The College will email you when it’s time to select your move-in time slot.
First-Year Move-In
The First Year Experience Office will email you move-in instructions in August. Typically, first-year move-in is scheduled for three dates. Your arrival date depends on whether you are participating in a pre-orientation program.
Visit the Dean of Students Office’s website for more information about first-year move-in.
Fall 2025 Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Move-In
Houses open on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 8:00 AM. Students may choose to move in early on August 28 or August 29, 2025.
You will be asked to reserve a move-in time on the Residential Portal to ensure a smooth and organized move-in process. Timeslots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Required Athletes, Make-up Exams, and Student Workers
You do not need to reserve a move-in time slot in the Residential Portal if the College requires you to be on campus before August 28 (e.g., athletes or students working to support first-year orientation and move-in, make-up exam takers). You will be contacted directly by your department or the Registrar’s Office with move-in instructions if this applies to you.
Spring 2026 Move-in
All returning students can move in starting Friday, January 16, 2026 at 8:00 AM*. Students can return to campus on this date regardless of their participation in Wintersession activities.
*A move-in time slot is not required for the Spring term. The date is subject to change according to the Registrar’s Office calendar.
Required Athletes
Student-athletes required to move in before January 16 will receive instructions from Athletics regarding their move-in time and date.
Upcoming Move-in Dates
Keys
Bring a government-issued photo ID to pick up your keys at your House’s building manager’s office.
Fall Term Parking
Students have 20 minutes of free access to parking meters around the Houses during move-in. For questions about parking logistics, contact Harvard Yard Operations.
Storage and Shipping
Storage is not available on campus. You can make storage/shipping arrangements with outside vendors if you choose. Harvard does not promote specific companies, but we have listed a few companies below that you can use independently:
FAQ
Can my friend pick up my key on my behalf?
For safety reasons, we do not let students pick up keys other than their own. This prevents any issues that may arise between roommates, the actual room assignee, and the person who picked up the key.