Miami University allowing students to retrieve items left in dorms

Students can now sign up for a scheduled move-out time to retrieve items left in their dorms. The Campus Services Center and the Office of Residence Life made this announcement via email last week that students could return to campus to gather their belongings as early as March 12.

Upon arrival, the capacity of each hall is limited and students will be required to follow various preventative guidelines like practicing social distancing and using personal protective equipment.

It is requested that any student who has been feeling ill refrains from returning to campus and reschedules their move-out time to a later date.

First-year psychology and pre-med major Hannah Kipperman signed up for a spot and returned to Hepburn Hall on March 13. Kipperman said her allotted time and date were strictly enforced.

“When we got there, [they were] like strict about times,” Kipperman said. “I couldn't even access the building until it was my time slot.”

The university is permitting students to sign up for a time slot all the way through May 31. Kipperman says she was given four hours to pack up the remainder of her belongings.

“We got everything done in the four hours, which was good,” Kipperman said. “I think giving [students], that shorter time window definitely makes you get things done faster because you're not wasting time.”

Students are not permitted to spend the night in their dorms and are encouraged to book hotel rooms if needed.

If students have questions or concerns while moving out, they were told to contact their Resident Director whose number will be posted throughout the building. Kippermam said she didn’t experience any significant issues during her move-out process.

“I think it went fairly smoothly,” Kipperman said. “I do wish though that I could have gotten into building a little earlier, considering that absolutely no one was there. That could have saved us a little more time and a little bit of stress.”

Once students have gathered their belongings, they will be required to follow standard move-out protocols like removing all trash and unplugging the refrigerator.

Students should fill out a checkout slip in the lobby of their residence hall before leaving. There will also be a ShareFest box in every residence hall for any unopened, non-perishable food, and personal care items that students would like to donate.

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Overall, Kipperman says she is relieved to finally be moved out of her dorm, and she encourages other students to stay focused on moving out when they return to campus.

“It's really tempting to want to go uptown or walk around and try and meet your friends, Kipperman said, “but ultimately, for the safety of not only yourself but the people around you ... just go move your stuff out and get out of there.”

@skylerlperry

perrysl2@miamioh.edu