Move in day should be one of the most exciting days of your life, but we also know that it can cause tremendous anxiety.
In an effort to give you an idea of what to expect before you arrive, we have prepared the following information.
When to Arrive
New Students!
Move in for new students will happen on Friday January 16th, 2026 from 9 am - 4 pm All students should plan to arrive by 3pm so that you can move in and be prepared to fully participate in your new student welcome activities, which will start that day at 5pm. To check in, please go to the Residence Life Office in Draime Hall until 4pm, and directly to your assigned building to be checked in if you arrive after 4pm.
Returning Students!
Move in for returning students is scheduled for Saturday, January 17th, 2026 & Sunday, August 18th, 2026. Please make sure to remember to pack your Potsdam Student ID card. If you are returning to the same building and room for the Spring semester, you can return at anytime on these days. If you are returning to campus from Student Teaching, Studying Abroad, or another reason that had you off campus for the Fall 2025 semester, you will be emailed instructions for how to get your keys when you arrive on Saturday/Sunday.
Things you might need off campus
If you forgot something, or wanted to wait until you arrived to purchase something for your room, Walmart is only a short 5 minute car ride away. Just head off campus on Pierrepont Ave and follow Route 11 west about 3 miles.
As far as local food options, should you choose to stick around for dinner or need to grab lunch, here is a comprehensive list of locations around Potsdam.