Frequently Asked Questions | Office of Residence Life

MOVE IN DAY

Yes, All residential students with confirmed residence hall room assignments will move in on January 27 – January 30, 2022.

Please review the “What to Bring” checklist.
Complete vaccinations/booster shots and submit documentation to portal no earlier than Monday, January 24, 2022.
Complete payment confirmation prior to arrival on campus.
We recognize that some residents may not need the 3-hour window to check-in. However, we are providing the 3-hour window nonetheless to manage and organize crowd sizes during the check-in period.

LIFE IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS

Yes! Scheduling an appointment helps us to ensure that we are following health and safety guidelines to protect everyone, help manage crowd sizes, and reduce risk.
Under normal circumstances, the University hosts approximately 2,000 individuals on campus annually on residential check-in day. To limit the crowd size, exposure to the possible threat of the COVID-19 virus, and following the guidelines to restrict gatherings to 50 or less while practicing social distancing, we have chosen a reservation system for our check-in procedure to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Please coordinate with us so that we can manage the crowd size while following proper health and safety protocols. Again, our priority at this moment is the health and safety of our residents and their loved ones.

Please bring masks and any other PPE items you may need for yourself and your two helpers who will assist you with check-in. Sanitation stations (masks, gloves, sprays, wipes) will be available at all residence halls/apartments.
Please bring a dolly or hand-truck for a safer and quicker move-in.
Please bring only two helpers to campus to help you move in and try to pack only essential belongings. Only two (2) healthy helpers will be allowed in the residence halls during check-in.
Drive to Clusters parking lot to confirm your vaccination status and other check-in items. You will need to present your UMES ID or government-issued ID for service. Please view the map here.
Drive to your assigned residence hall. Directions will be given at Clusters Parking Lot. Reminder: Masks and gloves must be worn by the student and the student’s two helpers at all times.
Give your completed check-in card to your community staff and your key will be issued. With the help of two healthy helpers, move your personal belongings to your assigned room. Please follow all printed signs and arrows to maintain social distancing safely (masks, signs, arrows, gloves, etc.). Face coverings are mandatory for everyone throughout the Check-In process. NOTE: YOU MUST KEEP THE SAME TWO HELPERS THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS.

Check-in is centralized this year to maintain social distancing. To that end, the Office of Residence Life is hosting check-in clearance in the Clusters parking lot to accommodate everyone faster. We estimate your wait time will be 15 – 20 minutes to get complete check-in clearance once you are in line at the Clusters parking lot. All residents must complete check-in clearance at the Clusters parking lot before unloading at their assigned residence hall.
Please arrive during your allotted time. If a traffic jam or unexpected delay causes you to be a few minutes late, don’t worry. Relax and drive safely. You do not need to notify Residence Life that you are running a few minutes late. However, if you are running hours (or a day) late, try to call or email Residence Life.
Staff will be wearing official Residence Life t-shirts and name tags. They will be able to help you with any questions.

Bring your UMES ID card or government-issued photo ID to the check-in location (LOT S).
Residents and two helpers will be subjected to a thermal scan/app review at LOT S.
After completing your housing application, you are legally bound to your housing contract. The 2023-2024 housing contract ends on May 18 , 2024. Refer to the Housing Terms and Conditions for further information.
For information on what to pack, visit our “What To Bring” page.