UVA Move-In Updates

Dear Parents and Guardians of First-Year Students:

Finally… we will be together on Grounds. First-Year Move-In – set for Wednesday, August 18, or Thursday, August 19 – is quickly approaching. Like you, we are excited for Move-In and Wahoo Welcome, and we are mindful, like you, that we need to keep everyone safe and healthy to start off the school year successfully.

Below is important information so you and your student can prepare for a successful move-in.

Indoor Masking Requirement: As of today, 95% of all UVA students are vaccinated. Given the health risks associated with the Delta variant, the University has returned temporarily to an indoor masking requirement for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. This requirement applies to everyone involved in move-in, including all residents, parents, family members, and guests. After move-in, students living in residence halls do not need to be masked in their rooms or common areas.

Upcoming Town Hall: University leadership will be hosting a virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, August 11, at 2 p.m. The event will offer the opportunity to hear from our public health experts and ask questions that may be on your minds. If you’re interested in attending, you can register here.

Important – Vaccination Requirement: A small number of students have not complied with the University’s requirements around the COVID vaccine or an approved exemption. These students received a communication yesterday with three possible options for compliance before move-in and the start of classes. Students who do not comply with one of the three options will be disenrolled from fall semester classes. Those who had been planning to move in to University housing will not be able to move in.

Move-In Resources: The Housing & Residence Life website is the best source of information about Move-In. What to bring, what not to bring, move-in times and locations, parking tips – you will find all these details and more on the website. Your student has also received an email with important information.

If you have questions about the move-in process and are unable to find the answer online, please call 434-924-3736 or email [email protected].

Checking In: Please park in the vicinity of your student’s residence hall where they must check in and receive their UVA Student ID by showing a valid government-issued photo ID. They will use their student ID to access their building and room.

Greeters, dressed in brightly colored T-shirts, will help unpack your car and carry items into the residence halls. University officials will be circulating throughout Grounds to provide help and answer questions.

Please note, the time slots are for checking in and brief, initial unloading. Once you move your vehicle to long-term parking, you can return to the residence hall to help with room set-up.

The University Police Department (UPD) and Parking & Transportation officials also will be providing assistance. UPD will be set up both days in front of Gilmer Hall on McCormick Road. Students can register their bicycles at those times. They can also use UPD’s online registration form.

President’s Welcome: President Jim Ryan will speak to parents, family members, and students on Wednesday, August 18, and Thursday, August 19, from 2 to 3 p.m. in Old Cabell Hall auditorium. Members of the president's leadership team also will be present to answer questions and meet parents. If you are unable to attend in person, the session will be livestreamed and a recording posted online. Please check the Wahoo Welcome website in coming days for a link to view the livestream. If you would like President Ryan to answer specific questions, please send them to [email protected]. Please remember to wear your mask if attending this event in person.

Individual schools also will host receptions on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon to welcome parents and students. For details, please see the Wahoo Welcome schedule.

Safety: It's important for students to practice good safety habits. When moving in to a new residence hall (or apartment), students should not leave personal items unattended or doors unlocked. Please help us reinforce smart safety with your student.

Residence Hall Meetings: Students must attend a welcome meeting with their Resident Advisors (RAs) on the evening they move in from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Please plan accordingly so your student can attend this mandatory meeting.

Dining Options: Several dining locations on Grounds will be open during Move-In for your convenience. You and other family members are invited to eat free at Runk, O’Hill, or FFCo. in Newcomb Hall with your student during Move-In. When accompanied by a student with a meal plan, parents may eat for free in dining rooms throughout the year. For a list of open locations and hours, see the UVA Dine website.

Hydration stations offering free bottled water also will be available in the first-year areas during Move-In. Dining staff will be on hand at welcome tents offering snacks, beverages, and free swag.

Saturday Evening Student Events: Students will be busy each day with activities after they move in. Of special note, Saturday evening will feature a free concert in the Amphitheatre. Following the concert, students can head to the Aquatic & Fitness Center for the Hoos Home welcome event featuring free food trucks, music, crafts, and games from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. RAs will escort their residents to these events.

Concerns: In the past, some students left the Grounds to attend a series of private parties in the Wertland Street area of Charlottesville on Saturday of move-in weekend. The parties are not sanctioned or supported by the University. They have historically created safety concerns for those who attend and likewise have attracted a large crowd. New students, as well as returning students, will have a great opportunity to connect with one another at the Amphitheatre concert, Hoos Home at the AFC, and at other events occurring during Wahoo Welcome.

Mailing Information: To find out how to send mail and packages to your student for on-Grounds housing, please see the Mail Information page.

Deposits to Cavalier Advantage: You can add funds online to your student's Cavalier Advantage account by selecting ONLINE DEPOSIT. You will need to know your student’s nine-digit University ID Number. Online transactions require a $25 minimum deposit plus a $2 processing fee; cash deposits made on Grounds at designated machines do not incur a processing fee and have a minimum deposit of $1. For additional information, consult the Cavalier Advantage website or contact the Cavalier Advantage office at 434-982-5735 or [email protected].

We look forward to your arrival, and we wish you well as you prepare for this transition in the life of your student and your family. Please call on us if we can help in any way.

Safe travels and warm regards,

Robyn S. Hadley
Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer