Spring 2026 Move-in Guide

Message from CSUN Student Housing and Residential Life Director

Greetings Matadors –

It is with great pride and pleasure that I personally welcome you to CSUN Student Housing. The Student Housing team is very excited to have you join our community! We are committed to creating a living environment that fosters a strong sense of inclusion and belonging for every Matador calling Student Housing their home. Our website will serve as the hub for all things Student Housing. Here you will be able to find information, resources and support you will need to help you make this academic year a success.

It is important to remember that as a resident, you are truly part of a something bigger than just yourself. You are part of a connected living-learning experience and the Student Housing team is committed to support every Matador in reaching their academic and personal goals. I wish you nothing but the best and your continued success here at CSUN.

Success Lives Here!

Dr. Kevin Conn
Executive Director, Student Housing and Residential Life

New Online Check-in Process (All Residents)

Complete the online self check-in form at least one hour before arriving to Student Housing. You can access the form on the Student Housing Portal. It will take up to an hour after completing the form to grant you access to your room.

  • Step 1: Log into the Student Housing Portal
  • Step 2: Click on the Self Check-in link in the red menu bar.
  • Step 3: Select the term 2025-2026.
  • Step 4: Sign and complete all pages in the self-check-in

Hold on your account: If you are having trouble accessing the online check-in form, you may have a hold on your account. Please contact our office during our business hours or stop by the Student Housing Office to resolve any potential issues. 

CSUN MataCard (Mandatory)

You will need to activate your CSUN MataCard to complete your check-in. Not having a MataCard can delay access to your living space. Please note, MataCard can take up to 7 days to activate.

Spring 2026 Move-In Schedule

All residents who are offered and accept a housing offer after the start of the spring semester will be assigned a check-in day. You can view your assigned date and your room assignment in the Student Housing Portal.

Move-in Group             Date/Time             Details
Spring Move-in Friday, Jan 16; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Check-in: Complete the online self check-in form at least one hour before arriving to Student Housing. Parking: You may park in the F9 parking lot. Resident parking permit or daily parking pass is required. 

Late Move-in: Students who are not able to move in on their assigned date will have 8 days from that date to move into their assigned room before their housing license agreement will be cancelled.

Before move-in day

  • Know your move-in info and room assignment. Visit the Student Housing Portal to confirm your room assignment.
  • Activate your CSUN MataCard before move-in. Your MataCard is required in order to move in; you will not be able to check-in without it. It will serve as your CSUN ID and you will need it for room access, dining, and after-hours entry into Student Housing.
  • Check your CSUN email frequently. All future email communication from CSUN Student Housing will be sent to your @my.csun.edu email address.
  • Get your Meal Plan. Residents in suites and apartments without kitchens – make sure your meal plan application is complete. You don’t want to miss any meals! Residents in units with kitchens – even though you’re not required to have a meal plan, several options are available. It’s convenient and the food is great! You can find available options by visiting CSUN Dining.
  • Purchase your parking permit. If you are bringing a car to campus, we suggest you purchase your resident parking permit before you arrive.
  • Purchase renters Insurance. We strongly recommend that all students get renters insurance. It can cover loss of personal property in cases of theft, fire and many other unexpected events. CSUN Student Housing is not responsible for any damages to personal property — so renters insurance is the best way students can protect their belongings.
  • Packages: Do you need to ship items to your new apartment or suite? Mail Services starts accepting packages one week prior to your move-in date. Please look up your box number in your Student Housing Portal and send all packages and mail to: [Your Name] Student Housing 17950 Lassen Street, Box # ____ Northridge, CA 91325
  • Share your move-in day! Follow Student Housing on Instagram (@CSUNStudentHousing) to receive up-to-date information and Residence Halls Association on Instagram (@CSUNRHA) for social functions and events. You can also follow Matador Eats on Instagram (@matadoreats) for latest news, promotions and events.

On move-in day

  • Arrive on time: Arrive on Friday, January 16 between 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Complete online check-in: You must review and sign the online check-in form located in the Student Housing Portal one hour before arriving at Student Housing. It will take up to one hour after the form is completed to grant you access to your living space. 
  • Prepare for a busy and possibly hot day. Remember, this is SoCal so it might be hot, even in January! Wear sunscreen and drink lots of water!
  • Activate your MataCard before move-in. Your MataCard is required in order to move in. It will serve as your CSUN ID and you will need it for room access, dining, and after-hours entry into Student Housing.
  • Set up your Meal Plan. For information about your Meal Plan or support downloading the Transact eAccounts app and setting up your MataCard, please contact Meal Plan via email.
  • And most importantly, have fun! We would love for you to have your move-in day on Instagram by tagging your posts and photos with #homeatcsunSH