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Grand Canyon University's Phoenix campus traces to a 1949 founding in Prescott, Arizona, relocating in 1951 when Prescott's job market couldn't sustain growth, with the small Prayer Chapel serving as a continued spiritual refuge since the 1960s, and first-year students required to live on campus through sophomore year in halls including Canyon and Prescott, the latter named for the university's own original home.
Enrollment
25,000
Total Students
Freshman Class
6,250
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 31 - Sep 2, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
60%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Register for New Student and Family Orientation on the GCU Life app based on your specific move-in day. During Welcome Week, new students move onto campus, attend orientation group activities, complete outstanding tasks before classes begin, and are officially "commissioned into the Herd." GCU's residence halls have been highly rated nationally based on student surveys, affordability, and safety. You can book your move-in appointment through the housing portal - if you miss your designated time, contact the Department of Housing Operations directly.
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
- Book your move-in appointment through the housing portal ahead of time, and load your belongings and print your move-in voucher before you leave.
- Check-in location
- Follow the posted traffic signs to find your building, where GCU staff and students will greet you and assign you a parking space nearby.
- Parking
- Your move-in voucher grants access to one parking spot in front of your building - any additional vehicles will be directed elsewhere to unload. At the end of your appointment, move your vehicle to an assigned parking garage to make room for the next student.
- What you'll receive
- A Campus Cruiser (a large moving box on wheels) upon arrival to help you move your things to your room - check in with a team member inside your building once you arrive.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Moving trucks exceeding 20 feet in length will be directed to a designated oversized parking area during move-in; semi-trucks are too large to fit around residence halls and will be turned away.
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
Canyon Hall
Suite-style · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Prescott Hall
Suite-style · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Grand Canyon University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
Welcome Week (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 31 - September 7, 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
$12,500
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- CVS Pharmacy1.1 miles
- Target1.4 miles
- Walmart1.6 miles
- Walgreens4.9 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 Grand Canyon University.
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