AU Move-In 2025

Move-In Checklist

New students must accomplish these tasks before arriving on Jan. 19.
 

1. Review Your Housing Assignment

Review your assignment in the ARC Portal.

2. Connect With Your Roommate(s)

 

• Please take some time to contact your roommates and/or suitemates, and try to get to know them a little bit before you arrive.
• Please log in to ARC to see where you are living and who your roommate/suitemates are. This will make transitioning to college life less stressful. This is a good opportunity to connect with them on shared items, like microwaves and refrigerators for the space, etc.

3. Assure Compliance With Student Financial Services and the Medical and Counseling Center

 

• In order to pick up a room key, each resident must be in compliance with the Office of Student Financial Services and the Penn Medicine - Alvernia Medical and Counseling Center.
• Log in to your Student Health Portal to confirm you are not missing any requirements BEFORE you arrive on campus to assure you are compliant. (Learn how to access the health portal.)
• ALL students are required to upload a new photo of their health insurance card annually.
• Pay your bill with SFS
• To be SFS compliant, your balance must be “satisfied,” which means you must be paid in full or have payment plan arrangements or are financial-aid pending. If you have questions, please email sfs@alvernia.edu.

4. Make Sure You Have Your Preferred Meal Plan

You can double check this in the ARC portal and can make any changes to eligible meal plans in the portal through the last day of Drop/Add. Here are the available meal plans. Choice is based on what you are eligible for according to your housing assignment.
 

2024-25	19 Meals/week plus 100 bonus dollars	14 Meals/week plus 250 bonus dollars	190 Meals plus 125 bonus dollars	150 Meals plus 200 bonus dollars	110 Meals plus 200 bonus dollars	75 Meals plus 50 bonus dollars	75 Meals plus 200 bonus dollars	75 Meals plus 500 Vern Bucks
Cost per year	$8,220	$7,960	$7,670	$6,900	$6,340	$4,150	$4,400	$5,500
Cost per semester	$4,110	$3,980	$3,835	$3,450	$3,170	$2,075	$2,200	$2,750
Veronica Hall	✔	✔
Clare Hall	✔	✔
Francis Hall	✔	✔
Anthony Hall	✔	✔
Holleran Hall	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Judge Hall	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Assisi Hall	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Siena Hall	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Zygmunta Hall	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Ehlerman Hall	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Pacelli Hall	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
The Residences at the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne								✔

5. Review HVAC and Cleaning Best Practices

Residence Hall Tips for Managing your HVAC & Room Environment

Below are a few strategies that will help promote a healthy living environment for your Residence Hall.

• For rooms that have heating and ventilation control, set the thermostat between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not turn the unit on a really cool or hot setting and then turn it off once it gets to the setting. Turning units off and on continually prevents proper airflow, and stagnant air leads to odors and potential mold growth.
• Do not block air flow from window unit air conditioners with furniture, clothing, etc.
• Keep your suite and room doors closed as much as possible to keep any outside humidity from entering your space.
• Air circulation helps prevent mold so please do not pack your closets and storage areas too tightly.
• Keep ALL vents within the room open and free of obstructions.
• Avoid placing damp or wet clothes/towels in storage spaces for extended periods of time, as that will provide an environment conducive to mold growth.
• Keep your windows closed and blinds open. Allowing outdoor humidity to directly enter a room enhances the chances for mold growth.
• At least once a week, bathroom shower stalls, tubs, sinks, and floors should be scrubbed cleaned with cleanser and treated with a bathroom disinfectant. If you are living in an apartment on campus, you are responsible for cleaving your own bathroom. The bathroom door should be left open when not in use, especially after showers.
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Don’t tape your air ducts closed. This prevents proper airflow and can lead to mold growth issues.
• If you are using a dehumidifier or one has been placed in your room or apartment by Campus Operations, keep the following in mind for best practices.
  • During the Fall/Winter Months: The dehumidifier should be kept running at 40%.
  • If a lot of wet weather is occurring, then run the unit on a continuous loop for a few days during that period.
  • During Spring/Summer Months: The dehumidifier should be kept running on a continuous loop, especially as the air conditioner is in use. Empty the water container often. If your unit does not have an automatic drain remember to empty the unit as often as needed. When the indicator light comes on, remember to clean the filter. Please remove, rinse and replace the filter.

Need Help Or Have Questions?

• Contact the Office of Residence Life at Reslife@alvernia.edu.
• Resident students should contact their RA or the Office of Residence Life for any environmental concerns and have a workorder placed so that the Campus Operations Team can respond.

