Freshman Move-in: when/where do you get your room key?

<p>Subject says it all... S is in the 2-5 p.m. move-in time slot. Can he get his key before then, or is it part of the process during the move-in slot, or what?</p>

<p>I’m pretty sure he would need to get his ID and show it at the right service center, but I could be wrong.</p>

<p>That doesn’t sound right, Islander, just because they “suggest” that students in the 2-5 move-in slot get their ID before they move it, but don’t say that that’s necessary for other students. Anyhow, I’m sure someone there will tell him what to do, but if we could shortcut the process by knowing in advance how it would work, that could be beneficial. Thanks!</p>

<p>Last year I got my ID at Barton Hall at around 10, took the swimming test, ate lunch, then got my key in one of the lounges near the entrance of my dorm building. There should be a bunch of people helping new freshmen to move in, so ask if you’re not sure.</p>

<p>You get your room key inside of your dorm when you check in. At that time, you also get your mailbox key!</p>

<p>cool, thanks!</p>

<p>This is from this year’s Move-In Day for First Years:</p>

<p>"Move-In Information
Due to the large number of students arriving on campus on Friday, August 19, students living on North Campus will be assigned a move-in time based on the first letter of their last name.</p>

<p>If your last name begins with:
P-Z
A-G
H-O</p>

<p>Move in between the hours of:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p>

<p>Students who arrive early will NOT be able to move in before their assigned time. In the rare case that you cannot check in during your move-in time, please contact the Housing Office prior to Orientation."</p>

<p>I’d be extremely happy if I’m able to move in before my check in time. Maybe I’ll ask if I get there early.</p>

<p>We’re in the last slot but assuming that they mean it when they say he can’t move in early. I know the car tag they sent him has the 2-5pm time slot on it, so I’m sure we can’t drive up early. But maybe he can walk in and get his key toward the end of the earlier slot if they’re not too busy.</p>

<p>It’ll be tricky to stop with all the traffic on North. You could try doing that but it may not be possible unless you go to a parking lot or something.</p>

<p>I mean if we’re parked somewhere else, we could walk up there (or ride a shuttle), if he gets done checking in at Barton and has time to kill.</p>

<p>A few years ago (2006) we had that afternoon time slot for freshmen move in. Got to campus early, did all the running around and the swim test, and then went over to get his key well before the time slot opening. He was allowed to start moving in stuff. There was actually no problem moving in early – but he was in the townhouses which were less busy than the lines of cars for Balch and Mews etc. </p>

<p>When you see some of the North Campus car lines, you won’t want to get in line before your time!</p>

<p>This year (2011) I have a sophomore transfer moving into West Campus. Of course, we have the same late afternoon time slot. </p>

<p>I have to say – I still have my red parent button from move-in day 2006!
I am <em>excited</em> to be a 2x Cornell parent!</p>

<p>cnp55 if you have any great move-in day tips for a new Cornell parent, I’d be happy to hear them!</p>

<p>We’re driving in (4 hours) that morning, so we’ll probably arrive on campus around noon. Or maybe we’ll eat on the way in and arrive a bit later.</p>

<p>Allow plenty of time to park and get over to Barton. It would also be possible to park – I seem to remember general parking north of North Campus – and walk onto North, maybe even get dorm key, and be able to go <em>look</em> at the room. </p>

<p>I also remember Cornell having lots and lots of help to unload cars and get things into rooms. </p>

<p>Target is not far from campus – Pyramid Mall – and close to several hotels. In Pyramid Mall also is a Sears, a Barnes and Noble, some clothing stores, Dicks Sporting Goods etc. Several chain restaurants close by – Friendly’s, Applebees, etc.</p>

<p>Our 2006 experience was very different from most everyone elses’ as my son was an athletic recruit. Our goal on move in day was to get done as fast as possible because we had a team event to attend at 5 pm. We (meaning families and student/athletes) also had a team event on Sunday morning – so we stayed through noon Sunday. My son’s experience at Cornell was not typical college – and he would not have had it any other way.</p>

<p>There’s a whole bunch of student volunteers with carts who bring up luggage to each room.</p>

<p>I’m starting to get the feeling I’ve packed way too much stuff…</p>

<p>mathmom, you may want to try to park in the parking garage near Schoelkopf Stadium to go to Barton to pick up the Cornell ID. Then after you unload at move in, they will direct you to parking north of North Campus. When DS1 moved in, I remember thinking I was parking halfway to Syracuse. It would be a hike to get to Barton from there, but not too bad from the actual dorm. And of course your son will be way less exhausted than you are!</p>

<p>And I think I’d do it differently – assuming you are not that familiar with the campus. </p>

<p>I would part in that far North lot where you will be directed and use the famous buses to get back to Central Campus – or walk if mobility is not an issue. It’s easy for us familiar with the university to plan to park in the Crescent lot or in the garage and then drive to north … not so easy if you are new. </p>

<p>As I recall, there was lots of activity in the North Campus area. My Cornell freshman ('10) was approached by students trying to recruit him for crew. When that didn’t work (as he was promised to another sport) they tried to recruit S2 high school freshman (now Cornell’14) who was quite flattered. It was fun. The walking wasn’t bad. There was a bus if needed.</p>