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 Term Move-In Timeline (Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors)
| Select a Move-In Time Slot Move-in time slots open on the first Monday of August. Time slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive an email notification when the reservation system opens. Visit the Residential Portal to select your move-in time when it opens. Move-in time slots start at 8:00 AM and continue in one-hour increments until 4:00 PM. Students can modify their time slot up to 24 hours before their selected time. |
| Move-In Day Houses open on Saturday before the first day of classes as determined by the Registrar’s Office. Sophomores are encouraged to attend Sophomore orientation two days before the Houses open. Students have the option to move in as early as two days before the Houses open. |
Fall Term Move-In Dates*
| Term | Houses Open for Move-In | Sophomore Orientation | Early Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Sat., August 30, 2025 at 8:00 AM | Thu., August 28, 2025 | Thu., August 28 – Fri., August 29, 2025 |
| Fall 2026 | Sat., August 29, 2026 at 8:00 AM | Thu., August 27, 2026 | Thu., August 27 – Fri., August 28, 2026 |
| Fall 2027 | Sat., August 28, 2027 at 8:00 AM | Thu., August 26, 2027 | Thu, August 26 – Fri., August 27, 2027 |
*Dates subject to change.
Early Arrival Requests: The College is unable to accommodate early requests for dates outside of those listed here. If a student isn’t part of a pre-approved group, we cannot approve their request.
Fall Term Move-In Time Slot Dates*
| Term | Move-In Time Selection Opens |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Mon., August 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM |
| Fall 2026 | Mon., August 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM |
| Fall 2027 | Mon., August 2, 2027 at 12:00 PM |
*Dates subject to change.
How to Select a Time Slot
- Log in to the Residential Portal.
- Click the “Move-In Appointments” tab.
- The student must have an active fall booking to select a moving time.
- Select a move-in date.
- Click on one of the available time slots for the date you have selected.
- Time slots are available in one-hour increments between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
- Review and Submit!
Move-In Directions
Key Pick Location: Your House building manager’s office. Please check in at their office and present your HUID.
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.
In-Season Athletes, Make-up Exam Takers, 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 Term Move-in
All students enrolled for the spring term are permitted to return to campus at the start of Wintersession, as designated by the Registrar’s Office. This return date applies to all students, regardless of whether they are participating in Wintersession activities.
A move in a time slot is not required for the spring term.
| Term | Houses Open for Move-In* |
|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Fri., January 16, 2026 at 8:00 AM |
| Spring 2027 | Fri., January 15, 2027 at 8:00 AM |
| Spring 2028 | Fri., January 14, 2028 at 8:00 AM |
* Dates subject to change according to the Registrar’s Office.
In-Season Athletes
Student-athletes required to move in before the start of Wintersession will receive instructions from Athletics regarding their move-in time and date.
Upcoming Move-in Dates
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.
Can I request to return before the Houses open?
Students are only allowed to return to campus two days before the Houses open if they are not part of a pre-approved group.