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Western Kentucky UniversityMove-In Guide
Bowling Green, Kentucky
🏫 Public UniversityEst. 1906🔗 www.wku.edu
Western Kentucky University's campus sits atop "The Hill" in Bowling Green, anchored by the historic 1911 Van Meter Hall, with first-year students required to live on campus in halls including Bates Runner, Gilbert, and McLean.
Enrollment
16,762
Total Students
Freshman Class
4,190
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 17-18, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
95%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
All students must sign up for a move-in timeslot. Two options: 'Top Drop & Go' (drop belongings early, August 7-9, then return home until M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan officially begins) or standard curbside check-in on August 17-18. Note: Top Drop & Go is not available for residents of Center, Munday, Normal, Regents, or Southwest Halls in Fall 2026. Freshmen are required to live on campus for two years, with some exemptions.
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
- M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan move-in is Aug. 17-18, with each student assigned a 20-minute timeslot by email. Other move-in windows are available earlier in August for students with scheduling conflicts or specific programs.
- Check-in location
- Drive-thru check-in at your assigned time, following the location and QR code sent in your personalized move-in email.
- Parking
- Unload quickly at your designated zone, then immediately relocate your vehicle to a perimeter parking lot - interior lots stay closed to overnight parking during move-in week.
- What you'll receive
- Your room key, directions to your unloading zone, and temporary parking passes for every vehicle helping you move in.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Don't bring U-Hauls or trailers through the parking structures - they can get stuck.
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
- Photo coming soon
Bates Runner Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Gilbert Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
McLean Hall
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Western Kentucky University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan (required, combined move-in and orientation)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 17 - August 18, 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
$13,094
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- CVS Pharmacy0.4 miles
- Walmart1.5 miles
- Meijer2.2 miles
- Target2.7 miles
- Walgreens3.2 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 Western Kentucky University.
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