Welcome to McDonald Hall, your new home away from home!
Orange Route
Below you will find your 2025 move-in itinerary with everything you need to do before you get to campus, where to arrive on campus and what to look forward to after you move in and make BGSU feel like home. We are excited to roll out the orange carpet and help you make the most of your college experience.
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Preparing for Your Arrival to Campus
- Print, fill out, and display your residence hall vehicle sign on your windshield before arrival.
- Note your move-in route color; you will follow these color signs through campus to get to your hall.
- Make sure your bill is paid in full. Check-in at the welcome tent only happens once the Office of the Bursar clears you to live on campus. If you have an outstanding bill you won’t be able to move into your room.
- Pack Smart. If it doesn’t fit in a compact car, you may have overpacked. We recommend bringing extra non essential things back to campus after you get settled, fall break is just around the corner.
- Unbox, assemble, and prep your large items at home. This means less trash runs and a quicker move-in.
- Don’t head to your hall when you arrive. Your first stop is the welcome tent at the Stroh Center Parking Lot. This is where you will check-in and get your room key.
Don’t Forget Your Move-In Ticket
Keep your move-in ticket QR code easily available! You can find it in your BGSU Housing Portal:
- Screenshot it
- Print it
- Make sure you can access it on the go
Check-In Process: Drive-Thru
When: New student: Aug. 20-21, Returning student: Aug. 23-24
Where: Stroh Center Parking Lot, 1535 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green, OH
- Arrive during your scheduled move-in appointment. If you have a noon move-in time that means you should arrive between 12–1 p.m.
- Follow the signs from I-75 to the Stroh Center.
- Show your move-in ticket QR code and BG1 card or photo ID at check-in.
- Stay in your vehicle. This keeps you and our Housing team safe while checking students in.
- Once you are checked in you will get your room key.
Once cleared, you’ll head right to your residence hall following the color route.
Arrival at McDonald Hall
- 15-Minute Unload: you will have 15-minutes to empty your vehicle, don’t worry there will be a number of move-in volunteers and large move-in boxes on wheels to help you unload.
- We recommend that at least one person stay with your car, during the unloading process.
- Once you have unloaded you will move your car to long-term parking (Lots R, 5 & 12).
When you get to your room:
- Complete your Room Inspection Form and turn it in at the front desk. You will have 24-48 hours to turn your form in but it is easier to complete the inspection form before you unpack.
Your Hall Staff Support
Hall Director
The Hall Director is a full-time staff member who oversees the daily operations of the residence hall. They handle student issues and concerns and supervise both graduate and undergraduate staff.
Resident Advisor
A Resident Advisor is an undergraduate student who lives on your floor. They are a resource for academic and personal concerns or a friendly face to talk to. They are here to help you succeed and grow within the residence hall community.
Move-in Day Logistics
Shuttles & Parking
- Shuttles run 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. during move-in days, with convenient routes to help you and your family navigate campus.
- Long-term parking is available until 9 p.m. in Lots R, 5 & 12 for student and guests during move-in.
Need a parking permit?
- You can purchase an annual or semester permit through BGSU Parking Services
- All permits are processed in “real-time” and are active immediately!
Trash & Recycling
Recycling: Flatten all boxes and remove trash before placing them in designated cardboard bins outside your hall.
Trash: All non-recyclables go in outdoor trash/landfill dumpsters.
Entertainment & Connectivity
Starship Robots
Order food delivered straight to you by these campus celebrities!
Dining During Move-In
Moving into your room can be tiring, make sure to take a break at one of our dining spots:
- Falcon’s Nest Food Court located in the Student Union
- Social House located next to McDonald hall
- Kreischer Sundial located inside Kreischer Quad
- Starbucks located in the Student Union
- Einstein Bros. Bagels located in the Oak Dining Facility near Thurstin Street
Weeks of Welcome (WOW!)
The fun starts the moment you arrive! Dive into events, meet fellow Falcons, and create memories to last a lifetime.
Featured Events:
Full schedule at bgsu.edu/wow
Welcome home
Updated: 08/07/2025 02:44PM