 

Tips for Keeping your Residence Hall Room Clean

• Wash your bed sheets regularly.
• Empty your trash daily. This can help keep your room smelling better, keep bugs away, and make your room look better.
• Use disinfectant wipes. These wipes can keep germs away from frequently touched areas.
• Wash dishes after every use. Wipe down the sink and shower with a microfiber cloth after each use.
• Dust, vacuum, or sweep the floor weekly. Clean up any spills immediately to prevent damage to the wax on the floors. Pay attention to corners and under furniture.
• Clean the bathroom (including sink, shower and toilet) weekly.
• Do your laundry regularly. This will prevent clutter and keep odors to a minimum.

Clean the Bathroom

If you have a bathroom in your residence hall room, consider it a privilege because most students share one with everyone in their hallway! Your bathroom will be an even smaller space than the residence hall room, so clutter can take over quickly. Remove anything that does not belong and store what does belong on shelves, shower caddies, or in a cabinet. Pick up any dirty towels and clothes, then clean and disinfect your bathroom from top to bottom.

Do the Laundry

The secret to keeping your residence hall room clean is to wash your bedding every week and wash your clothes before they overflow the hamper to keep the clutter and odors to a minimum.

Daily

• Make your bed
• Pick up clutter from the floor
• Wash dishes and put them away
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Take your trash to the dumpster
• After showering, hang your towel and shower mat to avoid moisture build up

Weekly

• Vacuum, sweep and mop
• Do the laundry, including bedding and shower mat
• Clean your microwave and countertop appliances to remove dust and grease build up
• Dust furniture and surfaces
• Take out the trash

Monthly

• Clean windows and mirrors
• Clean your fridge and throw out old food
• Declutter and organize desk and files 

6. Review the Housing FAQs

Review the Residence Life and Housing FAQs webpage.

7. Double-Check Your Move-In Day/Time

New Resident Students and Transfer Move-In

   • Date: Sunday Jan. 19 
   • Time: 9:30AM - 10:00AM 
   • Location: Bernadine Hall

Returning Student/Upper-Class Students Move-In

   • Date: Sunday Jan. 19 
   • Time: 10:30AM - 2:00PM 
   • Location: Bernadine Hall

What to Expect on Move-In Day

If you have any additional questions that are not covered below, please visit the Residence Life and Housing FAQs page.
 

First-Year Students and Transfer Students Move-In Details

Here is everything first-year students should expect when arriving on Sunday, Jan. 19:

• Park in our Commuter Lots B or C located outside of Bernardine Hall when you arrive.
• Leave all belongings in your vehicle and proceed to Bernardine Hall, following signs for Residence Hall Move-In.
• The student will check-in with our offices of Student Financial Services and the Medical and Counseling Center to ensure they are cleared to move in. Parents and guests are welcome to accompany their student inside.
• After the student is cleared, they will proceed to check in with our Residence Life inside of Bernardine Hall to receive their room key.
• After receiving their room key, students may proceed to the unloading zone near their assigned residence hall.
• Once unloaded, please move your vehicle to another parking lot for the remainder of the day.

Returning Students and Upper-Class Students Move-In Details

Date: Sunday, Jan. 19

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

Location: Bernadine Hall

• Park in our Commuter Lots B or C located outside of Bernardine Hall when you arrive.
• Leave all belongings in your vehicle and proceed to Bernardine Hall, following signs for Residence Hall Move-In.
• Students should check in with our Office of Student Financial Services and the Medical and Counseling Center to ensure they are cleared to move in. Parents and guests are welcome to accompany their student inside.
• After the student is cleared, proceed to check in with our Office of Residence Life inside of Bernardine Hall to receive a room key.
• After receiving their room key students can proceed to their residence hall’s unloading zone.
• Once parked at their residence hall’s unloading zone, students and guests will have 30 minutes to unload their vehicles. Once unloaded, please move your vehicle to another parking lot for the remainder of the day.

Early Arrival Move-In

If you are a member of an organization/team that has early arrival, please reach out to your coach or organization faculty/staff member for early arrival details. Please note our office does not accommodate requests for early move-in for non-Alvernia sanctioned situations.

Where Do I Eat?

Your meal plan will begin with dinner on Sunday, January 19, 2025.

What Do I Bring?

This list of recommended items will help you pack and prepare to move in to your home away from home at Alvernia University! It’s a good idea to connect with your roommate about items you may share, e.g., refrigerator, area rug.

