海角社区

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Occidental students bring boxes into the residence hall on move in day

A quick guide to help you make your move-in experience smooth, organized, and stress-free.

Move-In Day for Fall 2026

Date: tbd
Check-In: tbd

 

Your first stop is the check-in station, located on the . We recommend entering campus at the intersection of .

At check-in, you will:

  1. Meet the Orientation and Residential Education & Housing Services (REHS) staff.
  2. Pick up your Occidental ID card (which serves as your electronic room key).
  3. Receive a map and directions to your residence hall.

Once you arrive at your hall, Orientation Leaders and REHS staff will help you unload and move in.

    Early Move-In (International Students & Student-Athletes)

    Some students may have alternate arrival dates if arranged by a coach or staff member. REHS cannot accommodate individual early move-in requests. Please arrange your own off-campus lodging if you arrive before your scheduled date.

    Move-in date for students participating in International Student Orientation: to be determined
    Move-in date for all other international students: to be determined

    Students participating in International Student Orientation will receive detailed move-in instructions directly from the International Programs Office.

    Move-in date: to be determined

    Early arrival information will come from your coach or the Athletics Office.

    Reminder: Parents and guests may not stay overnight on campus. If you plan to remain in the area, please arrange off-campus accommodations.

    Two roommates meet in the residence hall at 海角社区

    Room Assignment

    Housing assignments are finalized during the first week of August. Once ready, you鈥檒l receive an email from REHS with your hall and roommate information.

    After you鈥檝e received your assignment:

    • Reach out to your roommate(s) to introduce yourself and coordinate shared items.
    • Review the What to Bring to Campus list for packing suggestions.
    A student and her family unpack the car of belongings at 海角社区

    Getting to Your Residence Hall

    Our goal is to make move-in safe and efficient for everyone. Each hall has a drop-off zone鈥攑lease unload quickly and move your vehicle to a designated parking area.

    • Parking is limited鈥攐nly one vehicle per student is allowed for unloading.
    • Unattended cars in unloading zones will be towed (fire code restriction).
    • Most halls do not have elevators, so consider bringing a handcart.
    • Volunteers will be available to assist with heavy items.
    • Once you鈥檝e finished unloading, we ask that families depart promptly to allow space for others.

          Packing for the Big Day

          Getting ready to pack for your first semester at Occidental? We know you have questions about what鈥檚 provided, what to bring, and what to leave at home. Here鈥檚 a quick overview鈥攁nd where to find the full, official lists from REHS.

          • Pack your belongings in sturdy boxes or bins鈥攁void garbage bags.
          • Label everything clearly with your full name.
          • Do not bring pets.
          • Coordinate large items (mini-fridge, rugs, etc.) with your roommate.
          • Follow REHS staff directions for parking and unloading.

          Pro tip: Bring a water bottle, snacks, and sunscreen鈥擫os Angeles can be warm in August!

          Every residence hall room includes:

          • Twin XL bed frame and mattress (38鈥 x 80鈥)
          • Desk and chair
          • Dresser
          • Microfridge and microwave

          For a complete list of furnishings, visit the Housing Amenities webpage.

          Curious about how much space you鈥檒l have? Most first-year residence hall rooms range from 10鈥 x 13鈥 to 12鈥 x 14鈥, depending on the hall and room type.

          For detailed room dimensions by building, visit the Housing Room Dimensions page.

          You鈥檒l need a few essentials to make your space comfortable and functional. Most students bring:

          • Personal Identification (state ID and/or passport
          • Bedding (twin XL sheets, pillows, mattress cover)
          • Towels, toiletries, and a shower caddy
          • Fan or small evaporative cooler (for non鈥揂/C halls)
          • Laundry supplies and a hamper
          • Backpack, laptop, and basic school supplies

          See the full packing checklist and suggestions for optional items on the What to Bring page.

          A few common items aren鈥檛 allowed in residence halls for safety and space reasons鈥攖hink open-flame items, high-heat appliances, and personal furniture.

          Be sure to review the complete "What Not to Bring" list on the housing website before packing.

          Quick tip: Halogen lamps, hot plates, and candles are not permitted anywhere in residence halls.
           

          Make your move-in eco-friendly:

          • Pack with reusable containers instead of disposable boxes.
          • Use towels or clothes to cushion fragile items.
          • Avoid Styrofoam and other non-recyclable materials.
          • Recycle cardboard after unpacking.

          If you鈥檇 like to send a few boxes to campus before move-in, Postal Operations can accept limited shipments for new students. Space is tight, so please plan accordingly and ship only what鈥檚 essential.

          Packages should be clearly labeled with your name and campus mailbox number (found in your my海角社区 portal). You鈥檒l be able to pick up your items after checking into your residence hall.

          For detailed shipping instructions, labeling examples, and move-in weekend hours, visit the Postal Operations webpage.
           

          Occidental is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings in residence halls, including during move-in. We strongly encourage you to have renter鈥檚 insurance or other personal property coverage to protect your items against theft, fire, or water damage.

          Many students are covered under a family homeowner鈥檚 policy or choose a separate plan like GradGuard Renter鈥檚 Insurance, offered in partnership with the College.

          For full details and coverage options, visit the Renters Insurance and Liability page.

          Room Decorating & Personal Items FAQs

          Decorating your room is one of the most exciting parts of making campus feel like home! Here are a few quick do鈥檚 and don鈥檛s to help you personalize your space safely and respectfully.

          You鈥檙e welcome to decorate your room鈥攋ust keep it respectful and safe.

          • Use blue painter鈥檚 tape only (no nails, screws, or adhesives).
          • Don鈥檛 cover or hang anything near smoke detectors, alarms, or sprinklers.
          • Avoid materials that could damage walls or furniture.
          • Remove all decorations before move-out to avoid damage fees.

          Be mindful that decorations should not display content that鈥檚 offensive or disruptive to the community.

          No. Furniture assigned to lounges or shared areas must stay there. Moving it into your room may result in a Student Conduct referral and a charge to have it returned.
           

          Only College-issued furniture is allowed in residence hall rooms, including chairs and mattresses. Personal furniture鈥攍ike couches, large tables, or alternative mattresses鈥攃an create fire hazards and aren鈥檛 permitted.
           

          You can rearrange your furniture, but don鈥檛 take it apart or alter it. If College furniture is disassembled or damaged, it must be reassembled by Facilities at your expense.

          Please don鈥檛 hang anything inside or outside your window, including flags, sheets, posters, or banners. All rooms come with standard window coverings provided by the College.

          No need! Every room already includes a microfridge and microwave. Additional refrigerators aren鈥檛 permitted.

          Personal A/C units aren鈥檛 allowed due to electrical limitations in the residence halls. Even with central air, Los Angeles can be warm in August and September鈥攚e recommend bringing a fan. Learn more about cooling efforts on the Residence Hall Cooling page.

          Office of Admission
          Collins House

          1600 Campus Road
          Los Angeles, CA 90041