Preparing for Move-In
- When will I receive information regarding move-in?add
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.
- I need ADA accommodations for Move-In. Who should I contact?add
If you need accommodations in regards to moving, please contact housingaccommodations@berkeley.edu.
- When can I sign up for a move-in time slot?add
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.
- Can I move-in early?add
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.
- Can I move-in late?add
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.
- Where is the QR code I need for check in?add
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.
- Can I send packages to my residence before move-in? How do I receive/ address mail?add
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.
- What’s in my room? What will I need for my room?add
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
- Where do I go on my move-in day?add
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.
- What will parking look like for move-in?add
Please check in early August for information about parking and directions during Move-In.
- How do I move my belongings?add
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.
- Why are we limited to two helpers?add
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.
- As the parent, relative, or friend who assisted with moving in, can I spend the night in my student's residence hall?add
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.
- Can I bring my own refrigerator and microwave?add
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.
- What is the early drop-off pilot program for Unit 1 and Unit 2?add
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.