Move-In/Out Information

Living on campus is an exciting part of your Montclair State University experience. From move-in day to move-out, Residence Life is here to help you feel prepared, supported and at home.

Get Ready for Move-In!

Before arriving on campus, make sure you have completed all required steps, including your housing agreement, immunization records and any outstanding account requirements.

Students will receive a designated move-in date and time, along with important details, through their Montclair email prior to arrival.

Move-In Day Checklist

Before arriving on campus, make sure you are ready to go:

  • Check your assigned move-in date and time in your Montclair email
  • Complete your housing agreement in RMS
  • Submit your immunization records
  • Confirm your emergency contact information in NEST
  • Review your student account balance or payment plan
  • Pack only approved items for your space
  • Label your belongings for an easier move-in process 
  • Consider getting a renter's insurance policy!

Get Your Hawk Pass!

Move-In Day

Move-in is designed to be a smooth and structured process to help you get settled quickly.

  • You will be assigned a specific move-in date and time
  • Staff will be available to direct you and assist with check-in
  • You will unload your belongings in designated areas before moving your vehicle
  • Guests may assist, but should be limited to reduce congestion

Students may be required to complete pre-arrival steps before being cleared to check in, including account balance requirements, submitting emergency contacts and completing required forms. All information will be sent to your Montclair email prior to keep you on track!

student sitting outside with belongings

What's In My Room?

Every room has one bed, closet, desk, chair and dresser per student. Please read through the list below of other recommended items to bring with you, or to leave at home!

Once you move in, you are responsible for maintaining your space and following community expectations including keeping your room clean and organized, disposing of trash properly, following quiet hours and community guidelines. 

You are also about to report maintenance issues as needed and a member of our facilities staff will be in touch to get it cleaned/fixed! Learn more about How To Submit Work Orders.
 

What To Bring

The following are approved items every room could benefit from!

  • Bedding (Twin Extra-Long)
  • Storage crates
  • Garbage cans and bags
  • Umbrella
  • Seasonal clothing
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • Shower curtains and hooks*
  • Bath Mat*
  • Toilet paper*

*Not needed for community-style bathrooms (Bohn Hall and Stone Hall)

  • Cleaning supplies
  • High Efficiency (HE) Laundry detergent
  • Clothes hamper
  • Hangers
  • Laptop/PC
  • Printer (we do have free printing labs on campus)
  • TV
  • Fan
  • Power strip/surge protector
  • Hairdryer
  • Coffee pot or Keurig with auto-shut offs
  • Blender
  • Paper towels
  • Plates
  • Utensils
  • Cups
  • Snacks
  • Small Brita pitcher or water bottles
  • Iron/ironing board
  • First aid kit
  • Plunger
  • School supplies
  • Reading / desk lamp
  • Flashlight and batteries

Apartment Residents

Residents who live in Hawk Crossings or the Village have a few additional items allowed or recommended to bring. 

Please do not bring kitchen appliances to traditional residence halls.

  • Pots
  • Pans
  • Cooking utensils
  • Potholders
  • Small kitchen appliances (limit to one of each type per apartment)
    • Microwaves must be 700 watts or under
  • Dish drying rack
  • Dishwasher detergent (Village only)**
  • Bar stools* (Village only)

*Hawk Crossings comes with a small kitchen table and four chairs.

**Not all apartments have dishwashers

What NOT To Bring

We’ve compiled a list of items that are prohibited in all residence halls. If the following are found in rooms during health and safety checks, they may be confiscated.

  • Bed risers
  • Canopies that hang over beds
  • Curtains
  • Wall/surface coverings (wallpaper, contact paper, wall graphics/murals, paint, adhesive wall/floor tiles, etc.)
  • Replacement utility fixtures (shower heads, portable bidets, faucets, light fixtures, etc.)
  • Outside furniture (anything to replace furniture provided by the University and/or additional furniture added to a space; this includes but is not limited to bed frames, headboards, mattresses, desks, chairs, closets, dressers, futons, couches, bean bag chairs, bookshelves, butterfly chairs, ottomans, TV stands, tables, nightstands, etc.)
  • Candles/wax warmers
  • Incense
  • Any herbs with the intention to burn (e.g: Sage)
  • Flammable liquids
  • Charcoal
  • Fireworks
  • Gas, propane or grills

Any items found will be confiscated and disposed of during health and safety inspections.

  • Non-approved power sources (extension cords, multi-plug adapters or anything without UL seal of approval)
  • Non-approved lighting (neon lights and signs, halogen lamps, lava lamps, torchiere lamps, plastic multi-headed octopus lamps)
  • LED rope/stripe lights
  • Gasoline-powered items (mopeds, generators, motorized scooters)
  • Electronic Bikes/Scooters

Please be sure to read the full policy on ebikes/scooters.

  • Hookahs
  • Hoverboards
  • Live holiday decorations (trees, wreaths, corn stalks, hay)
  • Lock, chain or other locking devices to install on room or bathroom doors
  • Space heaters
  • Subwoofer speakers
  • Portable washer and/or dryer machines
  • Weapons and ammunition
  • Surveillance and Recording Devices* (e.g. video-recording doorbells, nanny cameras, baby monitors, etc.)

*The use of any device intended to photograph, record, livestream, or otherwise capture images or audio of individuals without their explicit consent is strictly prohibited.

Please also consider reading through the Student Code of Conduct for further instructions.

Fish in aquariums 5 gallons or smaller permitted - all other animals must be registered and approved by the Disability Resource Center.

Animals found in rooms that do not have the proper or prior approval will be asked to removed from the residence hall immediately. Students who fail to comply will be documented through the Office of Student Conduct.

Room & Building Specific Notes

Please select the drop-downs of the type of hall or building you are living in for extra instruction on what you can and cannot bring.

Kitchen appliances are not permitted in traditional residence halls, including hot plates, rice cookers, Crock Pots, toasters, toaster ovens, electric skillets, coffee makers without auto-shut offs, George Foreman grills, Instant Pots, popcorn makers, deep fryers and waffle makers.

Microwaves & Refridgerators

  • One (1) refrigerator is permitted per room
    • Refrigerators must be 3.5 cubic feet or under
  • One (1) microwave is permitted per room
    • Microwaves must be 700 watts or under

Not sure if your building is a traditional residence hall? Read about all of our residence halls to learn more.

Bohn and Stone Halls have community style bathrooms on each floor which includes sinks, toilets and showers available for use. Residents are given a code to open the bathroom for extra security.

  • Bathrooms are cleaned daily by housekeeping staff
  • Shower curtains and toilet paper are provided!

Freeman Hall does not have any overhead lighting to please be sure to bring approved lighting fixtures for your floor or desk.

Move-Out & Closing

At the end of the semester, students are expected to move out within 24 hours after their last final exam for both the fall and spring semesters.

Before leaving:

  • Remove all personal belongings
  • Clean your room and shared spaces
  • Dispose of trash properly
  • Return all keys using the required check-out process
  • Ensure windows are closed, lights are off and doors are locked

Failure to follow proper check-out procedures may result in additional charges or fees. Residence Life staff will send instructions and be available to assist during the move-out processes. They will also check each room after move-out to assess for any damages.
 

Questions?

If you have questions about move-in, move-out or preparing for life on campus, contact the Office of Residence Life.

Residence Life

The Office of Residence Life, in collaboration with campus partners, provides a residential experience that supports your academic success, safety and personal growth. Through our facilities, services and programs, we create an environment where you feel supported, engaged and at home.