Housing and Residential Life
ECSU Move-In Guide
Welcome to ECSU! We’re excited to have you join our campus community. This guide will help you prepare for a smooth and stress-free move-in experience.
Move-In Dates
- New Students (Freshmen/Transfers Move-In): August 13
- Returning Students Move-In: August 14–15
- Residence Halls Open to All Students: August 15
Before You Arrive
- Complete your housing application through the ECSU portal
- Must be accepted to the university first
- Priority deadline: June 1 (for fall term)
- Access through your ECSU housing portal
- New freshmen are typically assigned double occupancy rooms
Required for housing updates and communication
What to Bring
Things You May Need
- Linens, towels, and pillows
- Blankets and mattress pad
- Clothes hangers
- Laundry detergent
- Alarm clock
- Desk lamp
- Safety-fused power strip
- Laundry basket or bag
- Pens, pencils, and paper
- Notepads and calendar
- Shower flip-flops
- Toiletries
- Mugs and cups
- Seasonal clothing
- Electric fan
- Toilet paper
- General cleaning supplies
Things You May Want
- Snacks
- Iron & Sewing kit
- Drawer lining
- Flashlight
- Bicycle with lock
- Games/Cards
- Message board
- “Wall Saver” removable tape
- Stuffed animals
- Computer and calculator
- Lap board
- First aid kit (plastic strips, cotton balls, aspirin, etc.)
- Television that is compatible with Spectrum U streaming service or Chromecast device
- Microwave (1000 watts or less)
- Refrigerator (up to 5 cubic feet)
Things to Leave At Home
- Pets
- Air conditioners
- Heaters
- Hot plates
- Firearms
- Frying skillets
- In/Outdoor grills
- Torch-style halogen lamps
- Weights
- Oil lamps
- Cinder blocks/bricks
- Candles, torches, and flammables
- Dartboards
- Contact paper or wallpaper
- Hammer and nails
- Dimmer switches
- Alcoholic beverages
- Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
Residence halls include amenities like:
- Wi-Fi
- air conditioning
- laundry facilities
- cable TV
- computer labs
Move-In Day Instructions
- Follow posted campus signage for your assigned residence hall
- Unload belongings in designated areas
- Visit your hall’s check-in desk
- Receive your room key and student information
- Move items into your room
- Meet your roommate(s)
- Get familiar with your building & campus
Residence halls are staffed 24/7 with professional staff and student leaders to assist you
Dining & Living
- First-year students are required to select a meal plan (e.g., 19 Meal Plan)
- Dining, classes, and campus services are all within walking distance
Transportation & Travel
- ECSU offers transportation assistance to:
- Norfolk International Airport- 2200 Norview Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23518,
- Newport News Airport- 900 Bland Blvd, Newport News, VA 23602
- Elizabeth City Greyhound Bus Station (K.E. White)
- Norfolk Amtrak Train Station- 280 Park Avenue; Norfolk, VA
- Local Pharmacy
- Travel accommodations must be requested through the Office of Housing & Residence Life at least two (2) weeks in advance of the anticipated travel date. An $85 nonrefundable transportation fee is required for each approved travel request.
Important Reminders
- Students must vacate residence halls during breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring) by posted deadlines
- Housing is required for all freshmen and sophomores unless they have been approved for a housing exemption in accordance with the University’s residency requirement policy.
- Submit all required forms and fees before arrival