2025 Fall Move-In
We understand that moving in can be an exciting yet hectic time, and we're here to provide you with all the details and guidance you need for a successful and stress-free move-in experience. From important dates and checklists to campus maps and tips for a comfortable arrival, we want to ensure your move-in day is a seamless and enjoyable start to your academic journey. We look forward to welcoming you to our campus community!
International Program
All International and NSE students’ Move-In date is August 20 in the Student Center (Building 12). Please contact your program coordinator for more information about your move-in process.
Move-In Webinar Recording
Recording: Move-In and Welcome Week Webinar

Explore The OtterFirsts Mementos Project

Your first days at Cal State Monterey Bay are filled with moments you’ll never experience again from the excitement of pulling into campus to the first time you unlock your new room. The OtterFirsts Mementos Project is all about helping you capture these memories and turn them into keepsakes you’ll treasure long after Move-In.
Here’s how it works:
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Start with your ticket – Your Move-In QR code isn’t just for check-in, it’s the first piece of your mementos collection. Click our digital “ticket” template and make it yours.
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Collect your keepsakes – Use our checklist to gather special items like your room key envelope, welcome flyers, polaroid, or our Move-In stickers.
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Capture the moments – Snap photos at campus landmarks, with your supporters, and during the little in-between moments that tell your unique story.
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Make it personal – Arrange your keepsakes in a journal, scrapbook, display them in your room, or keep them in a memory box. There’s no “right” way as this is your story!
Every photo, flyer, receipt, and note you collect is part of your journey. By the end of your first week, you’ll have a collection that shows not just where you went, but how it felt to arrive here.
Start your collection now: Click Our Move-In “Ticket” Template
Get more ideas with our Keepsakes and Photo Checklist: Move-In Keepsakes and Photo Ideas Checklist
Date Key Pick-Up Location Buildings/Group Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Residence Halls
Area 1: Cypress, Willet, Asilomar, Manzanita, Yarrow
Area 2: Avocet, Tortuga, Sanderling
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 West Lounge in the Redwood Building (Building 12)
All International Student
Thursday, August 21, 2025 North Quad
Promontory
East Campus
North Quad: Pinnacles, Strawberry, Vineyard
Promontory: A (East), B (Center), C (East)
East Campus: Frederick 1, Frederick 2, Schoonover Park
Getting to Know Your Roommates
- Introduce Yourself:
- You can email your roommates. Their email addresses are on your MyHousing portal under “My Roommates.”
- Share a bit about yourself, such as where you’re from, your hobbies, interests and major.
- Discuss Expectations:
- Communicate openly and address any issues promptly.
- Prepare for a mandatory roommate agreement by asking your roommates some questions.
- Key Questions:
- What does “clean” mean to you?
- How will we handle disagreements?
- Are there any cultural practices or boundaries we should be aware of?
- Plan to meet once you arrive on campus and go to your community meeting and area welcome event.
Shared Space Expectations
Respect Each Other’s Space:
- Being well-versed in our Community Standards can help you feel even more comfortable in your new living environment.
- Here are the top five Community Standards you should familiarize yourself with:
Quiet Hours
- Sunday through Thursday: 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Friday and Saturday: Midnight to 10 a.m.
- Be mindful of noise levels, especially during quiet hours.
- Courtesy Hours: 24/7
- Please keep noise levels down to ensure everyone can enjoy a peaceful environment. If it gets too loud and bothers others, you will be asked to lower the volume as a courtesy to your neighbors.
Community Living Resources
Safety and Support:
- Participate in maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.
- You should always contact your Resident Advisor (RA) for any non-emergency issues. They will help guide you through the next steps.
- University Police Department (UPD): For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency situations, call (831) 655-0268. Officers are available 24/7.
- Night Walks: Call a student Community Service Officer (CSO) to support you in walking from one part of campus to your residence hall at night by dialing (831) 655-0268 for a Night Walk.
