assist with instructions regarding traffic flow, curbside room key pick-up, parking, trash/recycling, and other logistical information.
Each sign will include an event-specific logo so residents, and their helpers, can quickly identify what directions they need to follow.
If residents need additional answers, they can always ask a volunteer or staff member. Look for someone wearing a University Housing Move-In or Fall Welcome t-shirt, or UWM colors and a name badge.
Security & Evening Guests
University Housing employs a 24-hour student security staff. Security and the professional staff ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents.
Once Move-In is complete, security access points are staffed 24 hours a day at the main entrance of each building to tap IDs of entering residents. Each night of Move-In, security monitoring will be active beginning at 9:00pm. All guests will need to register for a GuestPass and then present a valid photo ID at the residence hall’s Service Desk upon their first visit, when a photo will be taken for their Guest pass profile.
After initial registration, guests will need to show their physical guest pass (supplied to guests at their first visit) and a valid photo ID to enter a building for future visits. Keep your guest pass secure.
Guest passes are attached to a resident (at the resident’s request), can be attached to more than one resident, and are valid for four (4) years. If lost, the replacement cost is $10.
Campus Transportation
Students and guests can use the Prowl Line to travel between University Housing facilities. The Prowl Line also makes stops at the UWM Union and the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center. Prowl Line stops may relocate during Move-In to accommodate traffic around University Housing facilities. Ask a Service Desk staff member or Move-In volunteer for the location of the nearest shuttle stop. You can also track a shuttle enroute by using the Passio Go! app, downloadable on Google Play or Apple’s App Store.
Milwaukee County Transit System is also another reasonable option to explore the surrounding area. Route 21 stops directly across from Cambridge and connects to a number of other routes. Be sure to pick up your U-PASS to enjoy free rides on MCTS. For more information, visit www.ridemcts.com.
Specifics by Location
Move-In Day
When you arrive at Sandburg, follow appropriate signs to the entrance of the parking garage. Please wait inside your vehicle for instruction, room keys, and other important information. You will be assisted by Move-In staff and shown where to park for unloading.
Oversized vehicles (over 7’ height, or extended cabs/trailers) are not able to navigate the parking garage. Limited alternative parking may be available for these vehicles in the Sandburg Circle Drive, but they are not encouraged.
Directions
Sandburg Hall is located at 3400 N. Maryland Avenue.
For the ease of traffic flow (and because we don’t know what snowfall will look like), we ask you use these directions instead of any other GPS or map service’s directions. From I-43, take the Capitol Drive exit and proceed East. Follow Capitol Drive across the Milwaukee River until you reach Downer Avenue. Turn right on Downer and proceed south to Hartford Avenue. Turn right on Hartford Avenue. Follow Hartford for one block and turn right on Maryland Avenue. Sandburg Hall will be on your right.
Security & Guest Policies
Security monitors are posted in Sandburg to swipe IDs of everyone entering the building. On weekdays from 8:00AM – 5:00PM monitors are at the base of each tower. During evenings and weekends, monitors are located in the lobby. Residents may enter all other University Housing facilities with their student ID until midnight. Residents may also register guests, but all guests must have a photo ID. This includes family members and anyone age 16 or over. Guests 15 or under must have a signed waiver “Minor Guest Registration Form” on file. Guests will not be admitted entrance without a valid picture ID. Residents are responsible for their guests’ conduct. It is the resident’s responsibility to inform his/her guests of University Housing policies.
Guest Pre-registration
Pre-register your family and friends prior to your arrival for Move-In to ensure quick and easy entrance. To pre-register your guests, fill out the host and guest information online at www.guestpass.uwm.edu. If you complete the form on your mobile device, you can even take a selfie to upload as your photo in the guest pass system. When you get to campus, finish the guest registration process by getting the host/guest photo taken and obtaining your guest pass.
Room Furnishings
Each student is provided with a bed frame (height-adjustable and bunkable), mattress (extra long), desk, chair, and wastebasket. Each suite has a semi-private bathroom and residents are expected to maintain clean and sanitary conditions. All rooms have window blinds and carpet. All furniture must remain in the resident’s room. We want you to make Sandburg your home and decorate accordingly. However, please be cautious when planning how to hang your decorations. We ask that you only use painters tape or Command Strips. Nails and screws are not allowed.
Take a look at Sandburg Residence Halls for more information.
Move-in Day
When you arrive at Cambridge Commons, stop at appropriate sign on Cambridge Ave. and wait for instruction, room keys, and other important information. You will be assisted by Move-In staff and shown where to park for unloading.
Oversized vehicles (over 7’ height, or extended cabs/trailers) are not able to navigate the parking garage. Limited alternative parking may be available for these vehicles, but they are not encouraged.
Directions
Cambridge Commons is located at 2323 N. Cambridge Avenue.
For the ease of traffic flow (we can’t predict what the snowfall will be like), we ask you use these directions instead of any other GPS or map service’s directions. From I-43, take the Capitol Drive exit and proceed East. Follow Capitol Drive across the Milwaukee River until you reach Oakland Avenue. Turn right on Oakland and proceed south to North Avenue. Turn right on North Avenue. Cambridge Commons will be on your right side.
