Early Arrival Request Information

Residents wishing to arrive early for Fall 2026 must review the following details carefully before submitting a request. Please note: This is a request-only process, and approval is not guaranteed.

No early arrivals will be approved before Friday, August 14, 2026 unless you are part of an approved athletic team.

Official Move-In Dates

  • New Student Move-In is: Thursday, Aug. 20th, 2026
  • Returner Student Move-In is: Friday, Aug. 21st, 2026 - Sunday, Aug. 23rd, 2026
  • Students are encouraged to move in on or after their assigned date.
  • Check-in is available through the second day of classes with no financial penalty.

Why Early Arrival May Not Be Approved

  • Residence halls are not fully staffed prior to official opening and cannot support early safety and security needs.
  • You are not participating in a university-sponsored early arrival program, such as being a student-athlete, an approved on-campus student worker, or involved in a required campus activity.
  • Facility projects or renovations may prevent early access to some buildings or rooms.

Requesting Early Arrival

  • The Early Arrival Request Form will open July 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM.
  • Submit requests by August 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM to receive the standard $35/night rate.
  • Requests submitted after the deadline will be considered late and charged $50/night if approved.
  • Late requests may still be reviewed even if you haven’t received your housing assignment.
  • Please email Residence Life at reslife@uis.edu to inquire about early arrival.

Decision Notifications

  • Students will be notified of their early arrival request status as early as August 10, 2026 via email. Approved athletic teams will be notified as early as August 3, 2026 via email.

Policies During Early Arrival

  • Students approved for early arrival are subject to all housing policies and procedures outlined in the housing contract.
  • Violations may result in removal from early arrival housing.
  • Standard Residence Life rules (e.g., no guests, restricted visitation) are enforced during this period.

Questions? Contact Us!

Phone: 217.206.6190

Email: reslife@uis.edu