Norwich University, the oldest of the nation's six senior military colleges and recognized as the 'Birthplace of ROTC,' welcomes incoming first-year cadets - known as 'Rooks' - to Rook Arrival Day each fall, where they begin their transition into the Corps of Cadets alongside civilian students pursuing the same academic degrees.
Enrollment
3,274
Total Students
Freshman Class
661
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 22, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
70%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Arrive by 11:30 a.m. in prescribed attire per the Rook Packing List - late arrivals may prevent enrollment as a recruit. Complete all required administrative documents in the Student Portal, including a physical exam within six months of arrival, before arrival; Rook training cannot begin without medical clearance. Upon arrival, road guards direct you to the Start Ready check-in station, followed by residence hall move-in with student leaders standing by to help.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time - your exact move-in date is shown above in the Overview.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Saturday, August 22, 2026, by 11:30 a.m. - no late arrivals permitted without prior approval.
- Check-in location
- The Start Ready check-in station, reached by following road guards upon arrival on campus; barracks move-in and student-leader assistance follow.
- What you'll receive
- Your Rook Packing List gear requirements are checked on arrival; required administrative documents (including a physical exam within six months of arrival) must be completed in the Student Portal beforehand, as Rook training cannot begin without medical clearance.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
- Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
- Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.
Housing & Dorms
Residence hall data coming soon.
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Norwich University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
Rook Week (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 22 - August 28, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$14,000
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walmart6.3 miles
- CVS Pharmacy7.5 miles
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Norwich University.
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