Corvallis prepares for increased traffic and commotion as Oregon State University move in weekend begins, where Freshman, new students, and parents flock to dorm halls and apartments.
Although the college town experiences this annually, some delays are expected every year, and some major roads and areas will be congested or restricted for move-in traffic.
According to the University Move In Guide, today is the first day for dorms, and students who live in Hawley, Buxton, Bloss, Halsell, McNary, and Tebeau are arriving today. This will continue tomorrow, Friday, Sept.19, for the West, Sackett, Cauthorn, Finley, ILLC, and Wilson Halls.
This weekend, move in concludes when Weatherford, Poling, Callahan residents arrive on Saturday, Sept. 20. The University reminds students to check their housing portals to confirm their room assignments, and also connect with roommates.
International students may have different dates and times to move in, and they should contact INTO OSU for their detailed assignments.
With an increase in visitors to Corvallis, traffic and roads can be a concern. OSU provides traffic flow maps for each day of move in, and for each residence location, to best support and ease the process.
On their website, University of Housing and Dining Services said, “On your assigned day and time, use the traffic flow map in your fall 2025 Move-In Guide to determine which route into campus you should take based on your residence hall.”
The next steps are to quickly get belongings out of the car, and then park in a lot or garage elsewhere on campus. UHDS suggests, “the parking structure at 26th & Washington or any long-term lot away from move-in activities is ideal.”
According to OSU Newsroom, more than 4,500 campus residents are expected to arrive over the four days, and so “increased traffic and congestion are expected around campus”. This article predicts that Saturday and Sunday will be the busiest days, with around 1,800 students moving in.
As far as construction and road closures, the City of Corvallis is not closing roads specifically for OSU move in, and is also not halting construction work during this weekend.
Southwest 35th Street, which borders UHDS Maintenance Center on campus, will be closed beginning Sept. 23, overnights and weekends, for a waterline replacement.
For more information on move in, including a complete step-by-step Move In Guide, resources for mail and room assignments, social media and community outreach, and more details on maps and transportation, visit UHDS’s website.
