2026 Move-In Day for Living Learning Communities
Sunday, August 16, 2026
WHAT TO EXPECT ON MOVE-IN DAY
Step 1: Ensure that your BearCard Mobile is Set-up
Before you do ANYTHING else regarding your move in process, please ensure that your BearCard Mobile is active and set up on your cell phone’s digital wallet. You can read more about setting up your BearCard Mobile on the BearCard website. You will need it for door access beginning at 5:00 pm on Sunday, August 16th and for your meal plan.
BEARCARD MOBILE SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 2: Determine your Move-In Day Shift
The assisted move-in process for freshmen only will take place on Sunday, August 16. There is no need to register or sign up for this process. Your move-in time slot will depend on the Living Learning Community to which you are assigned. Please be sure to take note of the designated color of your Living Learning Community for the traffic maps below.
You will be mailed two physical hang tags to place around your rearview mirror that will state your move-in shift time, as well as help the UCA Police Department identify you and direct you into the appropriate traffic lane. The hang tags will be mailed the first week in August.
8:00 AM – 10:30 AM MOVE-IN SHIFT
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM MOVE-IN SHIFT
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM MOVE-IN SHIFT
Step 3: Locate Your Living Learning Community’s assigned entrance and traffic flow on the campus map
If you have two vehicles, make sure both cars have a hangtag and know your Living Learning Community’s name and room number. Only two vehicles are permitted per resident.
U-Hauls & trailers are not permitted in front of the residence halls during the move-in shifts. U-Hauls and trailers will be required to park in the overflow parking lots.
If you more than two vehicles with you, they should park in the overflow parking lot and then meet you at your Living Learning Community rather than going through the traffic routes on the map.
LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITY TRAFFIC MAPS
Step 4: Pack Wisely
All of your belongings should be boxed/bagged and tagged. Please make every effort to organize your belongings in boxes, plastic bins, or trash bags and label them with your first and last name, your residence hall name, and room number. This helps our volunteers make quick work of getting items to your room. Also make sure to review this suggested packing list that includes items you should not bring to your residence hall room.
Step 5: Pull Up and We Will Unload!
You may have to wait in line, but we will get to you! Our goal is to get you into your room as quickly and efficiently as possible.
When you arrive at your Living Learning Community, we will unload all your belongings. It is very important that you Do not leave your vehicle unattended, even if just for a moment.
Additionally, no U-Haul trucks or trailers will be permitted in line. A maximum of two vehicles are permitted in the unloading line per resident; any additional vehicles will be asked to park in the overflow parking lots.
Our goal is to unload your vehicle as quickly as possible so that you can park and come back to find all of your belongings already in your room.
Step 6: Check-In to Housing
While your items are being moved to your room, the Housing & Residence Life staff will meet you in your Living Learning Community lobby to check you in with the QR code that is emailed to you in August. You will receive your room key at this time.
LLC Move-In Day Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on Move-In Day for Living Learning Communities?
Campus will be very busy! Please be patient as we work to help every new student moving onto campus. The experience will be smoothest for you if you arrive during your designated time frame and follow the traffic flow path for your LLC. The good thing is - we will do all the work for you! Once you arrive at your LLC, volunteers will unload your car and bring your belongings to your room. You will then immediately move your car to a parking spot, check in with Housing in your LLC lobby to receive your key, and then head to your room where your belongings will be waiting for you!
What if I can’t come during the time frame for my LLC?
That is okay! If you cannot come during the designated slot for your Living Learning Community, you won’t be able to move in on that day until one hour after the move-in shifts have concluded. You can move in after the move-in process, or on another day of the week prior to the first day of classes. You can call the Duty Phone Number posted on the front door of your LLC. As long as you check in by 5:00 pm on the day that classes begin, your room assignment will still be reserved for you. Please know that volunteers will only be available to help you move in during the designated time slot for your LLC.
What should I pack for my Living Learning Community room?
We recommend visiting uca.edu/housing/what-to-bring/ for a list of items to bring and not to bring.
I’d prefer to move in my belongings without help from the volunteers. Is that possible?
You can move in independently one hour after all LLC move-in time slots have concluded, as well as during the next week from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can check in by calling the Duty Phone Number posted on the front door of your LLC. As long as you check in to your Living Learning Community by 5:00 pm on the first day of classes your room assignment will still be reserved for you.
If I leave and come back, will I be able to unload things at the front door of my LLC?
Please make note of the Move-In Day maps and time frames if you leave campus on Move-In Day for Living Learning Communities. The traffic flow will be heavy in some areas depending on the time, you may not be able to make it back to the front door of your LLC until after 5:00 pm on Move-In Day.
What do I do with this hang tags once I’ve moved in?
Throw it away! Or maybe you want it as a keepsake? This hang tag does not serve as your parking permit and its only purpose is during Move-In Day for Living Learning Communities. Your yearly parking permit may be picked up at the University Police Department after you move in; just make sure to your BearCard Mobile is set up.
Is there a limit to the number of people who can come with me on Move-In Day for Living Learning Communities?
There is currently not a limit to the number of guests per student, but please be mindful that there is limited space in your room and you also will have a roommate moving in on the same day. Things are busy, but it wouldn't be Move-In Day if it wasn't busy! If you have individuals attending with you outside of your two vehicles, they should park in the overflow parking lots and meet you at your Living Learning Community rather than going through the traffic routes on the map.
Will offices be open on Move-In Day for Living Learning Communities?
Yes! Several offices will be open for the Fall 2026 Move-In Day to help you while family members on are campus with you.
Housing & Residence Life: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
BearCard: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Financial Aid: 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Student Accounts: 11:00 am-3:00 pm
IT Help Desk: 10:00 am-2:00 pm
UCA Bookstore: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Will there be food options on campus available on Move-In Day?
Yes! Several of our food locations will be open during LLC Move-In Day for the Fall 2026 semester!
Food Court: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Pizza Hut: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Mooyah's: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
P.O.D.: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Bear Village C-Store: 12:00 pm-5:30 pm
Einstein Bros. Bagels: 7:00 am-2:00 pm
Starbucks: 5:00 pm-10:00 pm
1907 Bread Co: 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Christian Cafeteria 10:45 am-2:00 pm, and will open again from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
The following locations will not be open on August 16th for move-in day: Chick-fil-A, Freshens, T.H.I.N.K Coffee, & Twisted Taco
Will volunteers help move out at the end of the year?
Unfortunately not. Our volunteers only help on Move-In Day for Living Learning Communities each fall semester. During move out, students are moving out over several days which does not make a coordinated volunteer effort feasible.