Residential Student Move-In

We can't wait to welcome you to your home for the next academic year!

Below you will find your designated move-in dates & times, key pick-up instructions and move-in directions. We look forward to seeing you!

Check-in Locations

Move-In & Unloading Information

North End Halls

77 West, Catlin Hall, Evans Hall, rifkin Hall, Roth Hall, Weiss Hall

After you pick up your keys, drive down River Street and make a right onto Northampton St.

Thursday: There will be police officers / public safety officers directing traffic. Please park in the Ron & Rhea Simms Center Parkade once all belongings are unloaded. Meter parking is available, but you must pay the fee. The city will ticket overdue cars.

West River Street Halls

Michelini Hall, Waller North Hall, Waller South Hall

After you pick up your keys, drive to West River Street. The wrap around driveway at Waller Halls is for unloading only. Street parking is available for all three halls. Please park in the Ron & Rhea Simms Center Parkade once all belongings are unloaded. Meter parking is available, but you must pay the fee. The city will ticket overdue cars.

South Franklin Street Halls

40 West, Pearsall Hall, Sturdevant Hall

After you pick up your keys, drive to Franklin Street, in front of your building. Please park in the Ron & Rhea Simms Center Parkade once all belongings are unloaded. Meter parking is available, but you must pay the fee. The city will ticket overdue cars.

South River Street Halls

Sullivan Hall, Slocum Hall

After you pick up your keys, drive to South River Street. Please park in the parking lot across the street from Sullivan Hall. 


First Year Students

Thursday, Aug. 24

In order to reduce stress on families, buildings, and traffic on campus, move-in times have been established for each first year student. All First Year Students should direct themselves to the Henry Student Center for check in. Residence Life staff will be there 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day to hand out keys and answer any questions.

To ensure that first year students have additional support while in their first days on campus, move-in times are based on your Orientation Mentor group assignment as listed below:

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

  • Adam Butterwick
  • Aiden Allen
  • Andrea Arauz
  • Arlyn Rivera
  • Bennett Kubic
  • Brenda Arias
  • Brian Guzman
  • Daniel Williams
  • Daphne Shencavitz
  • Darwin Gonzalez
  • Ellie Freiss
  • Emily Purcell
  • Emily Repp
  • Emma Freels
  • Esther Orlando
  • Eza Chaudhry
  • Gabrielle Moore
  • Gisela Orama

1 - 4 p.m.

  • Jake Middleton
  • Kalei McCourt
  • Kara Beerly
  • Kimberly Wheeler
  • Kylie Jayne
  • Leah Kubasek
  • Liam Hackett
  • Lizzy Franco
  • Maria Rodriguez
  • Matthew Haubert
  • Matthew Schwarztrauber
  • Maxine Bodnari
  • Morgan Steiner
  • Morgann Davis
  • Morganne Seitz
  • Samara Carey
  • Shelby Brazes

Transfer Students

All transfer students will go to the Henry Student Center (84 W South St) to retrieve their key. Transfer students can report to campus on Thursday, Aug. 24 between 9 a.m and 4 p.m. so they can settle in to participate in Welcome Weekend activities. Transfer students and their families should follow the same loading and unloading instructions included above for their hall.


Returning Students

For all returning students, you will want to make sure that you know which day you will be returning to campus and plan accordingly. All returning students should follow the times listed to ensure move-in is a positive experience for all involved.

For students in these halls, you will report to the Henry Student Center located at 84 W. South St to retrieve your room key from the Office of Residence Life. You can retrieve your key during the times listed below.

Friday, Aug. 25

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Michelini Hall
  • Rifkin Hall
  • Sullivan Hall
  • 77 West

Saturday, Aug. 26

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Fortinsky Hall
  • Slocum Hall
  • Weiss Hall

All residents residing at 40 West (aka the YMCA, 40 W Northampton St, Wilkes-Barre, PA) will proceed to the Henry Student Center to retrieve their keys during their assigned move in day and time. You can retrieve your key during the times listed below. Afterwards, you will need to stop at the Front Desk of the YMCA to receive a swipe card that will give you access to the residential floors.

Apartment Assignment Move In Day & Time
4th Floor, Even Apartments (402, 404, 406, etc.) Friday, Aug. 25 - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
5th Floor, Even Apartments (502, 504, 506, etc.) Friday, Aug. 25 - 1 to 4 p.m.
4th Floor, Odd Apartments (401, 403, 405, etc.) Saturday, Aug. 26 - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
5th Floor, Odd Apartments (501, 503, 505, etc.) & 6th Floor Saturday, Aug. 26 - 1 to 4 p.m.

All University Towers residents may proceed directly to University Towers at 10 E South St to check in. Residence Life staff will be there to assist with key distribution. Please refer to the chart below to determine what your move in time will be. It is imperative that folks adhere to the times assigned below so we can maintain a smooth move-in day.

Apartment Assignment Move In Day & Time
"00" Apartments (100, 200, 300, etc.) Thursday, Aug. 24 - 8 to 11 a.m.
"70" Apartments (170, 270, 370, etc.) Thursday, Aug. 24 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"10" Apartments (110, 210, 310, etc.) Thursday, Aug. 24 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"60" Apartments (160, 260, 360, etc.) Thursday, Aug. 24 - 2 to 5 p.m.
"20" Apartments (120, 220, 320, etc.) Friday, Aug. 25 - 8 to 11 a.m.
"50" Apartments (150, 250, 350, etc.) Friday, Aug. 25 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"30" Apartments (130, 230, 330, etc.) Friday, Aug. 25 - 2 to 5 p.m.
"80" Apartments (180, 280, 380, etc.) Saturday, Aug. 26 - 8 to 11 a.m.
"40" Apartments (140, 240, 340, etc.) Saturday, Aug. 26 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"90" Apartments (190, 290, 390, etc.) Saturday, Aug. 26 - 2 to 5 p.m.

Requesting An Alternate Move-in Day & Time

For folks whose move in day and time assignment will pose a significant financial hardship, they can request an alternate time. Requests for an alternate move in days or times will only be considered for situations in which the student can demonstrate significant financial hardship with their assigned day and time. Documentation may be required for approval.

You will be required to send an email to reslife@willkes.edu with "Requesting An Alternate Move In Day & Time" in the subject line and the reason for your request in the body of the email.


Suggested Packing List

It's important to think critically about what you are bringing with you to campus on move-in day. It's best to bring only the essentials. In order to help with that planning, Residence Life has created a suggested packing list of some must-haves and things you can probably consider leaving at home!

And of course, please don't bring anything on the list of prohibited items.

  • Bedding (sheets, comforter, pillows)
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Computer, ethernet cable (WiFi is available in all residence halls, but wired connections can be more reliable)
  • Headphones
  • Laundry detergent (pods are best)
  • Toiletries (hand soap, body wash, shampoo)
  • Towels
  • Lamps
  • Mattress topper
  • Numerous gaming consoles and media players
  • Plastic storage totes and suitcases
  • Shoe racks and excessive amounts of shoes
  • Additional furniture (cube organizers, desks, gaming chairs, etc.)
  • Area rugs or carpets
  • Multiple heavy coats or jackets
  • Printer