Starting Fall Semester Off Right

As you and your student look ahead to the 2015-16 school year, here are some tips for getting a good start.

• On-Campus Move-in Times. To minimize crowding during move-in, the HSU Housing + Residence Life Office will assign your student a specific check-in time prior to fall semester. All freshmen students should plan on checking in Tuesday, August 18 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Transfer and returning students should plan on checking in Tuesday after 6 p.m. or later on in the week.
• Unloading Lanes. After check-in, you’ll drive to the unloading zone near your student’s residence hall to drop off his or her belongings. The Housing Office asks that each family limit their unloading time to 20 minutes to ensure the day progresses smoothly. Remember that unloading lanes will periodically close for trucks to empty garbage and recycling bins.
• Transportation. Humboldt State encourages students to take advantage of alternative transportation options including Jack Pass, which allows students with an HSU ID to ride free on all Humboldt County buses. Your student will also have access to Zipcar, a car sharing service, and Zimride, a private ridesharing network.
• Parking Permits. If your student does bring a car to campus, he or she will have to purchase a parking permit. Your student can purchase a parking permit before the start of fall semester through his or her Student Center account and can either pick it up when he or she arrives on campus or have it mailed to his or her residence. Keep in mind that having a parking permit doesn’t guarantee your student a parking spot!
• Placement Testing. The California State University requires that all freshmen and transfer students take the English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level Mathematics Test (ELT) before enrolling, unless they are exempt based on scores on tests like the SAT and ACT. Your student can see if he or she needs to take these tests by logging into his or her Student Center before the start of the semester.
• Off-Campus Meal Plan. If your student decides to live off campus, he or she can still purchase a campus meal plan. The plan is similar to what is offered to Residence Hall students and can be used at any Dining Services location. » Purchase a campus meal plan.

Outfit Your Student’s Room in Style

Forever Humboldt (HSU’s version of an Alumni Association) has once again teamed up with Residence Hall Linens to allow incoming students to order linens before they arrive on campus. With a choice of 4 Value Packs in over 40 color combinations, it’s the most convenient way to save money and outfit your student’s room in a stylish way before his or her arrival on campus. (Please note that students are not required to purchase linens from Residence Hall Linens.)

» Purchase linens