Are you getting ready to move to The University of New Mexico? The state’s flagship university provides a one-of-a-kind college experience in the city of Albuquerque.
Starting life at UNM and moving to the ABQ is an exciting transition, but it can also be overwhelming. Solid preparation and planning will make all the difference in your move, and Collegeboxes is here to guide you through the entire process.
Fun Facts About the University of New Mexico
- UNM is the flagship institution of New Mexico, meaning it’s the state’s oldest and largest public university.
- UNM is a Carnegie-designated Research 1 university, meaning it’s one of the top schools in the nation for researching.
- UNM is famous for its Pueblo-Revival architecture, much of it designed by John Gaw Meem.
- Just by walking across campus, you’re touring a diverse landscape. With over 5,000 trees and 320 species, campus is one of the most biodiverse spots in the Southwest.
Why the University of New Mexico Loves Collegeboxes
Collegeboxes coordinates the logistics, so students can start their new chapter stress free.

Preparing for Your Move
- Consider your housing options. Incoming freshmen are required to live on campus. If you want to live off-campus, you’ll need to apply for an exception.
- Write down important dates such as housing application deadlines, move-in day, orientation, and when classes start.
- Keep track of the move-in day information. UNM will send you a complete move-in guide, with information like parking instructions, unloading zones, and move-in guidance.
Packing
- Start early and stay organized with the proper packing supplies. Labeling your boxes will help you keep track of everything throughout your move.
- Focus on packing the essentials and preparing for Albuquerque’s dramatic seasons. UNM has extremely hot summers, snowy winters, and everything in between.
Store Smart with Collegeboxes
With Collegeboxes, you only pay for what you store! We charge per box, with rates starting at only $13 per month. Collegeboxes is perfect for the intense New Mexico weather with climate controlled, secure storage. Whether you want to ship your items to campus, or you’re looking for a summer storage option in the future, Collegeboxes has you covered.
Once you sign up, you can order a Collegeboxes Supply Kit which includes everything you need to easily pack your items. You pack and Collegeboxes handles the rest with pickup, storage, and shipping.
Housing Options
On campus housing has three types of residency, traditional dorms, suites, and apartments. The traditional dorms (Coronado, Alvarado, Hokona, Santa Cruz) are for freshmen. The suite style halls Laguna/Devargas, have their own bathrooms that are shared with 4-6 other suitemates. The apartment communities, Redondo Village, SRC Apartments, and downtown based Lobo Rainforest, is for upperclassmen to have private bedrooms and kitchens.
Off campus housing include two university partnered complexes, Casas del Rio, which borders campus, and Lobos Village that’s south of the pit and campus shuttles. Other common choices are Nob Hill apartments or neighborhood houses for lower rent and extra space.
In your first year, you’re required to live in a dorm, either Coronado, Alvarado, Hokona, or Santa Clara hall. You also have a suite option, Laguna/Devargas (LVD). For sophomores you can live in apartments RVA and SRC.
UNM has extensive resources for students looking to live off-campus.
Surrounding Area
Albuquerque is a vibrant city with endless history and things to do! Here’s what you need to know:
The Petroglyph National monument is a must see and only 12-minute car ride from campus!
Nob Hill/University has lots of walkable bars and cheap eats, while downtown provides you with bigger clubs and live music venues.
The city has amazing food options for all different budgets, even the state’s official question is “red or green?”
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest balloon rally from the first Saturday of October, and ending the following Saturday.
Take a look at Albuquerque’s city guide for more information!

Get to School with Collegeboxes
Stressed about moving into your new dorm or apartment? Collegeboxes is here to help. We can ship your things from your house directly to your dorm–all you have to do is pack your items.