Move-In Day

Early Arrival options are available from Sunday, August 23.

We offer early arrival opportunities for residents who cannot arrive during their assigned move-in time or prefer a more relaxed move-in experience. This option provides reduced traffic and wait times, making your transition to campus even smoother. Please note that there is a limited staff presence and fanfare during the early arrival period.

Request Process

Students who wish to request an early arrival can do so via their Housing Portal from starting July 17. Requests will be approved on a rolling basis if the room is ready for occupancy.  

Please note:

• There is a $40/night early arrival fee.
• During the early arrival period, only baseline services, including operational 24/7 service desks, staff duty response for emergencies, and housekeeping services, are offered. Our main move-in days, Thursday through Saturday, include more staff presence and spirit.
• Fall Welcome program and activities begin in the evening on Thursday, August 27.
• Dining options are limited during the early arrival period. Please refer to the Dining website for hours of operation and early arrival dining plan options.
• Bringing a moving cart or dolly to assist with move-in activities is helpful.

All resident anytime dining plans begin Thursday, August 27 at 4 p.m. for 251 North, South Campus and Yahentamitsi dining halls. 
 

Unfortunately, no, not at this time. Students are excited to live in the residence halls, and we are at full occupancy this fall.

At this time, we do not have the ability to change student assignments before move-in. We will offer a room change process beginning in mid-September. Students can request to be reassigned at that time, and every effort will be made to accommodate your request as space allows.

If there has been an error in your room assignment, such as being assigned outside your Living-Learning Program, please reach out to our office. The Resident Life Assignments Office can be reached by email at reslife@umd.edu. In your email, be sure to include your full name, complete 9-digit UID number, and a description of the situation. Staff will work to try to resolve these assignments as soon as possible prior to fall move-in.

A small number of students may not be assigned by July 16. In those cases, the Assignments Office will email those students with more details on when they can expect to be assigned into residence halls.

Starting on July 16, please check your Arrival Passport via your Housing Portal for your housing assignment and specific move-in arrival date, time, directions, and more.

If you are unable to arrive during your assigned move-in window, that's ok!

Early Arrival options are available from Sunday, August 23 after 12 p.m. through Wednesday, August 26. Students who wish to request an early arrival can do so via their Housing Portal from July 17 to August 26. Requests will be approved on a rolling basis if the room is ready for occupancy.

You are welcome to move in anytime after 4 p.m. on the day of your arrival. Once we begin the move-in process, our residence hall desks are open 24 hours each day to assist. Please keep in mind that we have additional staff and resources available during assigned move-in dates and times to welcome new residents and to assist students in the process. Moving in as close to your assigned time will also give you more opportunities to engage in planned activities and welcome events.

If you lose or forget to bring your unloading permit, please head to your designated check-in area upon arrival. Our staff will assist you by issuing a temporary unloading permit so you can proceed with move-in smoothly.

You can take your time moving items from the curbside to your room as long as your vehicle is moved within the 10-minute limit. Students should unload all belongings curbside within 10 minutes. After unloading, the driver must move the car to long-term parking and can then return to help move the belongings to the room.

We can only accept items to the buildings after your arrival. Any items shipped before your arrival will be sent to our central receiving location off campus.

If you no longer need on-campus housing, you will need to submit a request for release through the Housing Portal. For the fastest consideration, be sure to include all relevant documentation when you submit your request. Incoming students who submitted their petition by July 1 will be released with no penalty.  

Requests for Release received after July 1 will incur a late cancellation penalty fee. Students who do not have a qualifying reason for a release will have the option to buy out their agreement at a cost established within the Terms and Conditions of the agreement.

The Agreement Buyout option is only available prior to check-in. Upon and after check-in, the terms of the Agreement are in effect for the full Fall 2026-Spring 2027 academic year, and the student may only cancel the Agreement pursuant to the approved grounds for early cancellation listed in the “Cancellation of the Agreement and Late Fees” section.

The full schedule of late cancellation penalties and buyout fees can be found in the Terms and Conditions of your Residence Hall and Dining Housing Agreement.