Preparing for Tech-In
Tech-In is Texas Tech University’s official residence hall arrival process for University Student Housing. It is designed to help students and families arrive, check in, unload, and get settled as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Students are required to select a Tech-In Timeslot before arriving on campus. Your selected timeslot helps manage traffic flow, reduce wait times, and ensure staff are ready to welcome you when you arrive. The deadline to secure your timeslot is July 26. Failure to secure a timeslot by this deadline may result in the forfeiture of your housing assignment.
Your Tech-In Journey
Use the links below to jump to each part of the Tech-In process.
Tech-In 2026
| Term/Group | Date(s) | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|
| Summer II | July 5–6 | 10 a.m. |
| Approved Early Tech-In Student Groups | August 14 | Based on selected Tech-In Timeslot |
| Fall 2026 | August 20–23 | Based on selected Tech-In Timeslot |
Start Here
Complete these important steps before arriving on campus.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Select your Tech-In Timeslot | Choose your Tech-In date and time through the housing portal. |
| Check your TTU email | Watch for newsletters, reminders, and hall-specific Tech-In instructions. |
| Review your housing assignment | Confirm your residence hall, room number, and roommate information. |
| Review your dining plan | Make sure you understand the dining plan connected to your student account. |
| Plan your route | Review campus maps and parking information before traveling to campus for Tech-In. Arrival directions will be sent to your TTU email one week prior to Tech-In. |
| Charge your phone | Students will need their phone during Tech-In to scan QR codes and complete parts of the Tech-In process. |
What to Expect
Before Arriving on Campus
Review emails, housing details, and arrival instructions before Tech-In.
In the weeks leading up to Tech-In, students should regularly check their TTU email for important updates from University Student Housing. You can expect to receive newsletters, reminders, and hall-specific Tech-In information to help you prepare for arrival.
Be sure to carefully review any communication related to your assigned residence hall or complex. Arrival routes, traffic flow, unloading instructions, and check-in details may vary by location.
This is also a great time to get excited about the Red Raider experience. Review the information you receive, talk with your roommate(s), make your final packing plans, and get ready to make Texas Tech your home away from home.
Before You Pack: Plan for Your Space
A little planning before you arrive can make Tech-In much smoother for you, your family, and everyone arriving around you. Before packing, think through what you will actually need, what you can prepare in advance, and how to make the most of the space in your vehicle and residence hall room.
| Helpful Reminder | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Review room dimensions and furnishings. | Dimensions, layouts, and amenities are approximate and may vary by room. Use this information as a general guide before making major purchases. |
| Coordinate with your roommate(s). | Talk before buying or packing shared items such as rugs, TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffee makers, or cleaning supplies. |
| Remember that university furniture must stay in the room. | Beds, desks, dressers, chairs, and other university-provided furniture may not be removed. |
| Avoid overpacking. | Residence hall rooms have limited space. Bring what you need first, and add items later if needed. |
| Pack in a Tech-In-friendly way. | Use bins, bags, or containers that are easy to carry. Label items with your name, hall, and room number. |
| Save space before loading the car. | Unbox larger items such as microwaves, mini-fridges, lamps, storage carts, or laptop boxes before packing your vehicle. This will also help reduce trash disposal. |
What to Bring
Use this packing guide to prepare for your residence hall experience.
| Category | Suggested Items | Helpful Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IDs & Tech-In essentials | Texas Tech Student ID, government-issued photo ID if needed, phone, phone charger, portable battery | Keep these items with you, not packed in a bin. Students will need their phone ready to scan QR codes during Tech-In. |
| Bedding | XL Twin sheets, pillows, comforter or blanket, mattress pad, extra blanket | Check your assigned hall information before purchasing room-specific items. |
| Bath items | Towels, washcloths, shower caddy, shower shoes, toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair care items | A portable shower caddy is helpful for shared bathroom spaces. |
| Laundry | Laundry basket or bag, detergent, dryer sheets, stain remover, hangers | A collapsible laundry basket or bag can save space. |
| Clothing | Everyday clothing, comfortable shoes, business casual outfit, rain jacket, light jacket, cold-weather items | Lubbock weather can change quickly, so plan for multiple seasons. |
| Room basics | Trash can, trash bags, tissues, paper towels, basic cleaning wipes, small first-aid kit | Coordinate cleaning supplies with your roommate(s) if you share a space. |
| Health essentials | Prescription medications, allergy medicine, fever or pain reliever, cold medicine, stomach relief, bandages, thermometer | Campus health and wellness resources are available, but packing prescriptions and common essentials can make the first few weeks easier. |
| Allergy and comfort items | Personal air purifier or HEPA air purifier, replacement filters, reusable water bottle, small fan | Helpful for students who are sensitive to dust, seasonal allergies, dry weather, or changing temperatures. Students are responsible for proper use, cleaning, and filter replacement for air purifiers. |
| Desk & school supplies | Laptop or tablet, notebooks, pens, pencils, planner, backpack, headphones, calculator if needed | Pack academic essentials somewhere easy to access. |
| Technology | Device chargers, headphones, surge protector, Ethernet cord if desired | Only UL-approved surge protectors are permitted. Extension cords are not permitted. |
| Storage & organization | Under-bed storage, bins, drawer organizers, closet organizers, removable hooks | Choose items that fit your space and are easy to move. |
| Decor | Photos, posters, approved removable adhesive strips, small lamp | Avoid nails, screws, or anything that could damage walls or furniture. |
| Food & kitchen basics | Reusable water bottle, snacks, microwave-safe bowl, plate, mug, utensils, dish soap, sponge | Keep it simple at first. Coordinate shared items before purchasing. |
| Optional comfort items | Small rug, extra blanket, sleep mask, earplugs, small toolkit, umbrella | Think about what will help you feel comfortable without overcrowding the room. |
| Shared appliances | Mini refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker | Coordinate with your roommate(s) before bringing large or shared appliances. Review size and wattage requirements first. |
Quick Appliance Guide
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Mini refrigerator | Maximum 3.7 cubic feet; must be 120 volts |
| Microwave | Must operate at 1500 watts or less |
| Coffee maker | Maximum 4 cups |
| Surge protector | Must be UL-approved |
| Electrical appliances | Must have a UL or equivalent certification label |
Tip: Coordinate with your roommate(s) before bringing shared appliances or large items. This helps avoid duplicates and saves space in the room.
