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Moving to Reno as a UNR student is easiest when you break it into stages. Secure your housing and roommates first, then gather documents and set up renters insurance and parking. Next, pack for Reno's dry, four-season climate, and plan a move-in day with a checklist. After you arrive, get your UNR student ID, which lets you ride RTC buses for free, and pick up anything you forgot at nearby stores. Most students can skip moving furniture entirely by choosing a furnished apartment.
Wolf Run makes a first move simpler with fully furnished townhomes and apartments just a 5–15 minute walk from the Joe Crowley Student Union. Every unit includes a washer and dryer and a full kitchen, plus access to an Amazon Hub Locker for packages that arrive before or after you do.
What Should You Do Before Moving to Reno?
A smooth move starts weeks before you load the car. Working through tasks in order keeps the process manageable.
Two to Three Months Before Move-In
Lock in your housing and roommates first. If you're applying to an off-campus community, have a valid photo ID and proof of income ready. At Wolf Run, applicants also go through credit and background screening. This is also a good time to decide whether you'll bring a car, since resident parking at Wolf Run requires a permit.
One Month Before Move-In
Set up renters insurance, which Wolf Run requires. You can enroll in the community's program or provide proof of your own policy. If you're bringing a pet, review the pet policy: Wolf Run welcomes one cat or dog per apartment, with a 60-pound weight limit and no aggressive breeds. Start sorting what you'll pack and what you'll leave at home.
One to Two Weeks Before Move-In
Confirm your move-in date and time with your leasing office, and plan your route and parking for the day. Wolf Run's 2026–27 lease began August 21. Pack an overnight bag with essentials so you won't need to dig through boxes the first night.
What Should You Pack for Your First Apartment in Reno?
In a furnished apartment, you can skip the heavy lifting. Wolf Run bedrooms include a bed frame, mattress, nightstand, desk, and chair. Common areas come with living room seating, a coffee table, an entertainment center, a TV, and kitchen and dining seating.
That leaves a much shorter packing list:
- Bedding: Sheets, pillows, and a comforter. Most Wolf Run bedrooms have a full-size bed, and select rooms have a twin, so confirm your size first.
- Bathroom basics: Towels, a shower caddy, toiletries, and a first aid kit.
- Kitchen supplies: A few pots and pans, dishes, utensils, and food storage containers.
- Laundry supplies: Detergent and a hamper for your in-unit washer and dryer.
- Cleaning supplies: All-purpose cleaner, trash bags, and paper towels.
- Tech: Chargers, a power strip, and a laptop for class.
- Documents: Photo ID, your lease, and proof of renters insurance.
- Decor: Photos, a rug, or removable hooks to make your room feel like home. Avoid nails or staples on exterior doors and frames.
Coordinating shared items like cookware and a vacuum with roommates before move-in keeps you from ending up with four of everything.
How Should You Prepare for Reno's Climate?
Reno sits in Nevada's high desert at about 4,500 feet, so the weather can surprise students from lower-elevation or more humid places. Summers are hot and dry, and winters bring cold temperatures and snow.
Pack layers for every season. You'll want a warm winter coat, gloves, and waterproof boots for snowy walks to campus, plus lighter clothes and sunscreen for warm early-fall afternoons. The dry air can be tough on skin, so lotion, lip balm, and a refillable water bottle are worth bringing. Many students also add a small humidifier to their room in winter.
What Should You Do on Move-In Day?
Move-in day goes faster with a plan. Follow these steps to keep things organized:
- Arrive at your scheduled time. Check in with the leasing office and pick up your keys.
- Get a guest parking pass for helpers. Visitors parking on the property need a pass from the office.
- Do a walkthrough before unpacking. Note and photograph any existing damage so you aren't charged for it later.
- Unload essentials first. Bring in bedding, toiletries, and your overnight bag before anything else.
- Make your bed right away. After a long day, you'll be glad it's done.
- Meet your roommates. Talk briefly about shared spaces, quiet hours, and how you'll split supplies.
