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Cornell University

Housing & Residential Life

Moving Out

December 2023

Undergraduate students 

Undergraduate residence halls close for the fall semester at 2pm on Sunday, December 17, 2023.  If you have not yet responded to notify us of your plans for departure or move-out for fall semester, please Log in to the Portal to complete the form. Please read carefully for important check-out process information.

No resident is permitted access to residential facilities during winter recess with the exception of those who have been pre-approved to stay in approved winter break housing during the break. (Please see your Residence Hall Director/Area Coordinator or House Assistant Dean for details).

Closing Checklist for Residents 

  1. Pack essential items, such as prescription medication, laptops, chargers and important documents (passport, ID cards, driver’s license, proof of COVID vaccination, etc.)  Access to your residence hall room after your arranged departure time slot is not permitted.  If you are returning for spring 2024, most items can be left in your room.
  2. Remove items not permitted based on the Housing License and/or House Rules.  Fire safety checks are performed by the City of Ithaca and/or State of New York Fire during the break period.
  3. Dispose of perishable food items in your MicroFridge or your community refrigerator. If you leave non-perishable items in the community refrigerators, label them with your NetID. Examples:  Ketchup, mustard, etc.  Non-labeled items will be removed and disposed of by Building Care.

  4. Take down all holiday decorations.

  5. If there is an empty bed in your room, make sure that part of the room is clean and clear of your belongings.
  6. Close and lock all windows and close blinds.
  7. Set heat on the minimum setting.
  8. Unplug all appliances – computers, lamps, clocks, etc.  If you have an approved fish tank in your room, that can remain plugged in. (Exception: Townhouse refrigerators should remain plugged in.)
  9. Unplug your MicroFridge, clean it out, and prop open the door. Please remove all items from community fridges as these will be removed during winter break.
  10. Remove all trash from the room.  This includes any perishable foods from your MicroFridge.  Snacks and dry goods should be stored in a sealed container to avoid attracting pests.

  11. Clean your bathroom and kitchen (if applicable).

  12. Return all dining items including plates, bowls, mugs, and silverware, to the nearest dining room – no questions asked!  Do not throw them away!
  13. Use the Fill it Forward app on your smartphone to return your reusable container in the return receptacle at any of our participating dining rooms including Okenshields, Morrison Dining, North Star Dining Room, Jansen's Dining Room in Hans Bethe House, Rose House Dining Room, Cook House Dining Room, Keeton House Dining Room, and Becker House Dining Room. You'll have a credit on your account to pick up a freshly sanitized one when you return for the spring semester. 
  14. Take all valuable items with you, including laptop computers, etc. Remember to take passports and medications! You will not have access to your hall/room during the break.
  15. Take fish and plants with you.
  16. Lock your windows, close your drapes and/or shades, and turn out all lights.

  17. Lock and double-check your room, suite, and/or apartment door.

  18. Key Return (only if you are moving out and NOT planning to return for spring 2024) - If you are leaving University housing at the end of this semester, and will not be returning for the spring semester, please be sure to return your room and suite (if applicable) key using a key envelope from your Service Center/House Office. All keys must be returned to your Service Center / House Office – or deposited in your building’s key deposit box – by 2:00pm on Sunday, December 17 to avoid key/lock replacement charges. Abandoned personal items will not be stored. 
  19. IF you are staying for winter break and/or returning for spring semester, you do NOT return your keys. Keep them in a safe place with you for when you return to campus in January. 

If you are planning not to return to campus for the spring semester, please log in to the Housing Portal to request a cancellation of your spring housing by December 1, 2023. 

 

Loading/Access Areas for North Campus: 

It is important that you adhere to these loading locations, and do not drive on any pedestrian walkways. Please park in A Lot while you prepare your room for departure. 

  • Mews Hall loading dock
  • Helen Newman parking lot
  • Dickson Hall loading dock
  • Donlon Hall loading dock
  • Robert Purcell Community Center parking lot off of Jessup Road:  specific parking spaces designated as loading zones OR Parkmobile
  • Appel Community Center parking lot:  specific parking spaces designated as loading zones or Parkmobile
  • Program House Drive:  specific parking spaces designated as loading zones
  • North Side of Jessup Road loading spaces
  • Risley parking lot loading spaces
  • Latino Living Center parking lot loading spaces
  • Ecology House parking lot loading spaces
  • Akwe:kon parking lot loading spaces (accessible off of Triphammer Road)

Loading/Access Areas for South Campus: It is important that you adhere to these loading locations, and do not drive on any pedestrian walkways. Please park in Williams Street Parking Lot while you prepare your room for departure.

  •  Residents of Cascadilla HallPlease note that there is no parking between the Gorge and Cascadilla Hall. You must not park in fire lanes. The best locations for you to park and load are the City of Ithaca Garage just to the south of Cascadilla Hall and the Williams Street Parking Lot at the corner of Williams Street and Stewart Avenue. 
  • Residents of Sheldon CourtLimited parking spots are available in the Sheldon Court loading dock. The best locations for you to park and load are the City of Ithaca Garage just to the south of Cascadilla Hall and the Williams Street Parking Lot at the corner of Williams Street and Stewart Avenue.
  • Residents of Schuyler HousePlease park and load in designated building parking lot. 
  • Residents of 112 EdgemoorPlease park and load in designated building parking lot.

Loading/Access Areas for EEC/Veteran’s House/McGraw Place Residences: It is important that you adhere to these loading locations, and do not drive on any pedestrian walkways. 

  • Residents of Equity and Engagement Living Learning CommunityPlease park and load in designated parking spaces only on West Ave and Forest Park Ave. 
  • Residents of 109/118/122 McGrawPlease park and load in designated building parking lot.  
  • Residents of Veteran HousePlease park and load in designated building parking lot. 

Loading/Access Areas for West Campus House System: It is important that you adhere to these loading locations, and do not drive on any pedestrian walkways. Please park in University Avenue Parking Lot while you prepare your room for departure.

Gothics Way and Becker Drive above the Loading Dock will be closed. 

  •  Along West Avenue:
    • Across from Baker Tower: parking spaces designated as loading zones
    • Across from Founders & Lyon: the pull-off loading zone on the Slope side
  • Along Stewart Avenue: 
    • The parking spaces along Stewart Avenue (ParkMobile)
  • Near Bethe & Keeton:
    • Mary Ann Wood Drive (just behind William Keeton House): parking spaces designated as loading zones
    • West Ave: parking spaces designated as loading zones
  • Near Cook House
    • The loading spaces along McGraw Place

Personal Security and Theft

The need for residential security increases when there are fewer residents present (from now through closing). Protect yourself and your personal belongings. Wallets and bags, packages, and electronics are all more vulnerable at this time. Keep your doors locked at all times. As always, do not allow nonresidents access to the building unless a resident accompanies them. Any unusual observations should be reported to Campus Life or Cornell Police at (607) 255-1111. If it is an emergency, please dial 911.