UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As the spring semester draws to a close, students are reminded of move-out procedures and COVID-19 safety measures as they prepare to move out of campus residence halls.
Students departing campus are strongly urged to get tested for COVID-19 before leaving. The University’s quarantine and isolation spaces will continue to be available through May 15.
At University Park, the East Halls residence area will close at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, with all remaining residence halls closing at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 9. At Commonwealth Campuses, all residence halls and apartments will close at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 8.
During the last week of classes and finals week, student should continue with their normal class routines, but should minimize interactions with others outside of their roommates or “pods,” avoid large gatherings and self-quarantine as much as possible leading up to their planned move-out date.
Students do not need to schedule a move-out date and time with the University and should follow the University’s spring closedown guidelines.
Students should coordinate with their roommate to leave at different times. This will help promote physical distancing while also reducing campus traffic congestion typically associated with semester departures.
To minimize foot traffic on campus and help mitigate virus transmission within campus communities and in students’ home communities, only one individual should travel to pick up a student and assist with move out. When possible, that individual should stay outside or remain in their vehicle until the student arrives with their belongings. Those picking up students will be required to follow Penn State protocol and local ordinances for masking and social distancing.
Students loading vehicles should limit their time to 30 minutes and have their vehicles hazard lights on. The University has also announced changes to traffic and parking to assist with students moving out.
Housing staff will continue to maintain Penn State cleaning and sanitizing protocols throughout the end of classes and finals, including cleaning of high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces, sanitizing move-out carts.
For students who cannot or are unable to pack their belongings, Penn State offers storage and shipping via Storage Squad at University Park campus and Collegeboxes at Commonwealth Campuses.