Fall Check-in / Welcome Weekend

We’re so glad to welcome students back for the fall semester. It is an exciting time to be a Cougar!

As you make final preparations for a smooth arrival, please review the important information below.

Welcome Week begins Wednesday, August 19, 2026, with move-in for new students living on campus. Activities begin that evening for first-year, transfer, residential and commuter students.

Returning students should plan to be on campus for required Welcome Week activities beginning Friday, August 21. Events and activities will continue throughout the first week and a half of the semester for residential, commuter and transfer students.

• Move-in Dates (PDF Download)  

  • Families should park in the parking garage off of Bonnie Brae upon arrival. Follow the signs to the admission tent to begin check-in. Families must go through the required checklist items before receiving their keys.

• Sign up for a check-in time

  • All new and returning (residential and commuter) students are required to sign up for a check-in time. Please click on this link to select your check-in time: Fall Check In | StarRez Portal. Please reference the link above to see which date you should arrive to campus.
  • Please click on Appointments, select “Save and Continue”, and you will be brought directly to the date that you are assigned to check in. If your plans change and you need to change your selected time, you can do that as well. Simply cancel your previous timeslot and add another one. The option to select a different time slot will be available up to one week before your check-in date.
  • If needed, you can also request an early arrival. The early arrival form is also located on the Housing Portal Early Arrival Request | StarRez Portal, After you log in, click on "Early Arrival/Late Stay Request” on the Home page. Please note that only extenuating circumstances and travel (students coming from over 150 miles) will be approved for early arrival. Early arrival can only be approved for 24 hours prior to your assigned check-in date. We strongly encourage everyone to arrive and check in on their assigned check-in dates, as we have many fun activities planned for those days!

• View check-in status

  • Students can log in to their Cougar Connect Portal – connect.cuchicago.com to check their status. Click on the Undergraduate Check-In card to see if you are cleared with the business office, financial aid, IT, housing, and the Dean of Students Office.

• Packing list (PDF Download)

• Residential Information

  • Residential students: To view your housing assignment and roommate, use the link Fall Check In | StarRez Portal and click on the “Residence Hall and Room info” tab. We encourage you to contact your roommate ahead of time to coordinate housing logistics! Review the attached document for a packing list. For housing questions, please contact housing@cuchicago.edu

• Commuter Registration Form

  • Click on the yellow commuter form to finalize your agreement. Please note that your parent or legal guardian will also receive an email and must respond for final approval.

• Welcome Weekend Schedule (Download)

Safe travels and we can't wait to see you on campus soon!