University of California, BerkeleyMove-In Guide
Berkeley, California
🏫 Public UniversityEst. 1868🔗 www.berkeley.edu
UC Berkeley's campus, anchored by South Hall - the oldest building on campus since 1873 and the only remaining structure from the original campus grounds - and the iconic Sather Tower bell tower, welcomes over 9,000 incoming undergraduates each August through a multi-day Move-In and four-day Golden Bear Orientation.
Enrollment
32,000
Total Students
Freshman Class
8,000
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 17-19, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
11%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
You can always arrive after your booked time slot, just not before - you do not need to notify UC Berkeley Housing if arriving later the same day. GBO (Golden Bear Orientation) Check-In takes place Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026 regardless of your specific move-in date. Move-in Fest runs the same three days from 9 p.m. to midnight each night, featuring stargazing, free late-night food, a comedy show, games, and crafts - exclusive to the fall new-student cohort. Bring a screenshot or printout of your unique move-in bar code and QR code from the Housing Portal. Only students are allowed in check-in lines - parents or supporters wait in the unloading area.
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
- Arrive at the start of your move-in time slot and park in the 20-minute unloading zone for your housing location - the driver should remain with the car at all times.
- Check-in location
- Check in at the central courtyard or main entrance of your housing complex - you'll need your move-in bar code, QR code, and a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Parking
- After unloading, move your car to one of the designated lots offering free two-hour move-in parking - a printable parking permit will be emailed to you in advance to place on your dashboard.
- What you'll receive
- Your room key, plus your Cal 1 Card student ID and a Clipper BayPass transit card, which provides fare-free public transit across the Bay Area.
- Vehicle restrictions
- To avoid break-ins, don't leave belongings inside parked cars, and always lock car doors.
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
Unit 1 (Christian, Slottman, Griffiths halls)
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Stern Hall
Traditional · Single-sex
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to University of California, Berkeley's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
Golden Bear Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 19 - August 24, 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
- Target0.5 miles
- CVS Pharmacy4 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 University of California, Berkeley.
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