First-Year Check-In: What to Expect

Switch to Your UNI to Access the Housing Portal 

Effective July 14, please use your UNI and University password to log into the Housing Portal. Your PID will no longer serve as a login credential. 

Your Arrival Date & Time

See your arrival time in the Housing Portal on the “Move-In Information” page.

Arrival times are assigned to optimize elevator operations and cannot be changed. Missing your arrival time may result in move-in delays.

What to Expect at Check-In 

Preparation is the key to a smooth Check-In experience. Review a step-by-step overview of what to expect when you arrive on campus.

• Bag Drop Day on August 29
  • If you can no longer participate in Bag Drop, please contact us as soon as possible.
• Check-In for international students on August 29
  • If you are unsure whether you are an international student, please refer to the arrival date provided in the Housing Portal.
• Check-In for domestic students on August 30

During Bag Drop and Check-In, elevators are reserved for moving belongings to rooms and for disability access. Individual access to residential floors may be restricted to stairs.

To-Do Now 

• Sign your Occupancy Agreement in the Housing Portal by August 1
• Obtain property insurance (recommended)
• Review the list of prohibited items and provided room furnishings and make a packing a plan
• Complete new student requirements as communicated by your school 

What Comes Next 

This is Check-In email 2 of 4. Later this month, we’ll send instructions for shipping to Columbia. The Student Mail Center will begin accepting packages on August 1.

In early August, we’ll send arrival instructions and other important day-of logistics. 

Register for the Check-In Webinars

Join us for a Columbia Countdown webinar! 

• July 24, Move-In Overview: Learn what to expect during the move-in process. Registration is required.
• July 31, Life on Campus: Learn about residential living, dining, and other campus resources. Registration is required.