• Extra Long Twin Sheets
• Mattress Pad
• Laundry Basket
• High Efficiency Laundry Detergent
• Dryer Sheets
• Microwavable Dishes
• Cleaning Supplies
• Swiffer/Small Vacuum Cleaner
• Coffee Pot/Keurig (if a coffee pot, must have an automatic shut off!)
• Fan
• Air Fresheners (Wall Flowers are okay!)
• Shower Caddy - maybe not pertain to you since you'll have your own bathroom within the suite versus having a communal bathroom
• Small Lock Box for important Items
• Tools   

Items to Leave at Home

This list of prohibited items will help you pack and prepare to move in to your home away from home:

• Candles (even if they're not burning, they are not allowed)
• Alcohol or alcoholic paraphernalia
• Shot glasses
• Beer funnels
• Decorative wine glasses/wine bottles
• Pets
• Air fryers (only allowed in suites with a kitchen/kitchenette)
• George Foreman Grills
• Toasters (only allowed in suites with a kitchen/kitchenette)
• Icemakers

Please review the student handbook for more items that we don't allow if you're unsure. 

Virtual Tour

This self-guided tour includes nearly two dozen stops across our locations, featuring 360-degree panorama views, videos and more.
 

Launch Experience 

Residence Hall Room Details 

If you have any additional questions that are not covered below, please visit the Residence Life and Housing FAQs page.
 

Furniture Provided for Each Resident

• one adjustable bed (XL Twin)
• one desk
• one desk chair
• one dresser  
• one closet/wardrobe

Items Included in Each Residence/Room

• Window blinds
• Air Conditioning/heat  
• Wireless internet service provided by Alvernia

Included in Residence Halls

• Laundry facility with free laundry
• 24/7 card or key entry access
• Active Alvernia Residence Life Program with Area Coordinator/Graduate Hall Director for each area
• Study spaces, game rooms, TV lounges

What is the Layout/Floor Plan of my Room?

Below are the general layouts for rooms in Anthony Hall, Clare Hall, Francis Hall and Veronica Hall:

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Can I Loft My Bed?

Lofting is not permitted. You are only permitted to raise your bed to the highest level it will adjust to without lofting materials. You are also permitted to use bed risers for extra storage space. The university only provides materials for bunking beds. Facilities has supplies to raise the beds, but not to the level of having a seating area underneath. Hip high is the highest. Bed can only be raised according to notches in frame. Top of mattress to floor should be no higher than 48 inches.

You may contact the Office of Residence Life at reslife@alvernia.edu if you wish to bunk your beds. 

What are the Dimensions of the Rooms? 

The rooms in our residence halls vary in dimensions, even when they are the same room type (single, double, triple, etc.). For rugs, we recommend that you do not bring one that is larger than five-by-seven feet. The following are measurement samples for specific rooms. This is provided to give you a gauge of what to expect in your space, but not a guarantee of accuracy.

• Francis Hall: 15 feet long by 14 feet wide
• Veronica Hall: this room is hard to measure due to the 'Z shape' but one's area of living is about 8 feet long by 14 feet wide and the room in its entirety is 17 feet long by 14 feet wide
• Anthony Hall: This is a suite of two rooms, each measuring approximately 13.5 feet long by 14 feet wide
• Clare Hall: This is a suite of two rooms, each measuring approximately 13.5 feet long by 14 feet wide

These measurements are from wall to wall, so it includes the bed and any other obstacles in the way. We suggest giving at least 2-3 feet of slack each way for a floor carpet or rug. 

Do the Windows Have Blinds? 

Yes! In the first-year area, all windows in Clare Hall and Veronica Hall have built-in blinds within each of the windows; these are controlled via a knob. Windows in Anthony Hall are controlled with an Allen wrench. In Francis Hall, there are external window blinds. 

What Size Sheets Will I Need for My Bed?

All mattresses in all buildings are Twin XL.

Are the Rooms Air-Conditioned? 

Yes! All residence hall rooms are air-conditioned. 

Are We Allowed to Have a Microwave?

Only one microwave oven is permitted per room in the residence halls. Power requirements may not exceed 120 volts/10 amps.

• VH, FH = 1 room, 1 microwave, 1 refrigerator  
• AH, CH = 2 rooms, 2 microwaves, 2 refrigerators  

All other buildings have a microwave and a fridge. Please review the student handbook for more details. 

Are We Allowed to Have a Refrigerator?

