Preparing for your first semester at NAU

Get ready to move in

Move-in day is exciting, a little hectic, and a milestone you'll remember for years to come! If you'll be living on campus, planning ahead can make move-in day easier for everyone. Before arriving, review your housing information, check your NAU email for updates, and make sure you know what to bring and what to leave at home.

Fall 2026 move-in important dates

Throughout the semester, there will be important dates related to housing. Checking key dates regularly can help you stay organized.

• August 17, 2026: Rent charges due
• August 18, 2026: Early move-in day
• August 19-24, 2026: Move-in
• September 15, 2026: Rent charges due
• October 15, 2026: Rent charges due

What to bring to college

Focus on the essentials first, including bedding, clothing, personal care items, school supplies, and technology for classwork.

Many residence hall rooms are shared spaces, so connecting with your roommate before move-in can help you decide who will bring larger items and avoid duplicates.

And remember, Flagstaff experiences all four seasons, so be prepared for changing weather throughout the year.

Connect with your roommate

Living with a roommate can be one of the most rewarding parts of the college experience. It's also an opportunity to learn new communication skills, gain independence, and build lasting friendships.

Before classes begin, consider discussing:

• Sleep schedules and study habits
• Shared items and room setup
• Cleaning expectations
• Guests and social preferences
• Communication styles

Academic support from day one

College-level coursework can be challenging, but support is available from the moment you arrive. NAU offers free tutoring, academic coaching, writing assistance, and math support to help students build confidence and succeed in the classroom. The sooner you take advantage of these resources, the more you'll get out of them.

Academic Success Centers (ASC)

Academic Success Centers provide tutoring, academic coaching, study support, and workshops to help students develop effective learning strategies and stay on track throughout the semester.

Writing support

From understanding assignments and brainstorming ideas to revising drafts and strengthening presentations, the Lumberjack Writing Center supports students at every stage of the writing process.

Math learning support

Whether you're taking introductory math courses or advanced coursework, math learning support services can help you build skills, practice concepts, and improve confidence in the classroom.

Know that support looks different for everyone

Every student arrives at college with different strengths, experiences, and needs. That's why NAU offers a variety of resources designed to help students access the support that's right for them.

Disability Resources works with students who have documented disabilities to provide reasonable accommodations and access to university programs, services, and activities. Students are encouraged to connect early to learn about available options and plan ahead for the semester.

Build your community

Classes are important, but some of the best college memories happen outside the classroom. Getting involved is one of the easiest ways to meet people, discover new interests, and feel connected to campus.

You can start building your community by:

• Attending Welcome Week and other campus events designed for new students
• Joining a student club or organization that matches your interests
• Connecting with a mentorship program for guidance and support
• Showing up to campus traditions, events, and activities throughout the year

Start thinking about what's next

You don't need to have your entire future mapped out before your first semester! But college is a great time to start exploring what interests you, what motivates you, and where you'd like to go after graduation.

NAU Career Development helps students explore careers, build professional skills, gain experience, and prepare for future opportunities. And yes, first-year students can start using these resources right away.

You've got this!

Starting college is a big transition, but it's also the beginning of an exciting new chapter. There will be a lot to learn during your first semester, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Ask questions, try new things, get involved, and take advantage of the resources available to you.

Your Lumberjack journey is just beginning.

Welcome home, Lumberjack!