Preparing for Move-In
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Information about fall Move-In is sent throughout the summer. Information about spring Move-In is sent in early January. You can read more about Move-In here.
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If you need accommodations in regards to moving, please contact housingaccommodations@berkeley.edu.
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Time slots open in June for newly admitted first-year students and late July for newly admitted transfer students. For continuing students, time slots open in late July or early August. You will receive an email when you can sign up for a time slot.
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Unfortunately, we are unable to facilitate early move-ins as move-in dates are determined by when the facilities will be ready to house students. If you are in need of accommodations upon your arrival we recommend utilizing the resources on the university's lodging and dining page here. Note: In 2025 there is an Early Drop-Off Pilot Program for Unit 1 and Unit 2, but sign-ups for the program are closed.
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Yes, we ask that students arrive during front desk business hours. Please email us at reshall@berkeley.edu with your expected arrival date so we can update our records. You may still receive reminder emails to sign up for a move-in time slot but you do not need to sign up for one. Check in with your unit front desk upon your arrival.
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After selecting your time slot in the Housing Portal, you should see your QR code on the screen. Please take a screenshot of your unique QR code. When you check in to your housing unit on move-in day, you will need to show it to move-in staff.
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Please note that units do not accept packages that are sent to you prior to Move-In, and we cannot allow shipping companies direct access to student spaces. See the mail service page for more information.
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Descriptions of your housing unit’s bed size and provided furniture are listed on the web page for your housing unit: see residence halls or apartments. Please note that not all rooms provide the same size bed.
Review the Move-In Checklist for a full list of what to bring, and what not to bring.
Move-In day logistics
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Plan to arrive at your housing location at the start of your move-in time slot and park in the designated temporary unloading zone. UC Berkeley staff will be there to greet you and help you check in. Check the Move-In Parking page for detailed maps to get to each building.
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Please check in early August for information about parking and directions during Move-In.
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The best way to get you and your belongings to your room is to bring them yourself, with the help of up to two family members or supporters.
Create a plan for moving items into your room, as only you and your two helpers will be able to access your residence. We are unable to accept any packages arriving prior to your move-in day, and we cannot allow shipping companies direct access to student spaces.
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We ask that you bring a maximum of two helpers in order to reduce lines and crowding for everyone on move-in day. In particular, the high-rise buildings (Units 1, 2 and 3) are served by only two elevators per building, and having more people will result in longer lines and more crowding in elevators and stairways.
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No, you will need to stay at a hotel or other local accommodation. Family members and other supporters are not permitted to stay overnight in campus housing on move-in day. If you are in need of accommodations as a visitor, we recommend utilizing the resources on the university's lodging and dining page here or preview a list of local hotel options provided by Berkeley’s visitor bureau.
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No, personal microwaves and refrigerators are not allowed in residence hall rooms or apartments. Residence hall rooms include a MicroChill, a refrigerator and a microwave combination unit in each room. Most residence hall contracts include an “Equipment Fee” for the use of the Microchill unit. The fee is split among residents in a room, so your Equipment Fee will be lower if you share a room. (Blackwell Hall residents will not pay the added fee, as the cost of these appliances was already incorporated into their rates.) Further information about the fee is available on the rates page.
All apartments include a refrigerator and microwave. If you require an additional refrigerator for medication in your apartment, please go through the ADA process.
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The pilot program, which is now closed to new applicants, enables a limited number of incoming Unit 1 and Unit 2 residents to quickly drop off their belongings in their new room on Monday, August 18, before completing their full Move-In on their assigned move-in day, either Tuesday, August 19 or Wednesday, August 20, depending on building. Only Unit 1 and 2 residents were eligible for the pilot program. Participants received further information by email, and only registered pilot program participants may drop off their belongings early.