NAU Freshman Orientation: Your Comprehensive Guide to Move-In and Welcome Week

The transition to university life is a significant milestone. Northern Arizona University (NAU) makes this transition smoother for incoming freshmen with a structured move-in process and an engaging Welcome Week. As students eagerly anticipate their arrival, with many showcasing their excitement through #NAUbound countdowns on social media, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your first days as a Lumberjack.

Preparing for Move-In Day

Move-In Dates: Mark your calendars! Move-in day is August 22nd and 23rd. You can schedule your move-in appointment through the Housing Portal. Note that moving in before these dates may incur a fee unless you are attending the August orientation sessions.

Early Arrivals: Campus starts buzzing with activity even before the official move-in days. Freshmen participating in the Edge Leadership Program and the final session of Freshman Orientation may arrive early.

Traffic Management: To ensure a smooth and positive move-in experience and reduce traffic congestion on campus, all residents must schedule a move-in appointment for their arrival.

What to Expect: On Move-In Day, anticipate a vibrant atmosphere as thousands of Lumberjacks check into their residence halls. Welcome Jacks, a volunteer group of students and student-athletes, will be on hand to guide you and your family to your assigned residential halls and help move your belongings into your rooms. Extra signage will be placed throughout campus starting on Tuesday, Aug. 20, to aid early arrivals.

The Move-In Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Scheduling Your Move-In Appointment: Log into your Housing Portal to schedule your move-in appointment time. Print out your confirmation and place it on your dashboard so it is visible through your windshield.

Appointment Length: Move-in appointments are 20 minutes in length, allowing you time to check in and unload your belongings before moving your vehicle to one of the designated parking areas.

Arrival Time: It is recommended to show up on time for your scheduled appointment.

Unloading Zones: Each residence hall has a designated unloading zone that can accommodate a certain number of vehicles at a time. Review the directions to your hall’s unloading zone and download the move-in map to assist you in arriving at your scheduled time.

What if You Need More Time?: If you think you might go over on time - unload everything from the car so that it can be moved out of the unloading zone. Then you can continue to bring your stuff up to your room.

Parking: After unloading, make sure to move your vehicle to one of the designated parking areas. For example, Mountain View students can park in the Mountain View Garage - P96C.

Utilize Resources: Take advantage of the large moving carts that NAU provides! You can move a lot more of your stuff without having to carry it! Use the unloading zones to drop everything off so you can avoid a long walk with your stuff.

Don't Forget Your Jacks Card: Remember to always keep your Jacks Card on you!

Living in the Halls

Residence Life Preparations: NAU Residence Life began making preparations several months ago and will house 7,430 students on campus this year. Of those, 4,165 are incoming freshmen.

Early Check-In: Cynthia Anderson, director of Residence Life, anticipates campus to start filling up early next week. “On Tuesday, we welcome freshmen participating in the Edge Leadership Program as well as the final session of Freshman Orientation. Along with early check-in, we could have as many as 2,000 residents on campus by Friday,” Anderson said.

Meeting Your Roommate: You will meet your roommate during your move in time if you both plan on moving in during regular move in times. You can also meet your roommate earlier by planning a meet up or coffee date before hand, if you want! It can be easier to move in at a different time than your roommate, so that you have room to unpack and get settled.

Hall Dynamics: "Move-in is a busy time, but also an exciting time,”Anderson said. “It’s not just about unloading your belongings. It’s about meeting your roommate and the people on your floor for the first time and getting to know your new home.”

What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind): Some of the things you can bring to college with you are bedding, computers and games, toiletries, medicines, and decorations! Things that won’t be allowed in the residence halls are hot plates, fridges, toasters, grills, any weapons/firearms, and candles. For a complete list of things that are not allowed, visit What to Bring Guide.

Room Amenities: Each room will have a fridge, Ethernet & Wifi Connection. Residence Halls come with an extra large twin mattress measuring 36″x80″x7″.

Room Customization: To create more space try lofting beds together or lofting a single bed and storing your desk underneath. Storage containers are great additions that don’t take up too much space. Talk with your roommate/roommates to figure out what works best for your dorm room!

Bed Configuration: Yes! Speak with one of the resident assistants about how specifically - you can loft or bunk your beds!

Appliances: It depends on what size microwave you bring, but you are allowed to bring one 700 watts or less! They generally do fit on top of the refrigerator though!

