Move-In FAQs
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We’re so excited to welcome you to your new home away from home! Move-In is an exciting time, and we know you may have lots of questions about what to expect, what to bring, and how to prepare. This page is designed to make your Move-In experience as smooth as possible by answering the most common questions we hear from students and families.
Whether you’re wondering about your arrival time, parking instructions, what furniture is provided, or how to submit a maintenance request, you’ll find all the important details right here. If you still have questions after reviewing the information, our team is always happy to help — you’ll find contact information at the bottom of this page.
Let’s get you ready for an amazing start to the year!
Preparing for Move-In
Your Move-In Timeslot is a one-hour window for you to arrive at the unloading area during fall move-in. This scheduled time helps reduce traffic congestion and keeps the move-in process running smoothly. All students are required to select a Move-In Appointment. Appointments start each day at 8 a.m. and the final appointment begins at 4 p.m. EST. These will give you a one-hour period to park in front of your building, unload your vehicle, and move your car to the designated parking area.
Appointments are limited for each time slot, so we strongly encourage you to select your time as soon as possible. The move-in scheduler will open in July and can be accessed through Cards Nest. Be sure to check your University email for updates and instructions!
The Move-In Timeslot scheduler will open each year in July. Watch your University email for specific date/times. The scheduler will be located in Cards Nest.
To participate in Welcome Week, incoming first-year students must be officially moved in no later than Thursday, August 14th.
If you need to check-in later than the assigned move-in weekend (August 12th-17th, 2025), please email housing@louisville.edu from your @louisville.edu email address.
Note: Housing and meal plan rates are not pro-rated for a late check-in.
No worries, we know things happen! You can still move-in and check-in in your hall when you arrive.
If you are arriving after 5pm, we ask that you let your Area Coordinator know ahead of time so that they can ensure someone is there to assist.
Your Area Coordinator's information can be found by visiting our Residence Halls webpage and clicking on your building!
While we do not limit the number of people or vehicles, we do ask that only vehicles needed to unload pull into the parking area of your residence hall. If you live within a couple of hours of campus, we recommend bringing only the essentials you need to settle into your space. Bringing extra items or multiple vehicles can cause congestion and slow down the move-in process for you and your fellow Cardinals.
Please Note: UHaul or other large moving vehicles are not permitted and may face difficulties fitting under surrounding overpasses.
As noted in your housing contract, the University of Louisville assumes no financial responsibility over the personal property of residents nor will the institution be financially responsible for large-scale, unintentional damage caused to university property by on-campus residents, such as a fire or sprinkler-head flood.
While it is not required, we highly recommend obstaining Renter's Insurance. UofL partners with GradGuard to provide coverage for your items!
Through our partnership with College Products, you can order loft kits, combination microfridge units,, safes, and more to personalize your space. Items ordered through College Products by the date listed on their site will be delivered directly to your room and waiting for you when you arrive — saving you time, space, and extra packing!
You can get your Cardinal Card at Orientation over the summer!
If you do not pick yours up at orientation, be sure to visit the Cardinal Card Office prior to or during move-in to collect your Student ID Card. Several halls require these ID cards in order to obtain hall and room access after move-in. Your meal plans are also loaded onto these cards, which can be used at various dining locations across campus.
Unfortunately, all of the furniture provided by the unit will need to stay in the unit. Please consider this when deciding if you'd like to bring extra furniture for the room!
Your room assignment and future roommate(s) can be found under "My Information" on Cards Nest!
Each person has the ability to decide if they want their name and contact information public or not. If you do not see any information, it is likely that they have opted into that info being private. Unfortunately, the Housing office cannot give this information out.
Early move-in is available on August 12 for students who are:
- Part of a pre-approved, affiliated UofL group,
- Enrolled in a Living Learning or Themed Community (LLC/TC), or
- Volunteering to help with move-in. If you'd like to sign up to be a move-in volunteer, please visit our Move-In Volunteer webpage.
We are not able to offer early move-in for individual students outside of these groups.
If you believe you qualify for early move-in and haven't received approval OR have an extenuating circumstance, please contact us at housing@louisville.edu.
Move-In Day
Move-in will continue rain or shine, so we encourage all students and families to prepare accordingly. While we do our best to ensure a smooth and safe move-in experience, weather conditions can vary. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately for the weather. Bring umbrellas, rain gear, or sun protection as needed, and be ready for any weather changes. We appreciate your flexibility and spirit as we work together to welcome our new Cardinals, no matter the forecast!
During an emergency or when campus conditions affect class/work schedules, you will receive information by text, email, and on the University homepage. Sign up for text messages today!
Bettie Johnson, Cardinal Towne, Community Park, Kurz Hall, Louisville Hall, & University Pointe
- Residents and families on the West side of campus may take advantage of free parking in the yellow lot parking in the yellow lot behind Bettie Johnson Hall (401 W. Cardinal Blvd) following their appointment.
Belknap Village North, Belknap Village South, Denny Crum, & Unitas Tower
- Residents and families on the East side of campus may take advantage of free parking in the green lot parking in the green lot on Brook Street across from the SGA/Parkway Intramural Complex (2400 S Brook St.) following their appointment.
We do change traffic patterns a bit during move-in week, so even if you are familiar with campus, it's a good idea to check the driving directions linked on our move-in webpage or in your Housing Herald!
Each hall has a certain color, and that color can be found on your maps in your Housing Heralds and on yard signs throughout campus. There will be plenty of Cards Crew volunteers around to assist should you find yourself turned around.
Move-In Bins can be checked out at the front desk of every Residence Hall for help moving in. These can be used for up to one hour during your scheduled move-in time and will need to be checked back in once you have finished. Check-in and out sheets will be located at the front desk of every building. If the bin is not returned, a charge of $400 will be added to the student's account.
It is very important that you report any damages you find in your room within the first 48 hours after you’ve checked in. To do this, you’ll need to log in to your Cards Nest and click on the maintenance request link in the menu bar.
Please submit a separate maintenance request for each item you find, and please be as detailed as possible. A UHRE staff member or authorized agent will visit your space to fix any and all items noted via these maintenance requests at no charge to you. Please be aware that when you check out of your space at the end of the semester, you may be charged for any damages not reported in these first 48 hours.
Tuesday August 12th:
- Chick-Fil-A- 10:00am-3:00pm
- Zoca-5:00pm-10:00pm
- Student Activities Center East-8:00am-3:00pm
- Ville Grille-11:00am-6:00pm
- While running the half day schedule the following locations will be open at the Ville Grille: Salad bar, deli, grill, Conscious Kitchen and World Traveler.
- Eiffel Pizza-10:00am-10:00pm
August 13th and on - Dining will be on a full operating schedule, all venues will be open. The Ville Grill will be open from 7am – 8pm weekdays and 10am – 8pm on the weekend.