It’s here: TU's fall 2020 move-in

What students need to know for coming back to campus

By Kyle Hobstetter on August 12, 2020

A student sits in a cart while being pushed by parents
As move-in takes place this weekend, students will be allowed just two family members to help them take their belongings into the residence halls. 

Starting Thursday, Aug. 13, Towson University will welcome approximately 3,000 students to campus as part of fall move-in. 

While move-in usually takes place over a weekend, this year TU has expanded it to 10 days.

This is just one of many safety precautions the university is taking during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“One of the things we’ve consistently heard from our students is their excitement to return to campus,” says Vernon J. Hurte, vice president of student affairs. “We have continued to prioritize health and safety while also preparing to provide a great residential experience for our students.” 

READ MORE: Keeping students safe when they move back to campus 

Before coming to campus

Students must schedule the date and time they move in prior to arrival. They must also complete the pre-move-in process assignment on the student housing gateway to learn about safety, what to bring to campus and other useful information. 

Students are encouraged to pack light and bring other belongings as needed throughout the term. No large furniture—futons, desk chairs, bookcases, etc.—will be permitted this year. 

Please be aware students may have up to two helpers during move-in.

In the event students have to move out mid-term, they will need to take all belongings with them. Housing & Residence Life will not ship any resident possessions. 

READ MORE: Packing for college  

COVID-19 Testing

All students must complete a COVID-19 test within 10 days prior to their arrival and provide confirmation of a negative result to the university before arriving on campus. They will not be permitted to move into their residence hall assignment without it.

TU Health Center’s on-campus testing facility is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., in addition to weekend hours. Those wanting to take a test at the Health Center must register ahead of time.

TU community members who are tested for COVID-19 off campus are asked to keep their receipts, as TU will reimburse those costs. 

If a student tests positive, they will not be permitted to move to campus housing until 10 days after their positive test; during the last 24 hours of that time frame they must display no symptoms. They must also notify Housing & Residence Life that their arrival to campus will be delayed. 

SECU Arena Parking lot blocked off for move-in
The Lot 5 parking area is ready and set up to welcome students who are moving onto campus over the next 10 days. 

Arriving to campus
 

Towson University has set up a check-in process in Lot 5, near SECU Arena. All students and families will go there to pick up their residence hall key, OneCard, TU Cares package and orientation swag (for incoming freshmen and students who are transferring). 

Inclement weather, all move-in procedures will occur inside SECU Arena. In this case, only students will be allowed to pick up move-in materials.  

READ MORE: Parking information for fall 2020 move-in

Students will have a two-hour window to complete their move-in assignment, and there will be no university-sponsored move-in crew.

READ MORE: Resources for residents

In order to encourage physical distancing, the following safety measures will be in place:  

  • Roommates/apartment mates may not sign up for the same time block.
  • No more than eight students may sign up for a time block per building.
  • Elevator usage will be limited based on elevator size.
  • Signage will direct traffic flow within buildings.
  • Doors will be specified as entry or exit points.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available in building lobbies.
  • All residence hall front desks will be equipped with plexiglass.
  • There will be a limited number of carts available at each building. Wipes will be provided, and families will be responsible for wiping the cart down when it is returned. Carts must be returned at the end of the two-hour window. 
  • It’s recommended that families bring their own cart or dolly if possible. 

Now What? 

HRL has even more information to help students get settled in:

  • Student staff members will be available at each building’s community center to answer questions. 
  • Maintenance request can be made online at the bottom of HRL’s resource for residents page.  
  • Students will receive a communication from their resident assistant about a digital floor meeting on or around Aug. 20.
  • Students need to complete their online room condition report by Friday, Aug. 28. They will be sent an email about the process after they pick up their key. 
  • Review Welcome 2 TU to find out how to participate in welcome events like the socially distant silent disco, a virtual murder mystery and a virtual open mic.
  • Check out the Tigers Care website to learn what the university is doing to combat COVID-19.