The months leading up to the school year are normally very busy this time of year, but this year will prove to be even busier for student housing with COVID-19.

This time of year can get very busy for on and off-campus housing as students are rushing to find housing for the fall semester. People who work in student housing are processing people moving out while also trying to plan for move-in day during the pandemic.

“Move-in day will look a little different this year because we are going to be doing a no contact move in,” Gabe Pipkin, the Community Assistant of Lafayette Place Apartments, said. “We have planned to do two separate lines. One for people who have turned in all documents and just need to pick up keys, and the other line has people who need to bring documents or pay rent.”

Lauren Kendall, the General Manager of U Club Townhomes at Oxford, their response to COVID-19 was to turn to the American Campus Communities.

“A major component of this program is collaborating with hygiene specialists at RB, the makers of Lysol, to provide cleaning guidelines, procedures and educational training on the proper products to use, appropriate cleaning practices, and healthy living practices to promote resident responsibility.”

Before move-in day began the staff of Lafayette Place Apartments they spent their days inspecting, cleaning and repairing all of the vacant units and bathrooms future residents would be moving into.

“Due to COVID-19 we are going to a no to little contact move in,” Pipkin said. “We are allowing no more than four people in the office at a time and if they do not have any documents to show proof of residence they will just receive keys and go move in.”

Move-in day preparation began for Lauren Kendall early so they could ensure they are providing the best service and that they are prepared to overcome any issues that might occur.

“For move-in we schedule out dates around the academic calendar to allow residents time to move in prior to classes starting,” she said. “Of course, remaining a resident of our community allows for students to avoid the hassle of moving out, especially if they live out of state, attend early meetings, are participating in recruitment for organizations, or for the general ease of not having to pack up and move.”S