Taking care of these steps early makes the rest of the unpacking feel much easier.
What Should You Do During Your First Week in Reno?
Once the boxes are in, a few tasks help you settle into Reno and campus life.
Start by getting your UNR student ID. Through RTC Washoe's Ed-Pass program, UNR students ride RTC buses for free by showing their student ID, which makes it easy to get to Midtown, downtown, and shopping areas without a car. Download a transit app to plan routes before classes start.
Next, set up your resident portal so you can pay rent and submit maintenance requests online. At Wolf Run, rent is due on the 1st of each month, with a grace period through the 4th. Finally, walk your route to class before the first day so you know exactly how long it takes.
Where Can You Buy Move-In Essentials Near UNR?
Even with a good packing list, most students forget something. These nearby stores make it easy to fill in the gaps.
Walmart Supercenter on East 2nd Street
The Reno E 2nd St Walmart Supercenter, at 2425 E 2nd St, carries groceries, kitchenware, storage bins, bedding, and cleaning supplies. It's open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., which is convenient for late move-in runs.
Target Sparks South
The Target Sparks South store, at 1550 E Lincoln Way in Sparks, is a good stop for dorm-style decor, bathroom basics, and small kitchen appliances. It's open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
WinCo Foods for Groceries
WinCo Foods, at 2855 Northtowne Ln, is a popular budget grocery option and is open 24 hours. Its bulk foods section makes it easy to stock a pantry without overspending.
St. Vincent's Thrift Store for Budget Finds
St. Vincent's Thrift Store, at 500 E 4th St, sells secondhand kitchenware, decor, and household items at low prices. It's a good place to pick up a lamp or extra dishes.
Between a supercenter, a Target, a budget grocery store, and a thrift shop, you can fill in nearly any gap within your first week.
Ready to Make Your Move to Reno Easy?
Moving to Reno for UNR is much easier when you plan ahead. Lock in housing and renters insurance early, pack for the high desert climate, and follow a move-in day checklist. During your first week, get your student ID for free RTC bus rides and pick up anything you forgot at nearby stores. Choosing a furnished apartment removes the biggest moving hassle entirely.
Wolf Run is designed to make that first move simple. Every unit is fully furnished with a washer and dryer and a full kitchen. Residents can use the Amazon Hub Locker, fitness center, study and computer lounge, and gated community. Choose a townhome at Wolf Run Vintage or an apartment at Wolf Run East, all a short walk from campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should UNR students start planning a move to Reno?
Start two to three months before move-in by securing your housing and roommates. Set up renters insurance about a month out, and confirm your move-in date, route, and parking one to two weeks before you arrive.
What should I pack when moving into a furnished apartment near UNR?
Pack bedding, towels, bathroom basics, kitchen supplies, laundry and cleaning supplies, chargers, important documents, and a few decor items. Wolf Run already provides bedroom furniture, living room seating, a TV, and kitchen and dining seating, so there's no need to move furniture.
What should I do on move-in day?
Check in with the leasing office, get guest parking passes for anyone helping, and do a walkthrough to photograph any existing damage before unpacking. Then bring in your essentials first and make your bed right away.
How should I pack for Reno's weather?
Pack layers for all four seasons, including a warm coat, gloves, and waterproof boots for winter, plus sunscreen for warm early-fall days. Reno's dry, high desert air also makes lotion, lip balm, and a refillable water bottle worth bringing.
Can UNR students get around Reno without a car?
Yes. Through RTC Washoe's Ed-Pass program, UNR students ride RTC buses for free with their student ID, which makes it easy to reach Midtown, downtown, and shopping areas.
Where can I buy move-in essentials near UNR?
The Walmart Supercenter at 2425 E 2nd St and Target Sparks South at 1550 E Lincoln Way carry most move-in basics. WinCo Foods on Northtowne Lane is open 24 hours for groceries, and St. Vincent's Thrift Store on East 4th Street is good for budget household finds.