What Tigers need to know for move-in

While summer is typically quieter on Towson University's campus, starting in August it roars back to life with the return of thousands of students.

With more than 19,500 students taking classes this fall, including a record-high new student enrollment of more than 4,500 new Tigers, campus is about to get busy.

More than 6,000 students will be moving into the residence halls, and Towson University staff has been working tirelessly to make sure campus is ready.

“Move-In marks the beginning of one of the most exciting chapters in our students' lives," says Vernon J. Hurte, TU’s senior vice president for student affairs and university life. “Whether students are arriving for their first year or returning for another semester, our goal is to make them feel welcome from the moment they arrive on campus."

Along with the excitement of a new academic year, students and families have plenty to prepare for before arriving on campus. Here's what you need to know.

Use this guide to learn more about:

• moving in
• roommates
• residence halls 
• parking 
• dining on campus 
• OneCard
• student resources 
• stay in the know

Moving-In

Students’ housing assignments were sent to their TU email account on Fri., July 31. They will also be available on the Living@TU Portal under View Housing Assignments on Thurs., Aug. 6. Assignments contain residence hall assignment and roommate information.

Once a student arrives at the centralized check-in spot at SECU Arena, they will receive their room key. Parking for SECU Arena will be in Lot 8. Please follow signage located throughout campus.

Students should bring their OneCard with them to Central Check-In. For those who still need to pick up their card, the OneCard Office will have a satellite station in SECU Arena, where students can obtain their OneCard before checking in.

Move-In schedule

Students are required to sign up for a specific, one-hour check-in window between Aug. 19–23:

• Wed., Aug. 19: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. for new students with last names A–K
• Thurs., Aug. 20: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. for new students with last names L–Z
• Fri., Aug. 21: 12:30 p.m. – TBD for returning students
• Sat., Aug. 22: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. for returning students

For example, if a student selects 10 a.m. as their check-in time, they will have from 10–11 a.m. to check in at centralized check-in.

On August 6, students will receive an email with their assigned date and time to access the Living@TU Portal and select their check-in window. Check-in window selection will begin on August 7.

Roommates

One of the first relationships many students build at TU is with their roommate. Whether a student has selected or has been assigned a roommate, it is a great idea to reach out and get to know them ahead of move-In.  

Look at Housing and Residence Life’s tips on how to live with a roommate.

Residence Halls 

Learn more about your residence hall and what to expect before move-In.

All rooms are furnished with a mattress and frame, desk, chair, closet or wardrobe, shower curtains, dresser (part of the wardrobe for spaces with a wardrobe), wall-to-wall carpet (tile in the Glen Complex), microfridge, XFINITY On-Campus Streaming Service and internet access. Furniture dimensions can be found here.

Housing and Residence Life recommends that students only bring essentials. For a complete packing list, as well as a list of prohibited items, visit HRL’s packing for college web page.

Parking 

Parking for move-in 

After the 15-minute unloading period, vehicles must be moved from the unloading zone and parked in the designated parking garages or lots. Students and their guests should follow all posted signage and directions provided by parking staff.

General parking information

Students can now purchase their 2026–27 parking permits. You must be registered for classes and have your housing assignment (if applicable) before you can purchase a permit.

Students should purchase a parking permit prior to parking on campus. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. On most weekdays during the fall and spring semesters, the Towsontown, Glen and Union garages are full by 10 a.m. There is ample parking in the lots near the stadium complex, and free shuttle services are available.

All vehicles parked on campus must have a valid permit during enforcement hours: Monday – Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dining

All Towson University students—residents and commuters alike—can choose from 16 dining locations on campus. These include full-service, all-you-care-to-eat facilities at Glen Dining Hall, Newell Dining Hall and West Village Commons; grab-and-go options such as Einstein Bagels and Panda Express; and three convenience stores.

Students can choose from a number of dining plans, designed with options to suit their schedules. View Towson University meal plan options and dining costs.

To see the hours, menus, locations, information about dining plans and nutritional information for all of TU’s dining locations, check out the Tiger Hospitality website. Follow Tiger Hospitality’s Facebook and Instagram for dining specials.

OneCard 

The OneCard is the official Towson University ID card. It provides access to many university services: Cook Library privileges, free or reduced-price tickets to Towson University events, access to the Burdick Hall campus recreation center, and more.

The OneCard also provides cashless access to goods and services campus-wide.

Need to apply for your first OneCard? Watch this video for an overview of the process, then click here to start the online application and upload your photo.

Student Resources 

• The OTS Technology Support Desk can help students with email, TU NetIDs, passwords, Duo, wifi/internet and general technology issues. Your TU NetID and password are needed to access almost every online service at TU. If you're looking for software or to use multimedia equipment, OTS can point you in the right direction. 
• The Campus Recreation Center at Burdick Hall is a 235,000-square-foot recreation and fitness facility open to all Towson University students.
• The Counseling Center’s services include self-help programs, massage chairs, peer support, wellness workshops, meditation services, support groups, therapy groups, same-day mental health consultations, solution-focused support and referral services.
• The Health Center provides health and wellness services for all registered students. They can log into the Tiger Health Portal to manage records, make appointments and more.
• The Center for Student Diversity (CSD) provides advocacy and support for underrepresented and marginalized populations and fosters a welcoming, inclusive campus environment.
• The Career Center helps students prepare for job interviews, strengthen their resumes and explore career opportunities.

Stay in the know 

Look for the daily TU Today email and visit the Towson University Newsroom to get the latest campus news, events and announcements.

All students, faculty and staff are automatically enrolled in emergency text alerts. In addition, the Office of Public Safety shares safety alerts via email, the university’s website and, when appropriate, the campus emergency siren system.

Follow TU’s social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok. And remember, information about the university can be found by searching the Towson University website.