- Introduce Yourself:
How to Select Your Appointment:
- Log in to MyHousing Dashboard
- Select SHRL Office Appointments in the Top Navigation Bar.
- You will see "Please select appointment type below."
- Select the date you would like to move in
- Click Save and Continue.
- You will see your assignment in the orange box.
- Click Select in the orange box.
- Click the caret to view available appointments.
- Please select your check-in time from the available appointments. If your first choice is unavailable, please select your second preferred time.
- You can scroll through "Morning" and "Afternoon."
- Confirm to select your chosen time.
- Click Save and Continue.
- When complete, you should see a message that states, "Thank you for creating your check-in appointment."
- You will receive an email once your appointment has been confirmed.
Quick Guides to Move In:
- You will check in at Lot 59!
- Check out our digital Move-In Map to guide you during your move. Additional printable maps are attached to this email.
- For a full overview of Move-In, check out our recorded webinar!
- When you enter Cal State Monterey Bay, PLEASE follow the blue signage.
Important Travel Note: Due to construction on Imjin Parkway, we recommend taking:
- Highway 1 and exiting at Lightfighter Dr.
- A left onto Inter-Garrison Rd. from Reservation Rd.
- For more details visit the Imjin Parkway Widening & Roundabout Project website.
Before You Arrive Instructions:
- Make sure you pack a day bag with important items like:
- Move-In QR code
- OtterCard or government-issued ID
- If you submitted your photo but did not receive your OtterCard at Orientation, you will receive your OtterCard during your check-in.
- If you did not submit your photo, you will be directed to Room 310 in the Otter Student Union to take your photo.
- For more OtterCard information, please visit the OtterCard webpage.
- Water Bottle
- Layers
- Snacks
- Move-In QR code
- Create your Move-In game plan!
- Map out your drive
- Plan to arrive during or near your check-in time
- Make a checklist for the big day
Arrival Instructions:
- Once you enter Cal State Monterey Bay, please follow the blue signage to Lot 59.
- Please arrive at Lot 59 in a single vehicle. If you’re bringing multiple vehicles, use the smaller one to drive through Lot 59, and park larger vehicles in Lot 71.
- Moving trucks, trailers, or additional cars must park in Lot 71. Large moving trucks and trailers are not permitted in Lot 59.
- RVs and other large commercial vehicles are not permitted on campus.
- When you arrive at the serpentine lot before Lot 59, be sure to have your OtterCard or a government-issued ID, along with your Move-In QR code ready.
- Once you arrive at Lot 59, follow the posted signs to your designated lane.
Date
Lanes
Buildings
Aug. 20
Lane 1
Cypress and Willet
Lane 2
Asilomar and Manzanita
Lane 3
Avocet and Yarrow
Lane 4
Tortuga and Sanderling
Lane 5
North Quad, Promontory, and East Campus
Aug. 21
Lane 1
Frederick Park 1
Lane 2
Frederick Park 2 and Schoonover Park
Lane 3
Pinnacles and Vineyard
Lane 4
Strawberry, Residence Halls, Promontory A
Lane 5
Promontory B and C
After Check-In:
- You will follow the directions to the unloading area closest to your room.
- Lot 508: Cypress, Asilomar, Willet, Manzanita, Yarrow
- Lot 18: Avocet, Sanderling and Tortuga
- Lot 300: Strawberry, Vineyard, and Pinnacles
- Promontory Lot: Promontory A, B, C
- East Campus has driveways and garages, but please coordinate with your roommate(s) to ensure everyone has a chance to drop off their items. After unloading, please move your car to any available curbside parking nearby.
- Check out a moving cart near your unloading zone. We will have moving bins and hand trucks available unless they are all checked out during peak times. Feel free to bring your own moving supplies.
- Need more resources? Meet our Otter Welcome Team at a welcome and information table in each area.
- The Otter Welcome Team is here to help you move in and can be identified by their light blue shirts.