On behalf of Housing & Residence Life, I am thrilled to welcome you to your new home at Old Dominion University. Whether this is your first year on campus or you’re returning to familiar halls, we’re excited to help you start this journey with confidence, support, and a strong sense of community. Our team is committed to making your transition smooth and your time here unforgettable. You’ll find resources, connections, and opportunities in every corner of our residential communities. We encourage you to get involved, reach out, and most of all—love where you live!
Warm regards,
Richard Clark Executive Director Housing and Residence Life
MOVE-IN AT A GLANCE
MOVE-IN APPOINTMENT
Fall 2025 Move-In will occur Tuesday, August 19 and Wednesday, August 20.
Students will receive an email earlyAugust notifying them when the Move-In Appointments have been released. This communication will provide instructions on how to schedule a Move-In Appointment via the Housing Portal. Appointments will be available on a first-come, firstserved basis. To manage the flow of traffic on campus, there will be a limited number of timeslots per building each day. Confirmation of your appointment will be sent to your ODU email address. This confirmation will provide where to go for check in and parking information.
If your plans change or you see a different time that works better for your schedule, you can reschedule your appointment via the Housing Portal. Evening and Late Arrival Appointments will also be available. Continue to monitor your ODU email account for more information.
Cancellations: If you no longer need on campus housing, please cancel your Housing Assignment via the Housing Portal.
AUG. 19
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Check-in at
AUG. 20
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Check-in at
10 TIPS BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:
Talk with your roommate(s) about what shared items to bring, and pack light!
Bring your ODU ID card from the Monarch Card Center to Move-In.
A digital ID (odu mobile) is now available!
Read the Housing & Residence Life’s Guide to Living On Campus and the University’s Student Code of Conduct.
Review your family’s insurance policy or obtain property insurance to protect your belongings.
Log into the Housing Portal to select your Move-In time slot.
Inform your friends and family of your new campus address (See pages 27-28).
Plan to attend your first mandatory floor meeting on 08/24 at 7 p.m. Here, you’ll be introduced to community standards, leadership opportunities, and much more!
Pack your belongings in reusable crates and storage containers to avoid waste and make life easy during your move.
Love Where You Live!
Share photos of your MoveIn day using the hashtag #LovewhereyouliveODU.
HOUSING PORTAL
Connect with your roommate(s)/suitemate(s) by opting in to share your directory information in the housing portal.
*BONUS TIP: Be sure to check your ODU email for any updates.
MOVE-IN
CHECK IN
During your designated check-in time, you will pick up your room key or download your digital key to your mobile device. You must have your ODU ID card in order to receive your room key. Check in is at Chartway Arena.
REMEMBER TO EAT!
While you’re on campus, remember that ODU’s dining facilities will be open and available for you to enjoy!
UNLOADING ZONES
Most residential communities will have designated unloading unloading zone, where you will be able to unload and move directed to relocate your vehicle to a parking location for the
MOVE-IN DAY!
COOLING STATIONS
Need a break? Cool off at one of our designated cooling stations in each community.
MOVING IN
Plan to bring a hand truck to assist with moving in. Communities with elevators: Dominion, England, France, Owens, Virginia, Whitehurst, Ireland, and Scotland.
unloading zones. Individuals directing traffic will guide you to the move your belongings to your room. After unloading, you will be the day.
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
The following is a short list of suggested popular items to pack for your new residential space.
Please note: Only one of each appliance is allowed per room please coordinate with your roommate. Microwaves are not allowed in student rooms in Rogers, Gresham, and Whitehurst Halls. However, shared microwaves are available in designated locations within these buildings.
BATHROOM
Towels
Washcloths
Bath mat
Bathrobe
Caddy
Toilet paper
Personal products
Laundry basket
CLASS
Laptop Calculator
Desk lamp
Thumb drive
Textbooks
Notebooks
Pens/pencils
Bookbags
Sticky notes
Highlighters
FOOD
Mini-Fridge (up to 4.3 cubic ft.)
