Group of Students with the text Move-In

Moving into your new home at Western Illinois University

Fall 2025

Get ready to move into your new home at WIU! 
Residence halls will open for students to move-in beginning Thursday, August 21, at 8am.

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We've been doing this at WIU for a while now (since 1899), so here is our go-to list of what to bring and what to leave when you move-in to your residence hall. Click the Packing List button to view our packing list.

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Need to eat?

Click the Move-In Weekend Dining Hours button to view the Fall 2025 opening weekend dining schedule. 

 

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Read through our Move-In Guide before you arrive on campus! This guide gives you suggested arrival times, directions to your residence hall, tells you how the move-in and check-in process works, and more!

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When you purchase your college bedding through the Residence Hall Campus Program at Campus Comforts, your ensure the right size linens. Campus Comforts offers all the essentials for a comfortable, stress-free college move-in experience — with free shipping and hassle-free returns. Shop here.

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  1. Must have a partner
  2. Must have two rubber mallets
  3. Watch the video

Click the How to Loft Your Bed button to view how to loft your bed.

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Click on the Go West Information button to view Go West information.

 

 

 

The Move-In Process - How It Works!

  1. Enter the campus and drive to your residence hall using the route shown on the map. The routes are designed to reduce traffic bottlenecks and speed up your move-in time; however, during peak move-in times, you can expect an extended wait time. Follow instructions given by the Office of Public Safety (OPS) personnel who will be directing traffic.
  2. When it’s your turn, OPS personnel will direct you to your residence hall. When you arrive at your hall, you’ll be greeted by our volunteer Welcome Crew who will be wearing gold shirts. If you would like a cart and assistance moving your belongings to your room, grab a number from them. If you don’t want a cart or assistance, you may proceed to the check-in table to begin the move-in process. You can also bring your own cart/dolly to assist with the move-in process. Your resident assistants and staff will be wearing WIU shirts.
  3. Have family members begin to unload belongings at the designated drop off location. Once you’ve unloaded, you’ll be directed to stay with your belongings while another member of your party moves your vehicle to a designated parking lot. You will need to proceed to the check-in area to begin the check-in process.
  4. When the Welcome Crew is ready for you, your number will be called, and you can take your belongings to your room and meet your new neighbors! If you don’t need the help of a cart or Move-In Crew, feel free to get started yourself!

Check-In Process

  • Please visit the Union Service Center located on the first floor of the University Union to receive your WIU student ID. In order to obtain your student ID, you must present a valid driver’s license or state ID. If you did not upload a custom ID picture, your picture will be taken at the Union Service Center. 

Suggested Arrival Times

Peak move-in times tend to be from 10am-3pm. We encourage you to use the recommended target times below – we try to spread out traffic based on your home's proximity to campus to help distribute move-in traffic and reduce wait times. The times do not need to be strictly followed.

If you live within:

  • 0-75 miles from campus: Arrive 8-9am
  • 76-125 miles from campus: Arrive 9-10am
  • 126-150 miles from campus: Arrive 10-11am
  • 151-175 miles from campus: Arrive 11am - Noon
  • 176-200 miles from campus: Arrive Noon - 1pm
  • Over 200 miles from campus: Arrive After 1pm

Seal Hall Administrative office Hours: Saturday, noon - 4:00p.m. and Sunday, 10:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.

Follow us on Facebook and check your WIU student email for any updates regarding move-in.