Seven move-in tips for incoming and returning Patriots

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Moving to college is an exciting time, full of mixed emotions. It will certainly be one of the most memorable days of your college career and perhaps your life. George Mason University’s Housing and Residence Life staff have put together a few pointers to set your expectations and help you understand the move-in process.

1. Stick to Your Assigned Move-In Schedule

Avoid the temptation to come early and stick to your assigned move-in day/time. As you can imagine, lots of students will be checking in. All students are assigned a move-in date, time, and residence hall entry point. Check your Mason email (or the email listed on your Housing application) to ensure you have the right schedule for your move-in. Move-in times are also posted here.

2. Clearly Label EVERYTHING, and Keep Your Cleaning Supplies Accessible

Label the boxes with your name, hall, and room number. It makes it easier for our move-in volunteers—the Move Crew—to help you bring things up to your room. Please read the Mason Housing move-in packing list so that you are familiar with what to bring and what to leave behind. Clorox wipes, paper towels, hand soap, anything you need right off—make sure this is packed at the top of your list. Keep a box marked “Unpack First,” and have all your necessities there.

Members of Move Crew at George Mason University roll green bins outside at George Mason University to help new students move their luggage boxes. The students who are part of Move Crew are all wearing green "Move Crew" T-Shirts.
Move Crew at Freshman Move-In. Photo by Evan Cantwell / Office of University Branding.
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3. Check Out the Move-In Guide

What does the check-in process look like? Where do I get my Mason ID card from? What about COVID regulations? Where do I park?  How do I use the TV? Is there a laundry room? All these questions and more are answered in this step-by-step Move-In Guide. So take time to read it thoroughly.

4. Move Crew Is Here to Help You

The Move Crew is a team of student volunteers who welcome our new and returning students and their families, help unload, carry your items, and enjoy the energy that comes with move-in day. Please let them assist you—they are there to make you feel at home.

If you feel more comfortable moving your own items in, Green Bins are available and can be picked up near your assigned building to avoid multiple trips back and forth. Green Bins will be available at the Rappahannock Parking Deck, Ángel Cabrera Global Center, Liberty Square, and Potomac Heights.

5. Be Open to New Experiences!

Looking for a way to make friends this fall? Preamble is a series of campus events during move-in for incoming Patriots to enjoy and to learn more about the Mason campus! Also check out the Mason 360 App for ways to meet other students. Look at Mason Events.

Three students roll a bin full of student belongings at Freshman Move-in at George Mason University.
Freshmen Move-In. Photo by Evan Cantwell / Office of University Branding.

6. You’re Not Alone

Mason Housing staff are there for you 24/7. When in need, contact one of our desk teams for any issues—they will connect you to the correct staff if you don’t know where to go.

7. Read Your Emails and Newsletters—and Follow Us on Social Media

To stay informed with the latest move-in information, processes and deadline dates, follow us on social media, check your emails regularly, and ask our staff any questions you may have. And take responsibility to share information with your roommates.

Follow Mason Housing on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

Best of luck in your move-in and #Welcome2Mason.

To learn more about move-in and Housing and Residence Life, check out the move-in guide.

For additional questions, call 703-993-2720 or email housing@gmu.edu.