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American UniversityMove-In Guide

Washington, Washington, D.C.

🏫 Private UniversityEst. 1893🔗 www.american.edu

American University's wooded 90-acre campus in northwest D.C. is anchored by the Katzen Arts Center, with first-year students required to live on campus for two years in traditional halls including Anderson, Letts, and Roper.

Enrollment

13,019

Total Students

Freshman Class

3,255

Approx.

Move-In Dates

Aug 23-24, 2026

Fall 2026

Acceptance Rate

42%

Most recent cycle

Move-In

Fall 2026 Move-In Details

Pre-approved early move-in is available August 22 for specific groups (First-Year Living-Learning Community participants, certain pre-semester programs) - request through the AU Housing Portal if your assigned date isn't feasible. This move-in weekend coincides with the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on the National Mall - plan ahead for hotel reservations and expect traffic changes if traveling into DC.

Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time - your exact move-in date is shown above in the Overview.

Move-in day logistics

Arrival window
First-year and transfer students move in August 23-24, 2026 (with an early option Aug 22 for approved groups). Sophomores and upperclassmen move in August 25-28, and graduate students August 28.
Check-in location
First-year and transfer students arrive at their assigned gate, where the Move-in Team unloads vehicles before students head to Mary Graydon Student Center for final check-in via QR code. Upperclassmen and graduate students check in directly at their residence hall front desk.
Parking
Display your Move-in Car Hangtag visibly and arrive as close to your assigned time window as possible - Parking Services and AUPD manage traffic and campus maps are distributed closer to move-in.
What you'll receive
Your One Card at check-in, plus the option to pick up your U-Pass and visit the campus resource fair.
Vehicle restrictions
Bring government-issued photo ID and your approved packing list.

Move-in day tips

  • Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
  • Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
  • Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
  • Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.

Housing & Dorms

  • Anderson Hall

    Traditional · Coed

    First-year only

  • Letts Hall

    Traditional · Coed

    First-year only

  • Roper Hall

    Traditional · Coed

    First-year only

Housing Links

Each available link goes directly to American University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.

Orientation

New Student Orientation (NSO, required)

All new students are required to attend one orientation session.

August 25 - August 28, 2026

Orientation tips

  • Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
  • Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
  • Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.

Costs

Room & Board

$21,060

Estimated / Year

Figures shown are estimates for room and board only, and can vary by hall and meal plan. Check with American University's financial aid office for a cost breakdown specific to your situation.

Nearby Essentials

  • Wegmans0.5 miles
  • Target0.7 miles
  • CVS Pharmacy1.6 miles
  • Walgreens2.8 miles
  • Walmart3.6 miles

Need Dorm Essentials Delivered?

More Links

Checklists

Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist

A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at American University.

Get the checklist

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