ANSWER
Photograph and save your approved student ID photo status, your move-in timeslot confirmation, and the condition of your room and belongings when you arrive. SMU’s move-in page makes the ID photo approval and timeslot selection required steps before arrival, and it says you’ll need your student ID to access your residence hall and room.
YOUR NEXT DECISION
Plan the next step of your move
- Approved student ID photo screenshot or email
- Move-in timeslot confirmation
- Room condition photos before unpacking
- Photos of shipped packages and labels
- Saved emails, portal messages and key pickup details
What to photograph and document before you arrive
The most important things to save are proof that your student ID photo was approved, your move-in timeslot confirmation, and any email saying when timeslots opened or were changed. SMU says the ID photo must be approved by July 15 and that you should secure a move-in timeslot by July 31 before booking travel.
- Keep a screenshot or email of your approved ID photo status.
- Save your move-in timeslot confirmation in case you need to change it later.
- Use the confirmation to plan travel only after the slot is set.
What to document on move-in day
Once you arrive, take clear photos of your room before unpacking, especially any wear, damage, missing items, or anything that looks off. SMU says you should check in at the move-in tent, receive your keys and student ID card there, and use your student ID to enter your residential facility and room.
- Photograph the room from the doorway, then the corners, walls, floors, windows, furniture and closet.
- Take dated photos of any damage or missing furniture before you unpack.
- Keep a record of your check-in and key pickup details in case you need them later.
What else is worth saving
SMU also says students can send up to 10 packages before move-in and should bring up to four guests to help unpack, so it helps to photograph package labels and any items that arrive separately. If you’re using the upper-division housing or Residential Commons guides, save the furniture and room-dimension details too, since SMU points students to those pages before packing.
- Take photos of any shipped boxes as they arrive.
- Save the room-dimension and furniture notes for later setup.
- Keep move-in emails and portal screenshots together in one folder.
Sources
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