From Signing to Move-In: Your Countdown Starts Here
Signing a lease is easy to picture. What happens between now and the day you get your keys is less obvious. Here's exactly what to expect, phase by phase, so nothing catches you off guard.
Between signing your lease and moving in to University Commons, you'll handle five phases: paying your initial move-in costs and enrolling in renters insurance right after signing, confirming logistics and budgeting in the weeks before move-in, coordinating final details with roommates as move-in approaches, settling any remaining balance during move-in week, and picking up your keys and fob at the leasing office on move-in day.
What Happens Between Now and Move-In Day
Every step you'll actually take, in the order you'll take it.
Lock In the Basics
The first few days after signing are mostly paperwork and setup — get this handled early so it's off your plate.
- Pay your admin fee and security depositThe one-time administrative fee and refundable security deposit are due from the primary leaseholder as part of signing.
- Set up your resident portal accountThis is where you'll pay rent, submit maintenance requests, and get community updates going forward.
- Enroll in renters liability insuranceCoverage is required on every lease. Enroll in the community's third-party program or upload proof of your own qualifying policy.
- Save the leasing office's contact info(651) 386-2775, open Monday–Friday 10am–6pm and Saturday 10am–5pm.
- Connect with your roommatesIf you were matched through the roommate matching process, this is a good time to introduce yourselves and start a group chat.
Plan Ahead, Not Last-Minute
If you signed early in the leasing season, this stretch is quiet — use it to plan instead of scramble later.
- Confirm your move-in date with the leasing officeMove-in dates are set around your lease term — confirm the exact date so you can plan around it.
- Skip the furniture shoppingYour apartment includes a living room package and a bedroom package already in place, plus internet and a full-size washer and dryer — no furniture run needed.
- Budget your true monthly costRent plus required fees like the utility billing fee, water/sewer, and renters insurance make up your baseline — optional add-ons like parking or a garage are separate.
- Start a shared list with roommatesSince the living areas come furnished but not fully stocked, decide as a group who's bringing cookware, cleaning supplies, and shared decor.
- Sort out travel logistics if you're coming from out of stateUniversity Commons is a short walk or bike ride from the University of Minnesota's East Bank campus — factor that into how much you're shipping versus carrying.
Tie Up the Loose Ends
This is when the move starts feeling real — most of what's left is confirmation, not new decisions.
- Confirm your renters insurance is activeDouble-check enrollment or that your outside policy's proof of coverage was received before move-in.
- Update your addressUpdate it with your school, bank, employer, and any subscriptions so mail and deliveries land at 609 SE Huron Blvd.
- Ask about early move-in if you need itAn early move-in date may be available for an additional fee — worth asking the leasing office in advance rather than the week of.
- Plan your arrival logisticsCoordinate with roommates on who's arriving when, and check with the leasing office about parking or loading access for move-in.
- Confirm what's already in your unitFurniture is handled — this is your last check on anything unit-specific you asked the leasing team about during your tour.
Final Prep
The paperwork is essentially done — this week is about being ready to walk in and settle.
- Confirm your move-in appointment timeSchedule a specific time within office hours (M–F 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–5pm) so your keys and paperwork are ready when you arrive.
- Settle any remaining balanceCheck your resident portal for anything still due before move-in day.
- Pack a first-days essentials bagBedding, towels, toiletries, chargers, and a few kitchen basics — your apartment is furnished, but linens and pantry items are on you.
- Download the resident portal appHandy for maintenance requests and rent payments from day one.
- Loop in your roommates one more timeConfirm everyone's arrival day so the first grocery run and shared setup happen once, together.
Welcome Home
The day itself is short and simple — most residents are unpacked and settled within a few hours.
- Bring a photo ID and your lease confirmationYou'll need these at the leasing office to check in.
- Pick up your keys and building fobIssued at the leasing office during your scheduled appointment — the fob covers limited-access entry to the building.
- Complete your move-in walkthroughNote any existing damage on your move-in inspection form so it's on record before you unpack.
- Explore the buildingFind the 24-hour fitness center, the Academic Success Center with free printing, and the resident lounge while you're getting oriented.
- Keep the leasing office number handy(651) 386-2775 — for anything that comes up in your first few days.
The Honest Answers to What's Often Asked Between Signing and Move-In
We'd rather you know this upfront than discover it later. Here's what residents commonly ask during this stretch, answered straight.
Questions Residents Ask Before Move-In
What do I need to bring to a fully furnished apartment?
Your living room and bedroom furniture is already in place, along with internet and a full-size washer and dryer. Bring your own bedding, towels, kitchenware, personal electronics, and any decor that makes it feel like yours.
When do I get my keys?
Keys and your building fob are handed out at the leasing office on your scheduled move-in day, during office hours: Monday–Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday 10am–5pm.
Can I move in before my official date?
Early move-in may be available for an additional fee, depending on unit turnover. Ask the leasing office ahead of time rather than assuming it'll work out last-minute.
What if I haven't been matched with roommates yet?
Roommate matching is available if you don't already have a group — reach out to the leasing office and they'll help pair you before move-in.
Who do I contact with questions during this process?
The leasing office at (651) 386-2775 is your main point of contact from signing through move-in day, open Monday–Friday 10am–6pm and Saturday 10am–5pm.
Questions Before Your Move-In Date?
Our leasing team can walk you through exactly where you are in the process and what's next.
Call (651) 386-2775University Commons is an Equal Housing Opportunity community. Fees, timelines, and policies are subject to change — confirm current details with the leasing office before your move-in date.