Ithaca College Freshman Move-In Day: A Comprehensive Guide

Moving into college is a significant milestone, and Ithaca College strives to make the transition as smooth as possible for its incoming freshmen. This guide provides essential information regarding the Fall semester move-in process, covering everything from arrival dates and times to traffic considerations and check-out procedures.

Important Dates and Check-In

New students should be aware that they cannot check in prior to the official Fall semester Move-In Day. For Fall semester, move-in will take place the week prior to the start of classes. If you have approval to arrive earlier than August, please see the Early Arrival page for check-in information.

Move-In Dates & Locations:

Early Arrivals (Jumpstart): Monday, August 17, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Residents for all other areas of campus: Athletics and Events Center (A&E)
- Circles residents: Circles Community Center Office (9:00 AM-9:00 PM)
First Year and Transfer Students: Wednesday, August 19, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Residents for all other areas of campus: Athletics and Events Center (A&E)
- Circles residents: Circles Community Center Office (9:00 AM-9:00 PM)
Upper Years Students: Saturday, August 22, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM & Sunday, August 23, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

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- Circles residents: Circles Community Center Office (9:00 AM-9:00 PM)
- Residents for all other areas of campus: Towers Eatery

First-year students are pre-assigned a move-in time block, either in the morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) or afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM). You can arrive at any point during your assigned time block. Arriving at the start of your time block is not required, and it is anticipated that wait times will be longest at the start of each shift.

Late Arrival Check-In:

If arriving after 3:00 PM, there will be limited staff for check-in from 3:30 PM - 9:00 PM in the main Residential Life office, located in the lobby of East Tower, and in the Circles Area Office, within the Circles Community Center. Note that no assistance for check-in will be available after 9:00 PM.

Early Arrival

Students requiring early arrival due to employment, athletics, academics, or other campus involvement need to have their request submitted by their employment supervisor, coach, academic advisor, or other IC staff or faculty member. These requests will be approved when possible, depending on the reason and the availability of the specific room or apartment assignment. The relevant staff or faculty member should refer to Intercom for a message about the Early Arrival process toward the end of June. You must receive prior approval by the Office of Residential Life in order to move-in outside of your class year's move-in days.

Check-In Process

All students residing on campus must follow the room check-in process. During check-in, you will receive and sign for your room or apartment keys. No student is allowed to check-in prior to their designated check-in date without prior written approval for Early Arrival.

Severe Weather Protocol

Ithaca's weather can be unpredictable. In the event of severe weather, such as lightning, that creates dangerous conditions, key distribution will be paused. Staff directing traffic and Move-in crew volunteers will be directed to shelter inside. The SAFE IC App will be used to communicate if there is a pause in move-in and when the activities can be resumed once the danger has passed.

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Staying Informed

Students can use the SAFE IC app for free to stay informed about campus safety. Family members can also opt into the college’s Emergency Notification System to receive an IC Alert text whenever the college sends out an emergency message via SAFE IC. To opt in, text “ICVisitor” to 226787.

Navigating Ithaca Traffic

With students returning to both Cornell and Ithaca College campuses, traffic in and around the city of Ithaca is expected to increase significantly. Ithaca had a population of 32,108 according to the most recent United States census in 2020. World Population Review estimated in 2025 the city's population would sit at 34,422. Cornell teaches about 25,000 students on campus each year, and when combined with Ithaca College the campuses add just over 30,000 students to Ithaca in a given year. Many drive on the city's roadways to and from off-campus housing.

The online Go Ithaca Traffic Map and Navbug Ithaca Traffic cams can help you identify areas with high commuter traffic and vehicle accidents.

Streets to Consider Avoiding:

Route 13: This artery experiences heavy traffic during rush hours and student move-in periods, especially for those commuting from downtown or surrounding areas.
South Meadow Street: As the city's shopping hub outside of downtown, it can become congested as students and locals shop. West Spencer Street and Elmira Road offer an alternative route.
Green Street: Located in Downtown Ithaca, this street has experienced construction and closures and houses much of the city's municipal workforce. Consider parking and walking down Green for easier access to the downtown commons.
East Green Street intersection: Near the Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons, this intersection can experience traffic jams, especially as it's downhill from Cornell's campus. Walking and using the TCAT bus system are alternatives.
East State Street: This steep uphill road experiences heavy traffic during mornings and afternoons.
College Avenue and Collegetown: This area can be difficult to navigate for those unfamiliar with the Cornell landscape.

Check-Out Procedures

Understanding the check-out procedures is crucial for a smooth departure at the end of the semester.

Fall Semester:

Fall semester Circles residents who will not be living on campus during the Spring semester (e.g., December graduates, Study Abroad, LA, London, and NYC programs), must check-out of their apartments by the Residence Hall Closing Date for Winter break. Fall residents, including residents of Circle and Garden Apartments, who are not living on campus for the Spring semester (e.g., study abroad, December graduates) must check-out by the published Fall closing date.

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Spring Semester:

All Spring semester Circles residents must check-out by 5:00 pm on June 1. Spring residents, excluding residents of Circle Apartments, must check-out by the published closing date for the Spring semester or the Late Departure date approved by the Office of Residential Life. The days between June 1 and the published Fall Move-In Day are needed to conduct damage assessments, make necessary repairs, and prepare apartments for new residents.

Key Return:

When you check-out, it is important to return the apartment key/s that were issued to you on your move-in day. Simply return your room or apartment keys to the appropriate Area Office during office hours.

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