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How to navigate campus during IU move-in

Aug 19, 2019

The fall semester is less than a week away, and thousands of Indiana University students are coming back to town with their belongings in tow.

Move-in means a slew of new people and new cars on campus. Here’s an IU employee’s guide to navigating the pre-semester crowd.

Dates to know

traffic for move-in day
Backed-up traffic during the 2017 move-in.Photo by James Brosher, Indiana University

Traffic began picking up Sunday, Aug. 18, with early arrival that day and Monday, Aug. 19.

Grand move-in days – a.k.a. the days with the most students moving on campus and the most traffic – are Tuesday, Aug. 20, and Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Classes start Monday, Aug. 26.

Getting around

families unload belongings
Students and their families unload their belongings onto the curb before moving up to their rooms.Photo by James Brosher, Indiana University

Students moving in can park their cars outside their residence halls for 15 minutes while they unload, but then vehicles will need to move to the purple and white stadium parking lots for long-term parking. Expect those lots and the roads near them to be busier than usual.

In addition to on-campus housing, IU is leasing housing for upperclassmen at Reserve on Third (South Park Ridge Road), Park on Morton (North Morton Street) and Smallwood (North College Avenue). With more students living off campus this year, traffic around town will be busier than usual as well.

Campus Bus will have an adjusted route through Aug. 24 to accommodate students and their families during move-in. Download the Campus Bus app to track buses. Regular routes start Aug. 25.

The interactive IU campus map also has additional details; select “2019 Move-in” on the menu to see more.

Tips to keep in mind

An IUPD officer directs traffic
An IUPD officer directs traffic during a previous move-in day.Photo by James Brosher, Indiana University

Give yourself plenty of time. Driving to and parking on campus will take longer than usual. Plan ahead so you aren’t rushing.

If you can, consider walking, biking or taking the bus to work on those days.

Be extra alert. Many of the people walking and driving on campus will be new to town, so they may not know where they are going.

How to help during the start of the semester

Student Involvement Fair
The student involvement fair is Aug. 29 in Dunn Meadow.Photo by Chaz Mottinger, Indiana University

Download the IU FYE app to find details on Welcome Week events and attend them along with the students.

Sign up to be an IU Guide on the first two days of classes, and help students by answering questions and giving directions.

Volunteer for the Student Involvement Fair in Dunn Meadow from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 29. Email Alison Miron at for more information.

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