Your questions about Penn move-in, answered

Nearly 6,000 students are expected to move in to campus housing by the end of this week — but move-in is going to look different from previous years due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

Students will need to be masked and vaccinated in order to enter their dorms, and they must receive a gateway COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival. 

Residential Services is expecting 2,425 first-year students and 2,282 second-year students to move into campus housing between Aug. 23 and Aug. 29, many of whom are arriving on campus for the first time.

Here's everything you need to know for a smooth and successful move-in:

When can I move in?

Move-in started on Aug. 23 with transfer students, exchange students, international students, and Penn First Plus students, which includes first-generation and lower-income students. 

First-year students move in on Aug. 24 and Aug. 25, while sophomores move in on Aug. 27 and Aug. 28. Move-in week concludes with upperclassmen move-in on Aug. 29.

You can select or change your scheduled arrival time in the MyHomeAtPenn portal.

This is the first year Penn is requiring sophomores to live on campus, but the number of students living in the College Houses this fall is not increasing significantly, Director of Residential Services Pat Killilee said. Traditionally, about 60% of sophomores live in on-campus housing.

Killilee added that all upperclassmen who wanted to live on campus have been accommodated.

Can I bring guests?

While students were only allowed to register one guest to help with move-in in the spring 2021 semester, there is no longer a limit on guests. Killilee said, however, that students are still encouraged to bring only one person.

All guests must be pre-registered in the Residential Housing Services Portal before arrival. Guests must show a photo ID and mobile guest pass to enter the College House.

How do I check in?

Students must complete the mobile check-in in the Residential Housing Services Portal 30 minutes before arrival to begin the move-in process. Once you check in, you will have officially taken residency of your room.

Where can I park?

Free street parking will be available at your allocated move-in time and location for up to one hour. After unloading, you can park your car for free in one of the designated campus parking garages for the rest of the day.

Do I need to wear a mask?

Masks will be required in all indoor spaces for students and registered guests.

Do I need to be vaccinated?

All students must be fully vaccinated to move into on-campus housing. 

If you have not submitted your vaccine information, you will not be allowed to check in to your college house. Students who submit their vaccine information upon arrival will be allowed to check in to their college house 48 hours later. 

If you are not yet fully vaccinated, email Wellness at Penn to schedule your vaccine appointment. Penn is requiring all students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine barring medical and religious exemptions.

Do I need to get tested for COVID-19?

All students must take a gateway COVID-19 test through Penn Cares within 24 hours of arrival. You can sign up for a test in the Penn Cares Portal. 

Students who have not uploaded proof of their COVID-19 vaccination must get tested twice a week until they are fully vaccinated. 

What is the move-in process like?

Wharton sophomore Kate Chan moved into New College House West on Sunday to help with New Student Orientation and said the process was "pretty seamless."

Chan brought two guests with her and added that Residential Services staff members were available to help her with whatever she needed at NCHW.

NSO and Residential Services will have more than 225 volunteers available to help students who are moving in this week. 

What can I do on move-in day?

Students and their families can enjoy live music and samples of Philadelphia water ice and pretzels. Visit Philadelphia, the official website for Philadelphia travel and tourism, will be on campus to provide information about the city.

Walking tours, College House activities, and a President and Provost Family Welcome are also on the move-in schedule.

“Residential Services is just really excited to welcome back everyone to campus,” Killilee said.