Moving into university is a significant milestone, and at East Carolina University (ECU), we aim to make your transition as smooth as possible. Understanding the parking logistics, especially as a freshman, is crucial for a stress-free move-in experience. This guide provides comprehensive information about ECU’s Drop-Off and Move-In process for 2024, focusing on car parking for freshmen.
Note: Students in Living Learning Communities or other early move-in programs should adhere to the specific instructions received from their program.
ECU offers two convenient options to facilitate your move-in: Drop-Off and Move-In.
Optional Drop-Off: Settle In Early
From August 1st to 3rd, ECU provides an optional Drop-Off period. This allows you to bring your belongings, organize your room, and then return home before classes commence. Drop-Off is entirely voluntary and designed to ease the congestion during the primary Move-In days. If you choose not to participate in Drop-Off, please plan to arrive during your assigned primary Move-In window.
Important Note: Drop-Off is not available for College Hill Suites due to prior commitments. Additionally, if you need to be on campus on August 14th or 15th, Drop-Off is not suitable for you. Please utilize your primary Move-In window instead.
We highly recommend the Drop-Off option for local students and families. By taking advantage of Drop-Off, you contribute to a more manageable Move-In period, especially beneficial for out-of-state students and those unable to drop off belongings in advance.
To participate in Drop-Off, use the sign-up link provided in your housing assignment email to reserve a 2-hour time slot for your assigned residence hall. Please adhere to this time limit to ensure smooth scheduling for everyone.
Returning to Campus After Drop-Off
For students who utilize the Drop-Off option, you can return to campus starting Friday, August 16th after 2 pm, or anytime on Saturday, August 17th, and Sunday, August 18th. If you already have your room key from Drop-Off, you do not need to check in again at Minges Coliseum. This return period is intended for you to settle in and prepare for classes, not for another move-in process. Maximize your Drop-Off time to set up your room beforehand.
Reminder: If you need to be on campus on August 14th or 15th, the Drop-Off option is not for you. Stick to your assigned primary Move-In window. ECU’s welcome events for students begin on Friday evening, August 16th.
Upon your return after 2 pm on Friday, August 16th:
- You can unload your vehicle in designated areas near your residence hall. After unloading, freshman car parking will be in remote lots. ECU Transit or walking are convenient options to reach your residence hall from these parking areas. You can begin using your assigned parking locations from Sunday onwards. Detailed instructions will be sent to your ECU email closer to the date.
- To avoid peak traffic, consider arriving during off-peak hours – early mornings or early evenings are preferable to afternoons.
Primary Move-In: Your Designated Time
You will be assigned a specific Move-In date and time frame between Wednesday, August 14th, and Friday, August 16th.
Your assigned Move-In schedule is determined by your Residence Hall and, in some cases, your specific floor. Please refer to the links below for detailed Move-In information for each Residence Hall. These schedules are designed to minimize wait times, optimize parking and elevator usage (where applicable), and ensure adequate volunteer support.
You are welcome to arrive any time AFTER your designated Move-In window. Arriving before your assigned date and time will result in an early check-in fee charged to your student account. Move-in assistance and optimal freshman car parking may also be limited if you arrive early.
Primary Move-In Check-in at Minges Coliseum “Hall of Fame”
During Primary Move-In, the check-in point is at Minges Coliseum.
- Minges Coliseum Check-in Procedure: Students will check in at Minges Coliseum “Hall of Fame” to receive their room key and a Move-In vehicle pass for each vehicle. After check-in, vehicles will proceed to the Residence Hall Move-In queue, located in front of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Queued vehicles will be directed to your Move-In area near your Residence Hall as parking spaces become available. Crucially, do not proceed directly to your Hall without queuing your car. This system ensures organized freshman car parking and unloading. Once you have unloaded your vehicle(s), please move them immediately to the designated remote parking areas. Directions will be provided on the back of your Move-In vehicle pass.*
After Hours & Weekend Move-In Options
If you are unable to move in during your assigned date and time, ECU provides after-hours and weekend move-in options:
- Wednesday: 7 pm – 10 pm
- Thursday: 7 pm – 10 pm
- Friday: 7 pm – 10 pm
- Saturday: 9 am – 10 pm
- Sunday: 9 am – 10 pm (recommended for returning students only)
For After Hours & Weekend Move-In: Check in for your room key at the Neighborhood Service Office (NSO). For Central/West Residence Halls, use the West End NSO at the West End Dining Hall. For College Hill Halls, use the College Hill NSO at Ballard East.
Please note that freshman car parking and directional support may be limited during these periods.
Ballard East
Ballard West
Clement
Cotten
College Hill Suites
Fleming
Fletcher
Garrett
Greene
Jones
Jarvis
Legacy
Scott
Tyler
Umstead
White
