Move-In Day
Spring Move-In: January 24, 2026
We are so excited to see new and returning Terps! Get ready for move-in by reviewing the information below and on our Before Move-In page.
On this page:
Schedule
Our residence halls will re-open to invite new and returning residents for the spring semester during the times outlined below.
Move In and Inclement Weather Updates
Due to the potential for inclement weather in College Park late Saturday, all residence hall students are now welcome to move into the residence halls beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 24.
Additionally, those who cannot arrive on Saturday may request an early arrival to return to campus beginning at noon on Friday, January 23. To submit an early arrival request, log into the Housing Portal. Due to the impending weather, early arrival fees for Friday, January 23, will be waived.
View our move-in and inclement weather updates for the most recent information.
| Move-In Day | Move-In Time | Student Group |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, January 23, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. | Early Arrival Requests* |
| Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. | New-to-Housing Students |
| Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. | Returning Residents |
*Early Arrival Requests
Spring move-in early arrival requests are recommended for residents whose schedules are not compatible with our move-in weekend dates. Residents wishing to arrive on Friday, January 23 (starting at 12 p.m.) must submit an early arrival request. 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 starting January 5, at 9 a.m. Requests will be approved on a rolling basis if the room is ready for occupancy.
Please note:
- Early arrival fees have been waived due to expected inclement weather.
- On Friday, January 23, only baseline services, including operational 24/7 service desks, staff duty response for emergencies, and housekeeping services, are offered.
- On-campus dining options are limited on Friday as well. Please refer to dining.umd.edu for hours of operation and details.
- Our main move-in days on Saturday and Sunday include more staff presence and spirit.
Unloading and Check-In Logistics
To help reduce wait times and keep traffic flowing, the unloading drop-off locations near residence halls are limited to 10 minutes. Unload your vehicle in 10 minutes or less and then relocate your vehicle to long-term parking (see details below). Honoring the unloading zone time limit helps out your fellow Terp families and residents by allowing them the chance to unload near their residence hall. Thanks for your cooperation!
We recommend bringing a dolly/moving cart and two move-in helpers to assist you – one to wait with your items curbside and another to move your vehicle from the unloading zone to long-term parking.
Unloading Zone/Parking
- Enter campus, make your way to your residence hall or service desk, and temporarily park your vehicle in the marked unloading zones for move-in.
- Unload your belongings curbside within 10 minutes and then move your vehicle to long-term parking.
- Long-term move-in parking is available in Lots Z, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 (Terrapin Trail Garage), 9, 11, 15, 16, J2, 19 (Mowatt Lane Garage), and Regents Drive Garage for the day.
Check-In & Room Key
- Check in at your service desk and receive your room key(s).
- Return curbside to help gather and bring belongings to your room.
- Unpack and set up your room!
Winter Welcome
Join our Winter Welcome program for a fun way to kick off the start of a new semester! Make connections, find community, and take part in campus traditions. From check-in to the day before classes start, enjoy a variety of special events both in your community and around campus. Be involved! So many Terps to meet and so much to learn!
Spring Move-In Webinar
Learn about helpful tips on how to prepare for a successful transition to living on campus at the University of Maryland! In this webinar, we discuss preparations to consider for spring move-in, roommates and sharing a living space, safety in the residence halls, and the fun connection opportunities planned before spring classes begin.
FAQs
Check out our FAQs below for additional information and if you still have questions, feel free to reach out. We're here to help!
Email: reslife@umd.edu
Phone: 301-314-2100
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Room assignment, roommate name, contact information, and other key details will be available on the Housing Portal starting January 14, 2026.
New to housing students are invited to move into the residence halls on Saturday, January 24 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Once the residence halls reopen, the Residence Hall Service Desks are open 24 hours each day to assist.
New student and returning dining plans start at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026. South Campus & Yahentamitsi dining halls will open at 4:00 p.m. 251 North reopens at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
New to housing students will have their hand bio-scan completed at the New Student and Family Welcome Reception scheduled for January 24 at 1:00-2:30 p.m. in the Stamp Student Union’s Atrium.
We can only accept items to the buildings after you have arrived back to campus or checked into your residence hall and received your key. Please do not ship your items prior to your arrival to campus.
Resources
What to Pack
Pack light and only bring the essential items you need, like bedding, bathroom supplies, and small room items.
Roommate Relationships Tips
Learn how to create a healthy roommate relationship with tips we call the "4 C's" of campus living.
Inclement Weather Notice
We are excited to welcome you to our residence halls for the spring semester! As you prepare for your arrival on Saturday, we’re writing to share important move-in and inclement weather information. Please review the information below to take action as you prepare for move-in.
Your Arrival and Planning for Inclement Weather
Due to the increased potential for inclement weather in College Park late Saturday, we have adjusted approved resident arrival times to give you more flexibility.
All residence hall students are now welcome to arrive and move into the residence halls beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 24. If you need extra time to arrive before weather conditions worsen Saturday evening, you're welcome to take advantage of this earlier arrival window. Please note some services may be limited until 10 a.m. when the residence halls officially open with full staffing and services.
To support safe operations, please avoid arriving on Sunday. Facilities teams will be focused on clearing snow, treating sidewalks, and maintaining critical access for emergency vehicles.
As you make your final preparations for your arrival, please visit the Spring Move-in website to learn more details, including items to bring, unloading and parking information, contacting new roommates, and things to do before your arrival to campus.
Early Arrival Available Noon, Friday, January 23
For those who cannot arrive on Saturday, you may request an early arrival to return to campus beginning at noon on Friday, January 23. To submit an early arrival request, log into the Housing Portal. Due to the impending weather, early arrival fees for Friday, January 23, will be waived. Please note, services are limited before residence halls officially open at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
University ID Card - Accessing Your Residence Hall
For the safety and security of our residents, residence hall entrance doors remain locked during the move-in period. Temporary access swipe cards will be available to residents at the service desk if needed.
If you are a new resident and arrive to campus on Friday, January 23, we encourage you to stop by the ID card office in the C. Mitchell Building to pick up your ID card.
If you have difficulty accessing your residence hall, please call your 24-hour residence hall service desk.
Welcome Events
Join us for Winter Welcome featuring fun events designed to connect you with other students, staff, and your Resident Assistant (RA). Any updates to the Winter Welcome schedule related to inclement weather will be posted on the Winter Welcome event webpage.
Dining and Campus Resources
Hours and access to campus resources may change during times of inclement weather or during university closures. Please refer to department websites for the most accurate information including:
Inclement Weather and Residence Life Support
Please dress warmly, plan ahead for the inclement weather forecast for the College Park area, and review emergency preparedness information for the list of items you’ll want to have on hand in the event of an emergency.
When inclement weather affects normal University operations, residence halls remain open, and on-call Resident Life staff are available for assistance and can be contacted via your 24-hour residence hall service desk. As always, in any emergency, contact the University of Maryland Police immediately by calling 301-405-3333.