The first day of school for college students is quickly approaching, and with it comes the mad rush of students flocking back to campus dorms and off-campus apartments.
While this might be an exciting time for students, beginning later this week residents who live near or travel through Delaware’s college campuses should expect congestion.
In Newark, heavy traffic delays are anticipated around residence halls near Academy Street and the surrounding areas, including East Delaware Avenue, New London Road, East Cleveland Avenue, South Main Street and North and South Chapel Streets.
In Dover, residents will see increased road activity on Loop Road, College Road and the surrounding area.
Residents also can expect long lines at stores close to campus, primarily grocery stores and one-stop-shops with home goods, as students and families pick up last-minute items and begin filling their pantries for the semester.
University of Delaware move-in schedule
The University of Delaware will welcome almost 7,200 students to on-campus housing this school year.
For those participating in early move-in, check-in will be on Wednesday, Aug. 24, with most first-year students moving in on Saturday, Aug. 27 and upperclassmen returning on Sunday, Aug. 28.
All students should have received an email with their room assignments, building directions and parking tags for the day. Each student and their family will have a 30-minute window of arrival and two hours available for moving in order to manage traffic around Newark and decrease congestion in residence halls.
The first day of classes for the University of Delaware is Tuesday, Aug. 30.
At this time, the university has mandated that masks be worn in all classrooms, in research facilities and on all campus transportation for the first two weeks of the semester until Sept. 9.
The university cites this as a precautionary measure. Data from previous years shows an increase in cases at the beginning of each semester as students return to campus from various locations in and out of the country.
UD will continue to monitor COVID-19 in the local community and follow guidance from the CDC to determine the next steps.
Masks will be available at residence hall check-ins and various communal locations on campus including the library and student centers.
PCR testing will be available on the North Green Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Aug. 29.
Delaware State University move-in schedule
Delaware State University began student move-in on Monday and will continue with campus arrivals through Saturday.
First-year and Dreamer students were scheduled to move in on Monday, Aug. 22 through Wednesday, Aug. 24, with returning students moving in Thursday, Aug 25. Through Saturday, Aug. 27.
The first day of classes for Delaware State University is Monday, Aug. 29.
All residential and commuter students must receive and upload proof of a negative PCR COVID test three days before arriving on campus.
Documentation of the negative test result will be required upon move-in.
The university does not have current information pertaining to their COVID protocol for the upcoming school year, including masking requirements and COVID testing policies, available on their website and did not immediately respond for comment before this article was published.