Microwave*
Dishes
Cups/mugs
Utensils
Snacks
Coffee maker (with auto shutoff)
PLAY
TV/Laptop
Headphones
Game console
Camera
Batteries
Surge protectors
BEDDING
Extra long twin sheets/blankets
Full size for Village and Nusbaum
Pillows
Pillow cases
Mattress pad
REMEMBER
ODU ID
Drivers license
Medical insurance card
Bank cards
Financial aid information
Prescription medication
Over-the-counter medication
First aid kit
Flashlight
Umbrella/rain gear
YOUR ROOM
Area rug
Posters
Plants
Photo albums
Full length mirror
Hangers
CLEAN
Sponges
Laundry detergent
All-purpose cleaner
Vacuum
Paper towels
Trash bags
Hand Sanitizer
PROHIBITED ITEMS
FIRE PREVENTION OR ELECTRICAL ITEMS
• All electrical appliances with exposed heating elements
• Extension cords and multi-outlet plugs (must be a UL1363 approved power strip with a 15 amp circuit breaker)
• Electronic Personal Assistance Mobility Devices (including electronic bikes and Hover Boards)
• Electronic and gas scooters
• Candles, incense, torches, and other objects with open flames or heating elements
• Halogen lamps, lava lamps, and strobe lights
APPLIANCES
• Air Fryers
• Major appliances (such as washers, dryers, and dishwashers)
• Toaster and convection ovens – (Only permissible in apartment communities)
• Air conditioners (unless provided by the university)
FURNITURE/DECOR
• Bean bag furniture
• Liquid and air-filled furniture
• Lofts, platforms, and bed risers
MISCELLANEOUS
• Pets (except for fish in a ≤10 gallon tank)
• Darts and dart boards
• Motorcycles and other internal combustion engines inside or adjacent to buildings
• Aerials, masts, and
• Live cut trees
• Multiple strands of decorative lights (no more than three stranded lights, must be UL approved, and not enclosed)
• Air fresheners with built-in outlets
• Electric blankets
• Items covering or hanging from smoke detectors
• Gas or charcoal grills, propane tanks, charcoal, and other flammable materials
• LED string lights that are secured onto the walls
• Space heaters (unless provided by the university)
• Mini-fridges larger than 4.4 cubic ft.
• Deep fryers
• Welding equipment
• Exposed cooking elements (Only permissible in apartment communities)
• Decals, metal signs, and stickers adhered to university property
• Items hanging from ceilings
other shortwave radio transmitting equipment as it interferes with WiFi in the building
• Barbells and Weights > 10lbs. and exercise equipment attached to door frames/walls
WEAPONS
• Firearms
• Fireworks
• Tasers
*Important note: Cannabis use and all forms of smoking, including e-cigarettes, are prohibited anywhere on campus—indoors or within 20 feet of residential buildings—due to federal law and ODU policies; see Policies 6606 and 3220 for details.
For more info, please refer to the Housing and Dining Contract, and the Community Living Standards in our HRL campus guide. Or see the ODU Gun and Weapon Regulation for more details. “Weapon” does’nt mean knives used for domestic purposes, folding knives with blades less than three inches in length, or box cutters and utility knives for use in accordance with the purpose intended by the original seller.
WAYS TO STAY IN THE KNOW!
RESIDENCE HALLS DIGITAL SIGNAGE
Housing & Residence Life has implemented a brand new digital signage system that displays on the tvs located in the lobbies of each residence hall. We share all of the need to know information and upcoming events in HRL as well as other parts of campus.
SOCIAL MEDIA Stay up to date with all things HRL on our social media accounts! We have many social media giveaways and contests that you don’t want to miss! Follow us on Instagram @oduhrl and Facebook @Housing & Residence Life.
EMAIL AND PHONE Our main form of communication for housing or application related information will be sent via email (Housing@odu.edu) or by phone (757-6834283). Stay connected to ensure you are on time with all deadline and application/ housing updates.
POSTERS HRL places posters in all residence halls as another way to spread the word on important information.
BULLETIN
BOARDS AND FLYERS Our RHDs and AHDs (Residence Hall Directors and Assistant Hall Directors) use the bulletin boards to communicate with residents of their perspective residence hall. Flyers are placed on the various bulletin boards in the hallways/lobbies of each hall.
A-FRAMES Keep an eye out for the 24’ by 36’ sized A-frames that are used indoor and outdoor of our residence halls.
MONARCH MOVIES Did you know that you can watch free movies at https:// monarchmovies.odu.edu/? HRL also shares important information through this streaming site to keep you entertained and in the know!
FRONT DESK Our student- staff employees are trained to guide and support you with all housing & residence life related questions and processes.
NEW POWHATAN OFFICE IS HERE!!
