Move-In Guide

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.

• Pack your belongings in sturdy boxes or bins—avoid 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—Los Angeles can be warm in August!

Every residence hall room includes:

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

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

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

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

You’ll 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–A/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’t allowed in residence halls for safety and space reasons—think 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’d 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’s essential.

Packages should be clearly labeled with your name and campus mailbox number (found in your myOxy portal). You’ll 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’s insurance or other personal property coverage to protect your items against theft, fire, or water damage.

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

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

You’re welcome to decorate your room—just keep it respectful and safe.

• Use blue painter’s tape only (no nails, screws, or adhesives).
• Don’t 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’s 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—like couches, large tables, or alternative mattresses—can create fire hazards and aren’t permitted.
 

You can rearrange your furniture, but don’t take it apart or alter it. If College furniture is disassembled or damaged, it must be reassembled by Facilities at your expense.

Please don’t 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’t permitted.

Personal A/C units aren’t allowed due to electrical limitations in the residence halls. Even with central air, Los Angeles can be warm in August and September—we recommend bringing a fan. Learn more about cooling efforts on the Residence Hall Cooling page.