The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh will come to life Labor Day weekend, when nearly 3,000 students are welcomed to campus residence halls for the start of the fall semester.
The main move-in—the arrival of first-year students and their families—takes place Sunday, Sept. 1.
Up to 500 vehicles per hour are anticipated to come through the centralized move-in, where a team comes to the vehicle to process check-in to the residence hall. Over 550 volunteers help make the procedure as easy as possible.
“UWO Move-In is completely streamlined and designed to provide students, families and friends with the most efficient and safest move-in experience possible,” said Patrick Vander Zanden, coordinator of Initiatives, Assessment and Special Programs with the UW Oshkosh residence life department.
Students have a specific move-in time. When they and any accompanying vehicles arrive, they’ll pull into a designated lane for their residence hall. After their TitanCard or other photo ID is checked, they will be given keys, unloading passes and directions to the unloading zone for their residence hall.
“The entire check-in will be completed without leaving the comfort of their vehicle,” Vander Zanden said.
MiTitans (pronounced My Titans) are UWO student volunteers that welcome new and returning Titans to campus. MiTitans help unload vehicles and assist in moving belongings to new living spaces. Move-in refs are non-student volunteers (faculty, staff and alumni) who are on hand to supervise, particularly at the unloading zones. And University police will be on site, directing motorists and providing assistance where needed. Students and parents might even have the opportunity to meet the chancellor.
Move-in for upper class students—sophomores and up—takes place Monday, Sept. 2.
Tuesday, Sept. 3, is a day of student-focused social activity as well as an Opening Day Convocation for faculty, staff and academic leaders of the Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and Fox Cities campuses beginning at 9 a.m. at the Culver Family Welcome Center. Chancellor Andrew Leavitt and Provost John Koker will discuss campus news and present faculty, academic staff and University staff awards.
UW Oshkosh will commence its 148th academic year with the first day of classes on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
New home at UWO
Thousands of students will be adjusting to new surroundings, new roommates and a new school year. Emotions typically run high for students and parents as students plan to move-in for the first time.
“My advice for students and parents is to do your best to let the day unfold naturally and take it one step at a time,” Vander Zanden said. “We’ve designed the process to allow you to show up in your vehicle and we’ll take care of ushering you through each step.”
Students are advised to try and resist the urge to over-pack. Bringing essentials and just a few decorations will keep their rooms comfortable, not crowded.
College move-in marks the beginning of a new phase in a student’s life and most students and parents will experience a range of emotions.
“Talking through what you are excited about (both students and parents) regarding move-in or starting/returning to college in general on the drive to campus can set a positive tone,” Vander Zanden said.
Three tips to make the day fabulous
- If possible, pack your belongings into your vehicle the night before. (The morning will go a lot smoother.) Make sure you have your Titan ID.
- If there is time, make a stop on the way to campus for breakfast or lunch. Taking time together can give you the opportunity to relax and process the day together.
- Set small goals for the day and make sure you take a few photos to document this next chapter. Be sure to share with family and friends. #UWOMoveIn19
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