Boston University's Charles River Campus centers on the Gothic Marsh Chapel, whose original 1920s design called for a 350-foot bell tower that was never built after the city's construction of Storrow Drive, with most underclassmen housed in Warren Towers, the second-largest non-military dormitory in the entire country.
Enrollment
37,737
Total Students
Freshman Class
4,701
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 24-25, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
11%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Students have a two-hour window during their chosen moving shift to check in at their designated location, pick up their Terrier Card, and occupy their room - sign into the My Housing Portal on your mobile device beforehand and go to the Assignment History section for your QR code. Avoid Storrow Drive and Soldiers Field Road in Boston and Memorial Drive in Cambridge if using a moving truck, van, or box truck - these roads are restricted to cars only with height restrictions as low as nine feet. Matriculation, the official ceremony welcoming the incoming class, is held at Agganis Arena the Tuesday before classes begin. Any new student arriving after the first day of classes should notify BU Housing.
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
- You'll have a two-hour window during your chosen moving shift to check in, pick up your Terrier Card, and occupy your room.
- Check-in location
- Warren Towers residents check in at Warren Towers itself - show the QR code from the Assignment History section of the My Housing Portal to a Residence Life staff member to check in.
- Parking
- Download and print your temporary Move-In Parking Permit and display it on your dashboard when parked in approved BU parking locations - some lots have a lowered gate that the QR code on your permit can raise at entrance and exit kiosks.
- What you'll receive
- Your Terrier Card and room key at check-in.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Avoid Storrow Drive and Soldiers Field Road in Boston, and Memorial Drive in Cambridge, if using a moving truck, van, or box truck - these roads are restricted to cars only, with height restrictions as low as nine feet, and taller vehicles will likely strike or become stuck under the overpasses.
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
- Photo coming soon
Warren Towers
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Boston University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
On-Campus Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 26 - September 1, 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
$18,500
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Target0.3 miles
- CVS Pharmacy1.6 miles
- Walgreens2.2 miles
- Wegmans4 miles
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 Boston University.
Share
Send this page to a roommate, a parent, or anyone else helping plan the move.