Check-in Information

New Student Check-in will take place at your residence hall August 9, 2026, between 9:00am-5:00pm and August 10, 2026, between 9:00am-3:00pm.

Upon arriving at the campus entrance, let the Security Guard at the kiosk know you are checking in to housing. From the campus entrance, you will travel to your residence hall to check-in.

Directions for each Hall

Residents of Sunrise Hall 300: Past the guard kiosk, travel to the stop sign and turn left. Continue until you see Parking Lot F. There is no need for a parking permit. Students should walk to the main entrance of Sunrise Hall 300 to receive their check-in materials and room key.

Residents of Sunset Hall 380: Past the guard kiosk, travel to the stop sign and turn right. Continue until you see Parking Lot D. There is no need for a parking permit. Students should walk to the main entrance of Sunset Hall 380 to receive their check-in materials and room key

As part of the Check-in Process, students will register for a time to pick-up their laptop computer  as well as a time to take an Orientation tour. Each activity may take up to 1 hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

As your arrival to campus approaches, we are sure many of you are busy finalizing your arrangements. Residential Life check-in dates and procedures.

  • 1. What do I need to do before I arrive to campus?

    First, please confirm your housing assignment by logging in online at our housing website. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to connect with your roommate in advance of arrival to introduce yourself.

    If you did not fill out the Academic Year Housing Application (providing your emergency contact, lifestyle preferences, etc.), please email ResidentialLife@soka.edu. Please note that it must be submitted before you can check in.

  • 2. When can I move into the residence halls?

    First Year (Class of 2030) residents may move into the residence halls between 9:00am – 5:00pm on Sunday, August 9, 2026, and 9:00am - 3:00pm on Monday, August 10, 2026. If you will be arriving after 5pm, please email ResidentialLife@soka.edu with your anticipated date/time of arrival to campus so we can be prepared.

    For after-hour arrivals, once you arrive to campus, please go to your residence hall and call our Residential Life Duty Line (949-480-4664) or dial from the call box outside the front entrance to your residence hall. Staff will arrive shortly to assist you.

    Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate early arrivals so please plan accordingly.

  • 3. Where do I check in?

    For residents in Sunrise Hall 300, please go to the 1st floor of Sunrise Hall 300. Make a LEFT at Peace Lake.

    For residents in Sunset Hall 380, please go to the 1st floor of Sunset Hall 380. Make a RIGHT at Peace Lake.

  • 4. Can guests help me move into the residence halls?

    Yes, guests are permitted to enter the residence halls to help students move. Guests must always be accompanied by an SUA student at all times within the residence halls. An After-Hours (after 10pm) Overnight Guest form is available online at our housing website; however, we encourage students to refrain from having Overnight Guests during block so both roommates can get acquainted and settle into their space together. Please note that students who wish to have an overnight guest must obtain their roommates approval prior.

  • 5. Do you provide moving carts?

    Yes! There are moving carts available to borrow during check in. We ask that you return it within 30 minutes (or less) so it is available for the next person to use it.

  • 6. What do I need to do once I arrive to my residence hall room?

    Within the first week of your check-in date, submit a Room Condition Report. You may include any existing issues in your room such as a stain in the carpet, window screens damaged, etc. You will not be held responsible for any pre-existing issues you report. For issues needing immediate attention or repair, please call the Facilities HelpDesk at x5566 or (949) 269-5566, available Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.

    For non-urgent issues, please submit a Facilities Work Request via the Portal or visit your Atlantic 300 & Pacific 380 Offices, which are located on the 1st floor of your hall, during office hours (Open Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM and daily from 7:00–10:00 PM.

  • 7. What if I need support After-Hours or on the weekend?

    Please call the appropriate Duty Line:

    • Atlantic Duty (Halls 300, 305, 310, 315, 335): (949) 480-4658
    • Pacific Duty (Halls 365, 370, 375, 380, 385): (949) 480-4664

    These lines are staffed 24/7. If you need to speak with a professional staff member, please let the RA on duty know.

    In Case of a Life-Threatening Emergency: Call 911 First, then contact the Duty Line so we can provide additional support.

  • 8. What if I want a different name displayed on my room door tag or my name not displayed on my door tag?

    Your RA will welcome you to your room with a door tag with your name and your roommate’s name (if applicable).

    If you want a different first/preferred name displayed on your door tag or you don’t want a door tag displaying your name, please fill out the Student Room - Door Tag Name Form online at housing.soka.edu, letting us know if you need a new doortag. The form can be found online on the left side bar under “Forms”.

    NOTE: Your last name cannot be changed and must match your student records.

  • 9. Anything else I can do to prepare for my arrival?

    A) Please review and begin familiarizing yourself with the Residential Life Policies.

    B) Please also review a video regarding bed bug education and prevention Bed Bug Educational Video

    If you have any questions, please reach out to your Residence Hall Coordinator, Alexa Girouard at agirouard@soka.edu