A new flock of ducks is headed to campus, arriving Friday.
On Sept. 27, about 3,300 students, most from far out of town, arrive to move their belongings into campus residence halls. Before that, about 1,500 students will do the same between Sept. 24-26. Many more students may be moving into off-campus housing in the area at the same time.
The backup of vehicles unloading is typically felt up and down Franklin Boulevard, as well as on other streets that run through campus. Roadside signs alert drivers about possible traffic in the days leading up to move-in.
Parking on campus is traditionally tight, but various construction projects will make this year more challenging.
A tip for UO employees: walk, bike, bus, or carpool at that time to help ease congestion. Just in time, UO Transportation Services has set up a new park-and-ride spot near Autzen Stadium for an LTD bus route that serves campus.
Welcoming students to campus is one of the UO's liveliest traditions, and volunteers can help students and families load in quickly through the popular Unpack the Quack program. All UO community members can share a smile or help answer questions for new-arriving students and families.
Move-in also creates a lot of waste as students and their families unpack new bedding, lamps, refrigerators and other items, along with the usual boxes and other waste that comes from moving. This year, student volunteers from the Environmental Leaders Academic Residential Community will be working at several waste stations, helping break down cardboard boxes and showing students and families where and how to sort their waste. Look for the blue Unpack the Quack shirts for help.
Move-in is just the start of the university's Week of Welcome, which also includes convocation at Matthew Knight Arena on Sept. 28 at 11 a.m. Campus will stay busy through the weekend: the Flock Party is also Sept. 28.
Visit Transportation Services for parking maps and more information about campus transportation options. Additional transportation commute options are available to and around campus to supplement or replace single-occupancy automobile parking.
Transportation services in the area include: PeaceHealth Rides bike share; Lane Transit District services, which are free to UO students and employees with their UO ID cards; and local ride-hailing services. For more ideas on travel to, from and around campus, call the UO active transportation coordinator at 541-346-4588; for help with parking and permits, call 541-346-5444.
Specialized campus maps and transportation options are also a click away on the updated UOregon Mobile App, available on the iTunes store and Google Play.