Only one refrigerator is permitted per bedroom in all residence halls. Size may not exceed 3.6 cubic feet and power requirements may not exceed 120 volts/10 amps.

• VH, FH = 1 room, 1 microwave, 1 refrigerator  
• AH, CH = 2 rooms, 2 microwaves, 2 refrigerators  

All other buildings have a microwave and a fridge. Please review the student handbook for more details. 

Are the Rooms Carpeted? 

Francis Hall is the only residence hall with carpeting in the first-year area. Clare Hall, Anthony Hall and Veronica Hall all have tile flooring.

What Size Carpet Should I Buy? 

The rooms in our residence halls vary in dimensions, even when they are the same room type (single, double, triple, etc.). For rugs, we recommend that you do not bring one that is larger than five-by-seven feet. The following are measurement samples for specific rooms. This is provided to give you a gauge of what to expect in your space, but not a guarantee of accuracy.

• Francis Hall: 15 feet long by 14 feet wide
• Veronica Hall: this room is hard to measure due to the 'Z shape' but one's area of living is about 8 feet long by 14 feet wide and the room in its entirety is 17 feet long by 14 feet wide
• Anthony Hall: This is a suite of two rooms, each measuring approximately 13.5 feet long by 14 feet wide
• Clare Hall: This is a suite of two rooms, each measuring approximately 13.5 feet long by 14 feet wide

These measurements are from wall to wall, so it includes the bed and any other obstacles in the way. We suggest giving at least 2-3 feet of slack each way for a floor carpet or rug. 

What Can You Tell Me About AthLead?

Students who were accepted into the pilot program of AthLead have been assigned to Clare Hall 250-280. We are pleased to assign 44 first-year student athletes to this inaugural program. We had such overwhelming interest in AthLead this year that not everyone interested was placed. However, we will continue to monitor a wait list if we wind up with cancellations. 

AthLead Reminders:

• If a student requested a roommate that is NOT a member of AthLead, then the student will not be housed in the AthLead.
• AthLead students will be receiving a separate communication from Athletics and Residence Life shortly with updates regarding programming for fall. 

Can I Tour My Space or Preview My Room? 

In our @AlverniaResLife Instagram page highlights section, most of our residence halls have a highlight reel that shows pictures of the insides of rooms. Please check that out!

Can I Request a Room Change? 

While we allow students to indicate specific housing and roommate preferences in their housing application, we are not always able to accommodate these preferences. If you find that you did not receive one or more of your housing preferences, we ask that you exhibit grace and patience and look forward to a new experience.  

In some cases, students requested three or four members in a roommate group.  On occasion, our housing software may have accommodated you in smaller groups of requested roommates, but, when at all possible, the system will place groups larger than two near each other.  

We recognize that not all students will be happy with their housing assignments, for one reason or another.  To that end, we have created a process for managing room change requests.  Please review that process on our Housing Policies Page. We will not manage complaints or change requests via email – all requests should be submitted through this form.    

Submitting this form does not guarantee that your request will be honored, but we will do our best to accommodate what we can.  We will contact you ONLY IF we can make a change to your assignment.

Can my room be “tripled” or “5-packed?”

Some of the rooms in Clare, Anthony, Veronica and Francis have the capacity to be “tripled” or “5-packed.” We utilize tripling, like many colleges, based on incoming class size. If we have many students that are interested in living on campus, we do our best to provide that opportunity to these students. You may receive a 5th roommate after the housing assignments have been sent out. We will continue to “de-triple” rooms over the coming weeks as vacancies become available, however we do still expect that some that remain. We will also work to de-triple rooms throughout the semester, as well. If your suite receives a fifth roommate, we will send an updated housing assignment letter.

What does AU provide in the bathrooms, and do the bathrooms get cleaned?

At Alvernia University, each bathroom includes a shower, toilet, sink, and mirror. Alvernia provides each bathroom with a shower curtain with curtain rings, a toilet bowl plunger, and a toilet bowl brush. Alvernia provides toilet paper and trash bags for each bathroom.  Students can communicate with their Resident Assistant when more toilet paper or trash bags are needed for their bathroom. It is the student’s responsibility to clean and upkeep their individual bathroom.

If the student is housed in Veronica Hall, housekeeping does daily cleaning of the showers and bathrooms as these are communal bathrooms.

For students living in Assisi and Siena Townhouses, Alvernia University also provides a broom, dustpan, trash bags, vacuum cleaner, a vacuum cleaner bag, mop, and a mop bucket.