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UCSB move in checklist for students
- Ong Ogaslert
- Dec 8
- 4 min read
Introduction
Move-in day in Isla Vista can feel chaotic even when everything goes “fine.” Parking is competitive, streets get crowded fast, keys sometimes aren’t ready when you expect, and utilities/internet setup can take longer than you think. The easiest way to avoid a stressful first week is to treat move-in like a checklist project: confirm logistics ahead of time, document the unit condition the moment you arrive, and test the essentials so problems are reported early (when landlords are most responsive).
This UCSB move in checklist is designed for Isla Vista reality: timing, parking, utility setup, internet, day-one inspections, photos, and a simple setup plan so you start the quarter organized instead of scrambling.
UCSB move in checklist: the move-in timeline you should follow
Think in three phases:
Before move-in (7–14 days out): confirm logistics and set accounts
Move-in day (first 2 hours): document and test everything important
First week: finalize setup and follow up on repairs in writing
Most problems happen when students skip phase 2.
1) Before move-in: confirm the logistics that prevent chaos
Keys and access
Confirm:
key pickup location and exact time window
what ID is required
whether there are separate keys for unit, mailbox, laundry, parking gate
how after-hours entry works
Ask:
“If I arrive and the office is closed, how do I get in?”
Parking plan for move-in day
Move-in day is not normal parking day in IV. Plan:
where you will unload (and for how long)
whether there’s a temporary loading zone
whether you need a parking pass for move-in
guest/unloading rules (towing risk)
If you’re bringing a larger vehicle, plan a quick unload schedule and have a helper if possible.
Utilities and internet: clarify who sets up what
Confirm in writing:
which utilities are included
which utilities you must set up yourself
whether internet is included, provided, or tenant-managed
If you need to set anything up, do it before move-in day so you’re not living without power/internet.
Move-in funds and fees
Confirm:
total move-in amount due
deposit and any non-refundable fees
how payment must be made (online portal, cashier’s check, etc.)
Avoid move-in day surprises that delay keys.
2) Move-in day: the first 2 hours (most important)
This is where you protect your deposit and catch issues early.
Step A: Photo + video documentation (non-negotiable)
Before you unpack, take:
wide shots of every room
close-ups of damage (scratches, stains, holes)
floors, baseboards, walls, ceilings
appliances inside/out (oven, fridge)
bathroom surfaces and grout
windows/screens/locks
closets and doors
Then do a slow walkthrough video.
These files are your deposit protection.
Step B: Fill out the condition form thoroughly
If they provide a move-in checklist/condition form:
list every defect
be specific (“scratch on bedroom floor near closet”)
submit it within the required timeframe
keep a copy
If there is no form, email the property manager a defect list with photos.
Step C: Test what matters on day 1
Don’t assume anything works.
Test:
all lights and outlets
water pressure (hot/cold)
toilet flush and leaks
shower drainage
stove burners/oven
fridge cooling
heating/AC (if applicable)
window locks
smoke/CO detectors (presence and basic function if possible)
internet connection (if included)
If anything is wrong, report it immediately in writing.
3) Parking: what to verify immediately in Isla Vista
If you have parking included:
confirm your exact assigned spot number
confirm access method (gate code, remote, key fob)
confirm guest parking rules (if any)
verify whether the spot is tandem (blocked-in risk)
If you do not have parking included:
identify legal street parking zones
learn street sweeping timing
plan how you’ll handle busy weekends
In IV, parking is routine stress if you don’t clarify it early.
4) Utilities setup: make it predictable
Electricity / gas (if tenant setup)
set up account start date before move-in
confirm billing name matches lease
save confirmation emails
Water/trash (often included)
Confirm whether it’s:
included in rent
billed monthly
allocated across tenants
Internet
Confirm:
included vs tenant-managed
what equipment is required (router/modem)
service activation timeline
Internet delays can disrupt school immediately, so prioritize it early.
5) Setup plan: how to organize your first week so life feels normal fast
Essentials first
Day 1–2:
bed setup
shower curtain and toiletries
basic kitchen items
trash bags, cleaning supplies, paper towels
lighting (lamps if needed)
Roommates: define quick house rules early
If you have roommates, agree within the first week:
guest rules (especially overnight)
cleaning rhythm
shared purchases
quiet hours (especially weeknights)
A small agreement prevents early tension.
6) The “first week follow-up” process
If you reported issues, follow up:
keep all communication in writing
attach photos
request an estimated repair timeline
document when repairs are completed
If you don’t follow up, small issues can linger for months.
7) Copy-paste UCSB move-in checklist (quick version)
Before move-in:
confirm keys/access + ID requirements
confirm move-in payment total + payment method
confirm parking plan (loading/towing rules)
confirm utilities and internet setup responsibilities
Move-in day (first 2 hours):
photo/video every room + damage close-ups
submit condition form or email defect list
test outlets/lights/water/toilet/stove/fridge/windows
verify parking spot and access method
First week:
finalize utilities/internet
follow up on repairs in writing
set roommate rules (guests, cleaning, quiet hours)
This keeps move-in controlled.
Conclusion
Move-in in Isla Vista is smoother when you treat it like a checklist, not a moment. This UCSB move in checklist helps you avoid the most common student move-in problems: parking chaos, utility delays, deposit disputes, and day-one issues that go unreported. Document condition immediately, test essentials, confirm parking rules, and get utilities/internet set fast—then your UCSB year starts organized and calm.
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