Security & Guest Policies
Security monitors are posted in the Cambridge lobby 24 hours a day to swipe IDs of everyone entering the building. Residents may enter all other University Housing facilities with their student ID until midnight. Residents may also register guests, but all guests must have a photo ID. This includes family members and anyone age 16 or over. Guests 15 or under must have a signed waiver “Minor Guest Registration Form” on file. Guests will not be admitted entrance without proper identification. Residents are responsible for their guests’ conduct. It is the resident’s responsibility to inform his/her guests of University Housing policies.
Guest Pre-Registration
Pre-register your family and friends prior to your arrival for Move-In to ensure quick and easy entrance. To pre-register your guests, fill out the host and guest information online at www.guestpass.uwm.edu. If you complete the form on your mobile device, you can even take a selfie to upload as your photo in the guest pass system! When you get to campus, finish the guest registration process by getting the host/guest photo taken (if necessary) and obtaining your guest pass.
Room Furnishings
Each student is provided with a bed frame (height-adjustable and bunkable), mattress (extra long), desk, chair, 3-drawer dresser, 2-drawer night stand, and wastebasket. Each suite is equipped with a full-size refrigerator and a semi-private bathroom; and residents are expected to maintain clean and sanitary conditions. All rooms have window blinds and carpet. All furniture must remain in the resident’s room. We want you to make Cambridge your home and decorate accordingly. However, please be cautious when planning how to hang your decorations. We ask that you only use painters tape or Command Strips. Nails and screws are not allowed.
Take a look at Cambridge Commons for more information.
Move-in Day
When you arrive at RiverView, stop just prior to the garage driveway and wait for instruction, room keys, and other important information. You will be assisted by Move-In staff and shown where to park for unloading.
Oversized vehicles (over 7’ height, or extended cabs/trailers) are not able to navigate the parking garage. Limited alternative parking may be available for these vehicles, but they are not encouraged.
Directions
RiverView is located at 2340 N. Commerce Street.
For the ease of traffic flow, we ask you use these directions instead of any other GPS or map service’s directions. From I-43, take the Capitol Drive exit and proceed East. Follow Capitol Drive across the Milwaukee River until you reach Oakland Avenue. Turn right on Oakland and proceed south to North Avenue. Turn right on North Avenue. RiverView will be across the river, on your right side.
Security & Guest Policies
Security monitors are present in the RiverView lobby 24 hours a day to swipe IDs of everyone entering the building. Residents may enter all other University Housing facilities with their student ID until midnight. Residents may also register guests, but all guests must have a photo ID. This includes family members and anyone age 16 or over. Guests 15 or under must have a signed waiver “Minor Guest Registration Form” on file. Guests will not be admitted entrance without proper identification. Residents are responsible for their guests’ conduct. It is the resident’s responsibility to inform his/her guests of University Housing policies.
Guest Pre-Registration
Pre-register your family and friends prior to your arrival for Move-In to ensure quick and easy entrance. To pre-register your guests, fill out the host and guest information online at www.guestpass.uwm.edu. If you complete the form on your mobile device, you can even take a selfie to upload as your photo in the guest pass system! When you get to campus, finish the guest registration process by getting the host/guest photo taken (if necessary) and obtaining your guest pass. We suggest finishing the guest registration process before entrances have security monitors (7pm) as this will shorten your wait time.
Room Furnishings
Each student is provided with a bed frame (height-adjustable and bunkable), mattress (extra long), desk, chair, 3-drawer dresser, 2-drawer night stand, and wastebasket. Each suite has a semi-private bathroom and residents are expected to maintain clean and sanitary conditions. All rooms have window blinds and carpet. All furniture must remain in the resident’s room. We want you to make RiverView your home and decorate accordingly. However, please be cautious when planning how to hang your decorations. We ask that you only use painters tape or Command Strips. Nails and screws are not allowed.
Take a look at RiverView Hall for more information, including virtual tours.
Parking & Unloading
Metered parking will be available on the first level of the Kenilworth Garage (entrance on Farwell) with additional metered street parking available on Kenilworth, Farwell, and Prospect. Once you arrive, proceed to the Kenilworth Service Desk (entrance at 1915 E. Kenilworth Place) to receive your keys and additional move-in instructions. Vehicles parked are responsible for any posted parking meter rates. University Housing does not recommend using a trailer for Move-In, as it will not be able to park in the garage area.
Room & Apartment Furnishings
All apartments include a full kitchen with some appliances, including a refrigerator, stove/oven, and a microwave. The kitchen also includes cupboard space for storage as well as a movable island counter with stools. Residents are expected to maintain clean and sanitary conditions. All apartment bedrooms have window blinds, a bed frame, full-size mattress (extra long), desk, chair, and a 2-drawer pedestal file. We want you to make Kenilworth your home and decorate accordingly. However, please be cautious when planning how to hang your decorations. We ask that you only use painters tape or Command Strips. Nails and screws are not allowed.
Take a look at Kenilworth Apartments to view a virtual tour of a Kenilworth room and obtain more information.
Security & Guest Policies
Entrances to Kenilworth are locked 24 hours a day, and residents are expected to escort their guests as they enter and exit the building. Residents are responsible for their guests’ conduct. It is the resident’s responsibility to inform their guests of University Housing policies. Residents may enter all other University Housing facilities with their student ID until midnight.