A photo of a man standing next to a young woman with his arm around her back. The woman is holding a potted plant in her right hand. There is a bin full of bags to the left of the man and woman.
Ronnie Robinson (left) and his daughter packed all of the essentials, including her anthurium flamingo flower. (Allen Jones, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Jan. 13, 2025

Welcome back … to students, sunshine and, yes, running water

Spring semester’s move-in shifted to Sunday, allowing a bit of post-storm calm to take hold ahead of classes.

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By VCU News staff

Clear skies. Clear sidewalks. Clear water. Good news came in threes this weekend as Virginia Commonwealth University hosted a slightly delayed move-in for the spring semester.

Originally scheduled to begin this past Friday, move-in was pushed in full to Sunday in light of a chaotic previous week – above ground and below. Early that week, a winter storm that brought snow and mixed precipitation led to a power outage that disrupted the city of Richmond’s water system, which impacted large parts of the region – including VCU – and prompted boil-water advisories in many localities. VCU’s rapid response team was in high gear all week, serving students and protecting facilities.

A photo of a dorm lobb filled with a corwd of people holding bags, clothing, and luggage.
From noon to 3 p.m., a steady stream of students -- some returning for their second semester while others arriving for the first time -- move into the Gladding Residence Center. (Allen Jones, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

More snow arrived toward the end of the week, though its impact was lighter. And recovery efforts from the water disruption were picking up steam, with boil advisories lifted on Saturday – just as students were getting ready to settle into their rooms and shift their focus to the semester ahead.

VCU had delayed move-in for first-year students and encouraged returning residents to do the same – this meant that nearly 4,000 residents would arrive in one afternoon on Sunday, rather than over the course of three days.

A photo of a three woman walking to the left with a rolling bin and another woman walking to the right with her arms crossed against her chest.
Students and families made use of the rolling bins, supplied by VCU Housing, to cut down on the number of trips back to the parking deck. (Allen Jones, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Residence hall directors and assistants also moved hall meetings and orientations to a virtual format so they could continue preparations and ensure a smooth transition to the new semester. VCU facilities and housing crews were methodically checking all individual systems and devices in each building to verify their safe operation. Classes begin Monday, and VCU will continue to flush water fountains and filling stations around campus.

A photo of a VCU Police officer standing to the right of one woman who are carrying bags, one woman is is walking and wearing a back pack, and one who is pushing a large bin.
VCU Police officers provided residents and their families assistance navigating their bins through crosswalks. (Allen Jones, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

In the meantime and while supplies last, students can present their VCU ID to pick up bottled water at Rodney’s in Shafer Court Dining Center on Monday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

A photo of three men walking on a sidewalk. Two are carrying boxes and one is carrying a small metal trash can.
Move-in essentials included everything from gaming consoles to extra rolls of toilet paper. (Allen Jones, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)