Moving Out

Whether graduating in the fall, studying abroad in the spring, or coming to the end of the spring term, students are required to move out of their current assigned space as we begin the turnover of rooms for incoming students the following semester or for summer conferences and assigned summer housing. Students returning to their same housing assignment following any fall, winter, or spring break periods are not required to move out of their assigned rooms.

As you prepare to leave your residence hall, it is important to plan for your move-out. Properly packing and clearing out your space ensures a smooth transition and helps maintain the condition of your room for future residents. Be mindful of deadlines and guidelines to avoid any last-minute stress or potential fines. For detailed information on move-out procedures, housing policies, and responsibilities, refer to Colgate's residential life policies.

Winter Closing

At the end of the fall semester, students will be expected to prepare their spaces to leave for winter break. If students are enrolled and plan to return to their current housing assignment the following spring semester, students simply need to do the following listed below. Individuals checking out and not returning should follow the check-out checklist further below on this page. Students with a need to stay on campus over winter break will need to submit their information through a form released closer to winter break to all residents and accessible through the Housing Portal.

Thoroughly clean your space (vacuum, mop, remove trash, food, recycling)
Unplug, defrost, and completely drain any mini-refrigerator; remove all perishable items and leave the door open to prevent the growth of mold and mildew
Remove all perishable and unprotected foods from the room that could attract insects or animals
Large items and bags of trash should be taken directly to the dumpsters provided outside of the halls
Report any room damages through work orders to be addressed over winter break
Remove any personal belongings from any unassigned spaces (i.e. if living alone in a double, one side of the room should be ready for a potential new student to be assigned for the spring semester)
Make sure heat is on and set at 65 degrees to prevent pipes freezing
Close and lock all windows; lower and close all blinds
Lock your room door

Spring Closing

At the end of the spring semester, students will be expected to completely check out of their rooms 24 hours following their last final or by noon on the Saturday following the end of finals. Students graduating have an extended stay until 5 p.m. on the day of Commencement.

Any other students with specific needs or transitioning to summer housing may submit a request through an extended stay request form on the housing portal close to the end of the semester. Students interested in staying over the summer are charged a nightly rate for meals and housing unless sponsored by a department for their stay, and must apply for summer housing and be approved. This charge will be promoted on the request form for summer housing in the Housing Portal.

Residential Life then turns over all rooms to prepare for summer housing needs, summer conferences, and areas scheduled for various facilities projects. Please find more information about the closing process, including late departure charges, damages, and the checkout checklist, below.

Move Out Checklist

Remove all personal belongings (TVs, refrigerators, luggage, personal items, clothing, personal furniture) from your room
Thoroughly clean your space (vacuum, mop, remove trash, food, recycling)
Unplug, defrost, and completely drain any mini-refrigerator; remove all perishable items and leave the door open to prevent the growth of mold and mildew
Remove all perishable and unprotected foods from the room that could attract insects or animals
Large items and bags of trash should be taken directly to the dumpsters provided outside of the halls
Salvage items should be taken to designated areas
Arrange pickup for any vendor-provided items (micro-fridge, TV)
Close and lock all windows; lower and close all blinds
Lock your room door
Return key to provided locations in information below
Complete the Student Check-Out Form before leaving campus

Occupancy of the assigned room is limited to the current academic term in session, commencing with the dates published by Residential Life. Occupancy ends 24 hours after the Resident’s last final examination of that academic semester. Residents will not be permitted to enter or occupy the assigned or previous room assignment, during any break period without prior approval from the Office of Residential Life.

This agreement is for specific dates. No late departures are permitted without prior approval from the Office of Residential Life. Failure to comply with this may result in the assessment of charges and/or disciplinary consequences.

Residents will be financially responsible for any damages that occur to residential property as provided in applicable University policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Additionally, inspections of all University residences will be carried out to identify damage. Students are responsible for avoidable damages (damage that is the consequence of careless, willful, or malicious actions) and losses that occur in student residence halls.

As part of the move-out process, make sure to return your key to avoid any penalties such as a rekey charge. We are not able to accept keys after your approved move-out date due to quick turnaround of the room for other purposes. Please note that if you are living on campus fall semester and returning to your same room the following spring semester after winter break, you do not need to go through the move out process.

Key Return Locations

100 Hamilton St, Ground floor by parking lot door
113 Broad St, Outside the OISS kitchen in the building core
Andrews Hall, 1st floor on the wall across from JC102
Bryan Complex, Outside the kitchen at Edge Cafe
Curtis Hall, Lobby
Drake Hall, Office of Residential Life vestibule
East Hall, Near 1st floor laundry room
Gate House, 1st floor main entrance (not near the Testing Center)

Campus Safety, Lobby
James C. Colgate Hall, Front entrance (off Lally Lane) vestibule to the right
Newell, Outside entrance of Newell 1
Parker, Parker Commons
Stillman, 1st floor lounge
Townhouses, Bus stop
University Court, Laundry room
West Hall, 1st floor lounge

General Rules and Housing Contract Information

Key Return Locations

Resources

Move-Out Dates

Moving and Storage Vendors