Thrifty Move-In
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Join us for Thrifty Move-In 2026 on August 22, 2026! Ride with us to IKEA for affordable dorm and apartment essentials, then enjoy a free DiBella’s lunch. Meet at the Lindner College of Business Atrium. Bus departs at 9:30 a.m. and thrifting begins at 12:00 p.m.
The Thrifty Move-In is a collaborative initiative between CECH and a variety of community partners, university units, and colleges, including IKEA, DiBella’s, UC Center for Student Engagement/Bearcats Welcome, UC International, RED, CECH IMPACT, the Office of Sustainability, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, the Graduate College, Lindner College of Business, and the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
The program aims to reduce unmet student needs, alleviate move-in stress, and promote sustainability by providing students with essential household items and support as they settle into their new homes. During the event, students can select from a variety of new and gently used items, including:
- Kitchen utensils and cookware
- Dinnerware and flatware
- Pots and pans
- Small appliances (blenders, mixers, coffee makers, toasters, and more)
- Cleaning supplies
- Furniture and household items
- Additional essentials while supplies last
Students will receive a FREE DiBella’s lunch and, upon check-in, will be provided with tickets to “purchase” items at no cost. All items are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are available only while supplies last. Due to the high number of students the program serves, items cannot be reserved or held in advance.
Don’t forget to sign up for FREE roundtrip shuttle service to IKEA for your shopping needs. Participating students will receive a 15% discount code to use at IKEA. Shuttles depart from the Campus Green transit row.
Join us for a sustainable, affordable, and supportive move-in experience designed to help you feel at home from day one.
| Departure Time | GetInvolvedUC Link | |
|---|---|---|
9:30 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:20 AM 11:45 AM 12:30 PM 1:15 PM 2:00 PM 2:45 PM |
Thrifty Move-In: 9:30 am trip to IKEA Thrifty Move-In: 10:15 am trip to IKEA Thrifty Move-In: 10:30 am trip to IKEA Thrifty Move-In: 11:00 am trip to IKEA Thrifty Move-In: 11:20 am trip to IKEA Thrifty Move-In: 11:45 am trip to IKEA Thrifty Move-In: 12:30 pm trip to IKEA Thrifty Move-In: 1:15 pm trip to IKEA |
FAQ
Who can attend this event?
This event is not open to the public; only new and current UC students can attend. You must have your UC ID card and know your 6+2 and password to log in at the time of the event.
Do I have to register for the event?
Registration for the event helps us to prepare for the event (items collected, bussing, and lunch). This does not guarantee your space in line or guarantee thrifting items will be available for you.
Is there a cost to attend this event?
There are many FREE components of this event. We offer FREE items for students to shop though as well as FREE transportation to IKEA and a FREE lunch. Participating students will receive a 15% discount code to use at IKEA. Students must check-in upon arrival to the event. Please have your UC ID and know your 6+2 sign-in. Students are financially responsible for their items purchased at IKEA.
Can you hold items for me?
Due to the magnitude of the event, we are unable to hold or reserve items in advance. Students must also be able to transport items themselves. We would encourage you to bring totes to carry your items away with. Please note: all items must be removed from the Thrifty Move-in space once “purchased” to ensure that the flow of traffic is not impeded.
Can I have you watch my items while I go shopping with IKEA?
We are not responsible for items left at the event. Please have a friend or family member come to collect your items for you. Another option is to take your trip to IKEA prior to your shopping the Thrifty Move-In event.
What should I bring?
You will want to bring your Bearcat ID, totes to carry smaller items, and a few fellow Bearcats if you are looking to carry out one or more larger items (while supplies last). Students are financially responsible for their items purchased at IKEA.
Is there a moving/delivery option available to students?
Delivery/Transportation service of items at the Thrifty Move-In is not available and is the responsibility of the student. Please note: all items must be removed from the Thrifty Move-in space once “purchased” to ensure that the flow of traffic is not impeded. You can have your IKEA items delivered to you, please inquire about this option at IKEA.
How can I support this event?
Donations are welcome through the first week of August. Items can be dropped off at Teacher’s Dyer Complex suite 360. Questions about donations can be directed to Stacy Jenkins jenkisc@ucmail.uc.edu
Volunteers are also appreciated and needed. We are unable to hold this event without your help! Please register to be a volunteer today!
Thrifty Move-In 2026 | Center for Community Engagement
Stacy Jenkins
Graduate Student Success Program Manager, CECH Student Services Center
Teachers College