What to Bring That You Might Not Think Of: Plenty of command strips, you may already have this on your list, but chances are you don’t have enough! Best to grab that extra pack while you’re already stocking up ;)

Prohibited Items: Yes, things like toasters, grills, and hotplates are not allowed. Please visit What to Bring for a more exhaustive list of prohibited items.

Residence Hall Examples:* South Village: Yes! Here is an inside look at South Village:

Sechrist: What does Sechrist look like?
Tinsley: Check it out:
Campus Heights: Yes, here is a look at Campus Heights!

Elevators: Yes! There is an elevator in the aspen wing of Gabaldon.

Single Rooms: Single housing is not an option unless a student has a disability and is approved by Disability Resources.

Pets: Pets are not allowed (except for fish in reasonable numbers & in appropriate containers - 5 gallons max.)

Computers: Yes! While not required, having a computer of some sorts is extremely helpful. If you don’t have a computer, you can take advantage of one of our computer labs found across campus.

Welcome Week: Getting Involved and Making Connections

Welcome Week Programs: After settling in, Lumberjacks will get a dose of what’s to come with a host of Welcome Week programs offered by several NAU clubs, organizations and departments. Events include a Welcome Back concert, Residence Life Block Party, Club Expo and the annual freshman photo event.

First-Year Advice: Alexandria Saquella, a first-year resident assistant at Sechrist Hall, is excited to welcome the Class of 2017 and show them the ropes. “The first taste of NAU student life is Move-in Day. Things can get pretty hectic so it’s important for students to remember to be optimistic about this new beginning and take advantage of all the opportunities NAU has to offer.”

What if your Orientation is on the same day as move in?: Try to schedule your move-in for the day before your orientation so that you don’t miss out on any of the programming !

Moving tips?: Take advantage of the Welcome Jacks! Command hooks and wall putty!

Important Information for International Students

Admission Requirements: In order to obtain admission to NAU, an international student must submit the following documents by the application deadlines.

Academic Credentials: OFFICIAL ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS & TEST SCORES: Official Copy of the High School Diploma Evaluation (The transcript has to be evaluated at one of the agencies listed CLICK HERE; or NAU can order for you. NOTE: A document is considered “official” if it is sent to us directly from the issuing institution either by electronic means or in a sealed envelope.

Financial Status: FINANCIAL STATUS: Bank letter and International Financial Support Form (Sponsorship Letter).

Financial Guarantee: consul will grant a visa, you must prove that you will have sufficient money to meet all your expenses while studying in the United States. You must explain the source of your funds and guarantee that you will receive them while attending your studies in the US.

I-20 Form Options: Option 1: North American University will ship out your I-20 form globally to any country that offers DHL services. Option 2: Applicants have the other choice to order shipments at study.eshipglobal.com. An account must be created with all the relevant information correctly provided.

Important Academic Information

Transfer Credits: North American University allows for the transfer of credits from other institutions of higher education as well as credits earned by examination. Only coursework in which the student earned a grade of C- or higher will be recognized for credit at North American University.

FAFSA: For qualifying students, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). NAU school code is 041795.

Course Selection: Communicate with the Registrar’s Office for course selection.

Vaccination: Submit proof of meningitis vaccination at least 10 days prior to the first day of class.

Official Transcripts: High school graduates who have not attended a college or university. All official items must be received directly from the issuing institution to NAU. 11929 W. All official items must be received directly from the issuing institution to NAU. 11929 W.

Navigating Campus and Flagstaff

Things to do in Flagstaff?: Check out our downtown! There are a lot of great restaurants, shops, and exciting activities happening that give you a real feel for what Flagstaff is all about.

I haven’t had Orientation yet, what do I do about books and supplies?: Wait until you attend your first classes before purchasing books and supplies. Sometimes professors will prefer specific editions or provide some supplies, so it is better to wait and see before making those purchases.

Additional Resources

Off-Campus Housing: We do offer a variety of resources for students choosing to live off campus. Check out our Off-Campus Housing page.

Contact Housing and Residence Life: I applied for housing and still have not received room assignments …We recommend getting in contact with Housing and Residence Life asap.

A Few Words of Encouragement

Living on Campus: Living on campus is awesome! There is a community of people your age who are all interested in learning and making friends. Also, it is definitely not as hot as Phoenix…

NAU's Commitment: We are proud to have you be part of the North American University family. NAU is committed to providing a nurturing environment for the systematic pursuit of academic excellence, professional and personal development, responsible citizenship and global cultural competency.

tags: #NAU #freshman #orientation #guide