Things to keep in mind during Move-In Week

Move in week has started for the 2025-2026 school year, and the Division of Public Safety and Security wants to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible for everyone. Whether you’re beginning your first semester on campus or you’re returning, below are some tips and reminders for a safe and secure move-in and school year.

DPSS Contact Information

Be sure to add the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) contact card to your phone, so you can reach us quickly whenever you need us, and download our app for updates at your fingertips. We’re here 24/7 to help with any safety or security concerns. Follow @UMichDPSS on Twitter & Facebook for alerts, tips, and educational opportunities.

What NOT to bring with you

While there are many things that you can bring with you to make your on-campus residence feel more like home, there are some items that you should leave behind due to safety concerns. Some of these items include:

  • Candles
  • Cooking Appliances
  • Refrigerators
  • Grills
  • Space Heaters

To find a list of what to bring and what not to bring to campus, visit the Housing website.

Getting Here & Parking

Cars lined up parked next to orange-bagged meters and a DPSS Security officer welcoming their arrival

As you make your way to Ann Arbor, we suggest using Waze to help you navigate local construction and traffic. 

For students moving into a residence hall, the traffic pattern maps for each residence hall can be found on the Housing website.

There will be multiple temporary road closures and parking lots designated for move-in only; please see the Record article for more information. Traffic alterations include:

  • Thompson Street: One-way traffic flow southbound from Jefferson to Packard streets.
  • East Madison Street: One-way traffic flow eastbound between Thompson and State streets.
  • East Ann Street: One-way traffic flows eastbound from Zina Pitcher to Observatory streets.
  • Observatory Street: One-way traffic flow southbound between East Ann and Geddes streets.

Arrive at your designated time and honor the 30-minute limit for unloading. When you arrive, you will see bagged parking meters near your building; those are reserved for your use. Remember to have your move-in permit with contact information visible, so we can contact you if needed.  

U-M security, police officers, and the Welcome Team will be available on-site at all move-in locations to answer questions and assist with way-finding.

Four student welcome team volunteers posing for a picture with one DPSS Security officer. One volunteer is standing inside of a large blue bin mimicking a surfing stance

Moving in

Rolling bins will be available for check out to assist students with moving items up to their rooms. To prevent the possibility of theft, do not leave personal items unattended on the sidewalk or in an unlocked car. It’s also best to close your dorm room door, so it locks when you leave. 

Bikes

Get a hardened U-Lock if you plan to bring a bicycle to campus. Avoid cable locks, which are easy to cut through. Finally, register your bike and electronics with DPSS. This property registration program is free and can assist in recovering your items in the event of theft.

Additional Resources

We hope you have a great move-in experience here at Michigan and can’t wait to start another successful school year. Contact DPSS if you see any suspicious activity or have a public safety concern. Help keep our campus community safe!