What to Skip
Avoid bringing prohibited items and unnecessary duplicates.
| Skip | Examples |
|---|---|
| Open-flame items | Candles, incense, or anything with an open flame |
| Combustible or open-coil appliances | Hot plates, toaster ovens, air fryers, grills, broilers, or similar items |
| Extension cords | Use only approved surge protectors |
| Weapons | Weapons or items intended to be used as weapons |
| Items that damage walls or furniture | Nails, screws, permanent adhesive, or anything that alters the room |
| Oversized or non-approved appliances | Refrigerators, microwaves, or other appliances that exceed policy limits |
| Large or unnecessary duplicates | Extra furniture, duplicate appliances, or shared items that have not been coordinated with your roommate(s) |
Our Partners Can Help
Explore optional services designed to support your move to campus.
University Student Housing works with several partners that may help students and families prepare for Tech-In. These services are optional, but they can be helpful as you plan what to bring, what to ship, and how to protect your belongings.
| Partner | How They Can Help |
|---|---|
| Storage Squad | Storage Squad is a student storage and moving company that partners with colleges and universities to provide summer storage and ship-to-school services. |
| MicroFridge by Danby | Appliance that combines a mini refrigerator, freezer, and microwave into a single unit. It was designed specifically for college residence halls and is commonly offered through university housing partnerships and rental programs. |
| SWAK-U Room Outfitting Store | SWAKU operates the Residence Hall Association-sponsored room outfitting store, where incoming students and families can purchase room essentials before Tech-In. |
| GradGuard | GradGuard is a company that provides insurance and protection products specifically designed for college students and their families. |
Students and families are encouraged to review all partner information carefully and choose the options that best fit their needs.
Tech-In Day
Know what to expect when you arrive and begin moving into your residence hall.
When your Tech-In day arrives, follow your hall-specific instructions and arrive during your selected Tech-In Timeslot.
Here Is What to Expect
- Arrive during your scheduled Tech-In Timeslot.
- Follow posted signage and staff directions.
- Park in your designated unloading area.
- Have your Texas Tech Student ID ready.
- Have your phone ready to scan QR codes and complete the Tech-In process.
- Unload your belongings. You will have a designated amount of time to park in the unloading zone.
- Move your vehicle out of the unloading zone and into general parking. You may then continue to unpack and get settled into your room.
Pro Tip: While our Red Carts will be available to check out, students and families are still encouraged to bring a dolly or other moving tools if they have one.
Parking and Unloading
Review parking and unloading procedures before arriving on campus.
During Tech-In, dedicated parking and unloading areas are used to help traffic move as efficiently as possible. Parking and unloading instructions may vary by residence hall, so review the information sent to your TTU email before arriving. When you get to campus, follow posted signage and staff directions.
Once your belongings are unloaded, please move your vehicle as directed so other students and families can access unloading areas.
After Tech-In
Take the next steps to settle in and start your Red Raider experience.
Once you are in your room, take a moment to celebrate the start of your Red Raider experience.
After Tech-In, students should:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Complete your Room Inventory | Review your assigned space carefully and complete your Room Inventory with detailed information about the condition of your room and university-provided furniture. Be specific when noting any concerns. |
| Complete your Roommate Agreement | Students with roommate(s) should complete their Roommate Agreement after Tech-In and before the end of the month. This helps establish expectations for shared space, communication, guests, cleaning, sleep, study time, and other important topics. |
| Review community expectations | Take time to review residence hall policies, community standards, and information shared by your hall staff. |
| Watch for hall-specific updates | Continue checking your TTU email for information about meetings, welcome activities, and next steps. |
| Get connected | Meet your hall staff, connect with your roommate(s), and begin getting familiar with your new community. |
Tech-Out
| Term | Date | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Summer I Tech-Out | Friday, July 3, 2026 | Students without room reservations for Late Summer or Full Summer must vacate residence hall rooms by 10 a.m. |
| Summer II Tech-Out | Saturday, August 8, 2026 | Students without room reservations for Fall 2026 must vacate residence hall rooms by 10 a.m. |
Tech-Out is the move-out process for University Student Housing. Students should review all Tech-Out instructions carefully before leaving their residence hall.
Summer students should continue checking their TTU email and hall-specific communication for move-out instructions, desk hours, and any updates from University Student Housing.
Before You Leave
- Remove all personal belongings from your room.
- Clean your assigned space and shared areas, if applicable.
- Remove trash and dispose of unwanted items properly.
- Check drawers, closets, bathrooms, and common spaces before leaving.
- Review any hall-specific Tech-Out instructions sent to your TTU email.
Checking Out
- Follow instructions from your hall staff for completing the check-out process.
- Return keys and any assigned access items as instructed.
- Make sure your room is locked when you leave.
- Ask your hall office or staff if you have questions before departing.
After You Move Out
- Continue checking your TTU email for any follow-up information.
- Review your student account for any housing-related updates.
- Make sure your mailing address is updated in the appropriate university systems.
University Student Housing
-
Address
Wiggins Complex, 3211 18th St., Box 41141, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
(806) 742-2661 | Fax: (806) 742-2696 -
Email
housing@ttu.edu