We can't wait to see you later this month, and we hope you are enjoying the final weeks of summer. Let's review some final checklist items to complete. We also have included more information about arrival day. Please reach out to newstudents@colgate.edu with any questions.
Prior to Arrival Day
Be sure to check your new student checklist! Completing all your required items will ensure a smooth check-in process for you. If you have any outstanding required items on arrival day, you will be directed to complete them before you can access your residence hall room.
Move-in Guide
As you create your packing list, here are a few things to keep in mind. provides you with information on what to pack and what not to bring to campus, shipping any of your belongings if necessary, and labeling your belongings.
Incoming students are invited to pick out two free items from the Free Store giveaway, happening from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Aug. 24, at the ALANA multipurpose room. Available items include pre-owned essentials like clothes hangers, filtered water pitchers, plastic storage drawers, shoe racks, mini-fridges, and more. Items are first come, first served and only while supplies last. Limit two items per student
Arrival Day (Sunday, August 24)
The best part of arrival day is being welcomed by our upper-level students, holding a large sign that says "Honk if you 鉂 Colgate" and banging pots and pans. Many friendly faces will be excited to greet you and ensure a smooth move-in and orientation process.
- Place luggage tags, available for download on the arrival day website, on all of your belongings with the labels provided. Look for your Residential Commons and residence hall based on your housing assignment.
- Put stickers on boxes and wrap the label around the handles of the duffle bags or large objects like lamps and rugs. If your items are not labeled prior to arrival, we'll bring you to a separate parking lot for placement.
- You will be greeted by members of our Campus Safety team and student assistants to unload your belongings and take them to your residence hall.
- After parking your vehicle, you'll be greeted by members of the Colgate community at our welcome tent. Colgate vehicles will assist you up the hill. If you'd prefer to walk, follow the Colgate walking path signs. Colgate vehicles will be running in a loop from the parking lot to check-in throughout the day for students and families.
- You will be greeted by our Residential Commons directors, area directors for the residence halls, student community leaders (CLs), and orientation links at your commons check-in tent. If you have any questions or concerns as you're traveling to Colgate, feel free to call 315-228-6843.
Arrival day transportation needs from the Syracuse Airport and the Utica and Syracuse train/bus stations will be serviced by the Airport, Train, and Bus Shuttle. Learn more about how to book and pricing.
Orientation Schedule
to view the schedule for arrival day and to access the orientation schedule for your commons.