*Sent to students*
We hope this note finds you safe and well. You are receiving this communication because you are identified as a resident who still has belongings in your residence hall or fraternity/sorority house. The university is working on two options for you to be able to retrieve your belongings from your campus residence.
We continue to follow guidance from state and local health officials monitoring the coronavirus and are in the process of working to better understand state and federal guidance around the timeline for resuming university operations. Given the current landscape, the university is not currently permitted to allow students or families on campus to retrieve belongings.
Recognizing you may have a more immediate need to retrieve belongings or already know you will be unable to physically return to campus in any eventuality, we will be providing a list of approved moving companies who will be able to pack, store and/or ship your belongings. This process can begin the week of May 4, as movers are considered essential based on Pennsylvania’s Stay-At-Home Order regulations, and all movers are required to submit required background checks to the university prior to arriving on campus. We highly encourage you to consider using this service, as it drastically decreases the amount of visitors to campus and gives you a much firmer timeline to retrieve your belongings. This process is highlighted as option 1 below.
Once state and local officials and university administration deem it possible, students will be offered the opportunity to schedule a time to return to pick up your belongings. This will be a tightly scheduled program that will include strict social distancing regulations. Again, the timeline, timing and structure of this process will be determined with guidance from state and local health officials and university administration. This option is highlighted below as option 2.
Move out Options
Option 1: Use an approved vendor to pack, ship and/or store belongings.
The university will be working with third-party moving companies to provide packing, storage and/or shipping options to our students. Students will be responsible for the costs associated with packing, shipping and/or storage costs, estimated at $250 per student for packing and initial storage fees. Moving companies will be able to access student rooms with the consent of the student. University staff will work with the company to access the student’s room. A list of approved vendors, including links to sign up for their services, will be emailed to students and posted on the Housing Services website, once it is finalized the week of May 4. Please be aware that Lehigh University is not responsible for any items lost or damaged in the packing, shipping or storage process if you choose this option. For the health and safety of the entire Lehigh community, we encourage students to take advantage of this option, as it drastically reduces the number of visitors to campus and potential personal interaction.
Option 2: In-Person Move Out by student or designee.
If unable to take advantage of the pack, store and/or ship option and when it is practicable to do so, students will be contacted to schedule a time to return to campus to pick up their belongings. An appointment will be necessary to control the number of residents moving out at the same time for social distancing purposes. If students do not have their key and/or ID, they will need to email Housing Services (inhouse@lehigh.edu) after they have confirmed their designated move-out date and time to arrange access to the building and room.
If the student is unable to return to campus and would like to designate a friend or family member to access the room to move out, this will be permitted with written consent from the student (provided by email from the student’s lehigh.edu email address). These students must also sign up for a designated move-out day and time for the friend or parent. After they have selected their designated move-out date and time, they will need to email Housing Services (inhouse@lehigh.edu) to make the access arrangements.
We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented situation. Refer to the FAQs below for additional details, and we will continue to provide you with updated information as it becomes available.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding,
Housing Services
Move Out FAQs
Will residents get in trouble for any items that violate Lehigh University policy?
Any items that are illegal will be confiscated. However, low-level violations (ex: possession of alcohol or violations of general provisions for occupancy) will not result in charges through the Office of Student Conduct or Housing Services.
What will happen to perishable items left in my refrigerator?
All perishable items will be discarded.
If my roommate’s belongings are also in the room, how will the company know which items are mine?
You will be able to video call with the moving company at the designated time of your move out, so you will be able to direct them during the packing process. You’ll also be able to designate items for trash during this call.
Can large items like futons and bicycles be shipped?
Yes, but it will incur a greater shipping cost.
Will I be charged if I wasn’t able to empty and clean my MicroFridge?
You will not be charged for a dirty MicroFridge. All contents will be thrown out.
What if I can’t afford the cost of a packing and storage company, and I can’t get back to campus to pack myself?
Students who have financial concerns about the packing, shipping or storage of belongings should complete the Emergency Aid form to request support.
If I don’t want to have an item packed, will movers throw it out or have it donated?
You will be able to video call with the moving company at the designated time of your move out, so you will be able to direct them during the packing process. You will be able to choose items to be shipped and/or items to be stored. You’ll also be able to designate items for trash during this call. The university is exploring donation options as well.
If I have my keys(s) with me and am not returning to campus, what address should I send it to?
Please place it in a padded envelope with your name, building and room number and send it to Housing Services, 63 University Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015. Please be sure to use a padded envelope when mailing keys. Placing your key in a standard envelope, in many cases, causes the envelope to break open during the mailing process and can result in a lost key.
If I return to campus, what do I do with my key when I finish moving out?
Keys can be returned to the drop box at the University Police Station Lobby on Packer Avenue. Please place the room key in one of the envelopes located next to the drop box and note your name and room number on the envelope before depositing it in the drop box.
Can items be left in the room until I return to campus in August?
Unfortunately, no, this is not an option. Student rooms must be emptied so they can be cleaned, sanitized and have any necessary repairs completed prior to the new semester
Can I pay someone to move my belongings to my fall 2020 assignment?
Unfortunately, no, this is not an option. Student rooms must remain vacant so they can be cleaned, sanitized and have any necessary repairs completed prior to Fall 2020 move-in.
What if I can't return to campus during the designated dates, once they are announced?
If you cannot return to campus during the designated dates, you should utilize one of the pack, ship or store options.
Do I have to schedule a time to pick up my belongings?
Yes, when the time comes, if you are returning to campus to pick up your belongings, you are required to schedule a time to do so. The university will continue the practice of social distancing during this process and must regulate the amount of students in a particular building at a particular time. If you show up on campus without scheduling, you will not be given access to your room.
If I choose option 2, can I return sooner than the date and time assigned by Housing Services?
No, you cannot return to campus any sooner than your assigned date to pick up your belongings. Lehigh is required to comply with government regulations and only essential personnel are permitted to be on campus during this time. If you arrive on campus prior to your assigned move-out date and time, you will not be given access to your room.