It will soon be dorm sweet dorm for thousands of West Virginia University students headed to the University City.

Move-in day is Friday (Aug. 15) at WVU s residence halls.

Look for large amounts of bedding and clothes, plastic crates, posters and stereos lining the sidewalks around the Downtown and Evansdale campuses.

More than 5,700 students will be living in University housing this year, the largest in the schools history, said Corey Farris, director of housing and University apartments.

Its an exciting time at WVU ,he said,and once again, weve taken extra measures to ensure the move-in process goes smoothly and reduce the stress on the students, their families and the community.

Check-in is from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Students are assigned to different move-in periods to minimize any back-ups in the elevators. If students attended New Student Orientation on or before June 15, their move-in time will be from 8-11:30 a.m. If they attended orientation after June 15, their move-in time is from 12:30-4 p.m.

Typically 85 percent of students are moved in by 4 p.m. on move-in day, Farris noted.

University and Morgantown police will direct traffic at key intersections around campus and provide parking information.

Were proud of how city and community officials work together to make move-in day as welcoming as possible to students and families from out of town,Farris said.

About 220 returning WVU students, or hotshots, are volunteering this year, he added.

What will happen is police will direct students and their families as close to the residence halls and University apartments as possible, where hotshots will help them unload, and then theyll be directed to a parking place a few blocks away,he said.

For students moving into Dadisman, Boreman, Arnold and Stalnaker halls, the University has provided free, two-hour parking vouchers for the citys parking garages. The vouchers were mailed to students last week.

Students in other residence halls are welcome to park in any WVU parking lot for free with a Mountaineer Parents Club parking permit.

Housing officials have mailed detailed directions to students that will take them straight to their residence halls and avoid cross-town traffic.

Keep in mind: Several thousand people are going to be moving in Friday,Farris said.We always say bring lots of patience and a good sense of humor.

He also suggested bringing a dolly or cart to help roll things across the street. Soft drinks and water will be provided to keep everyone cool and comfortable at check-in points.

If students forget to bring items for their rooms, they can take free shuttle buses from their residence halls to shopping centers around town Saturday evening (Aug. 16). Participating retailers will offer special discounts.

Move-in day, or Trading Spaces Day, is part of WVU s Welcome Week activities. For more information, go to http://firstyear.experience.wvu.edu/welcome_week .