Bowdoin College's historic quadrangle is anchored by Massachusetts Hall, the oldest college building in Maine, with all first-year students assigned to one of eight residence halls known as "the bricks," including Appleton, Hyde, and Winthrop Halls.
Enrollment
2,027
Total Students
Freshman Class
507
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 24, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
8%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Packages are only accepted starting August 3, 2026 - items sent earlier may be returned, and you'll receive your Smith Union mailbox address in July. Assume Orientation begins as soon as your family leaves after drop-off. Brunswick is a stop on Amtrak's Downeaster line from Boston, though trains fill up quickly around move-in weekend, so book early if traveling this way.
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
- Monday, August 24. You arrive during an assigned time slot between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; your slot is sent to you before Arrival Day. Families should plan to leave before Orientation begins that afternoon.
- Check-in location
- Several check-in stations operate on campus on Arrival Day. Check in during your slot to get your OneCard and room access, then move into your residence hall. Volunteers help carry bags and boxes to your room. Early arrivals before your slot need off-campus lodging.
- Parking
- Parking attendants direct vehicles on Arrival Day. Follow the instructions that come with your arrival time slot email for where to unload and park.
- What you'll receive
- You'll get your OneCard (student ID) and room access at check-in. First-year rooms include an extra-long twin bed, desk and chair, dresser, closet or wardrobe, and a bookshelf, so bring Twin XL bedding. Thumbtacks are preferred for decorating; adhesive strips are not allowed.
- Vehicle restrictions
- First-year students are not permitted to have cars on campus, so cars are for drop-off day only.
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
Appleton Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Hyde Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Winthrop Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Bowdoin College's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
Orientation Trip & Orientation Week (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 20 - August 27, 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
$18,000
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walgreens0.3 miles
- CVS Pharmacy1.9 miles
- Target2 miles
- Walmart2.7 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 Bowdoin College.
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