The University of Montana's Missoula campus centers on University Hall, its oldest standing building since 1898, where pumpkins mysteriously appear atop the tower each year as a beloved, unexplained tradition, with first-year students housed in halls including Craig, Elrod, and Pantzer.
Enrollment
11,064
Total Students
Freshman Class
1,559
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 17, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
95%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Students received an email in early July with directions to sign up for a specific move-in time. Early arrival outside of approved programs is subject to a $100 nightly charge until the official Aug. 17 opening. If you plan to arrive later than Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, contact the UM Housing Office so they can hold your room. Look out for genuinely Montana-specific traditions during Welcome Week, including River Rendezvous and the Freshman Float.
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
- Residence halls officially open Monday, August 17, 2026 - sign up for your specific check-in time via directions emailed to your UM student account in early July.
- Check-in location
- Check in at your hall's Area Desk at your assigned time. Bring your Griz Card or a picture ID - temporary outdoor access cards are available if you haven't received your Griz Card yet, and only the student may check in (parents cannot retrieve keys on a student's behalf).
- Parking
- Short-term parking areas near residence halls are available during move-in - UM Police enforce reserved, accessible, quick-stop, no-overnight, and hourly spaces, so avoid leaving your vehicle in a quick-stop zone longer than permitted.
- What you'll receive
- Your room already furnished with a standard twin bed, desk, dresser, closet, chair, bookshelf, overhead lighting, network connection, and wastebasket - some halls also include a refrigerator and microwave.
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
Craig Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Elrod Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Pantzer Hall
Suite-style · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to University of Montana's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
New Student Orientation & Welcome Week (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 17 - August 21, 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
$11,500
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- CVS Pharmacy1.4 miles
- Walgreens1.5 miles
- Target3.1 miles
- Walmart3.1 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 Montana.
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