Great news! We now have a second HRL office located in Powhatan apartments (tower G) to support all residence education programs!
PEOPLE TO KNOW!
Resident Assistants (RAs) are assigned to live on each floor of the residence halls. Apartment communities have RAs assigned to each building. RAs are carefully selected and trained undergraduate and graduate students chosen for their commitment to helping and advising a group of their peers. Each RA is trained in assisting and/or referring students with academic and personal concerns to the appropriate person or office. The job of the RA combines many roles: activities organizer, resource person, administrator, residence educator, community leader, adviser, and friend.
Desk Receptionists (DRs) staff each front desks. These students are selected and trained to assist peers with residential needs. DRs assist residents with checking out hall equipment, signing for temporary keys, and reporting facility problems.
In addition, they provide information and services, including visitation and checking guest(s)/visitor(s) into the building. The DRs are supervised by the hall staff for their community.
Night Desk Receptionists (NDRs) One of the front-line representatives of the residential communities during the hours of 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. The NDR is often the first contact to residents, visitors, and persons outside the ODU community. They work at the front desk, assisting in the administration service of the residence hall.
Residence Hall Directors (RHDs) are full-time, master’s level, professional staff members who live in an on-campus apartment. RHDs are assigned to each facility and are the university’s front-line staff members who handle all aspects of the student residential experience. RHDs supervise the AHDs, RAs, and DRs within their community. The RHDs promote community development through staff supervision, student development activities, programs, and referrals for outside assistance, behavioral interventions, and student conduct resolution.
Assistant Hall Directors (AHDs) are graduate students who manage a variety of responsibilities under the direction of the
Residence Hall Director (RHD). AHDs live in an on-campus apartment within their residential community. One of their key responsibilities is hiring, training, and supervising the student staff. AHDs are also involved in program planning, personal and academic support, and student conduct issues. AHDs have regularly scheduled office hours and are available for residents who need support or have questions about campus resources.
HRL
Office Staff Members The office staff is in charge of managing operational, business, and residential educational tasks. Everything pertaining to the students’ living on-campus experience, including room assignments, housing and dining contracts, and facilities management for the residence halls.
Furthermore, HRL staff members are in charge of choosing and training the residents’ hall staff, creating social and educational activities, and creating
policies and procedures for living oncampus. Additionally, our team is in charge of managing communication channels like the web, social media, emails, and phone calls as well as communicating with students about events, significant dates, maintenance, etc.
Building
Maintenance & Housekeeping Staff serve an integral part in the success of the HRL program by upkeeping residences and quickly responding to and resolving work orders submitted by staff and students.
MOVE IN
Powhatan I (A–N)
4701 Powhatan Ave.
Apt. A101–N302
*Do not include the house name when addressing mail.
Powhatan II (AA–NN)
4601 Powhatan Ave.
Apt. AA101–NN402
*Do not include the house name when addressing mail.
Nusbaum A 1000 W. 48th St.
Apt. A101–A203
Nusbaum B 1011 W. 49th St.
Apt. B102–B204
Nusbaum C 1004 W. 49 St.
Apt. C101–C204
House
When sending mail to on-campus students, be sure to address with the following information: Student Name
RESIDENCE HALLS
Dominion House 1425 W. 49th St.
England House 4605 Elkhorn Ave.
Foundation House 1018 W. 49th St.
*All packages should be shipped to Gresham Hall address.
France House 4703 Elkhorn Ave.
Gresham Hall 1023 W. 49th St.
Ireland House 4601 Elkhorn Ave.
Owens House 1501 West 49th St.
Rogers Hall 1065 W. 50th St.
Scotland House 4701 Elkhorn Ave.
Virginia House 4603 Elkhorn Ave.
Whitehurst Hall 1715 W. 48th St.
*For information on shipping packages, please visit the Housing & Residence Life website https://www.odu.edu/housing
STUDENT HEALTH IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
The staff at Student Health Services would like to welcome you to Old Dominion University! To help make your transition to college smooth, we want you to know about the mandatory university immunization requirement.
Virginia state law requires that all first-time full-time graduate, undergraduate, and transfer students submit a completed Health History and Immunization Documentation form to the university. If this form isn’t submitted by August 1, an immunization hold will be placed on your second semester’s registration. This hold will begin late September and can only be removed upon receipt of your documented records. If you don’t know where to find your immunization records, your high school usually keeps these records for several years after graduation.
