Move In/Move Out
First-Year Students
The First-Year Experience Office will email the Class of 2030 in August regarding your arrival date, move-in time slot, key pick-up location, and driving directions. This email will also inform you if you need to report to specific location upon your arrival.
Arrival and Drop-Off
First-year move-in for the Class of 2030 is scheduled for three dates. Your arrival date depends on whether you are participating in a Pre-Orientation Program. Students should not make travel arrangements until you have been selected and confirmed participation in a Pre-Orientation Program. We are not responsible for travel or early arrival accommodations if your assigned move-in date differs from the arrangements you made. More details will be shared in August.
August 18: FOP First-Year Student Move-In Day
August 21: All Other Pre-Orientation Programs First-Year Student Move-In Day
August 21–25: FAP, FIP, FOP, FUP, FYRE and LIFE Programming Takes Place
August 26: First-Year Students Who Did Not Participate in Pre-Orientation Programs Move-In Day
Once you're on campus you will need to:
- Pick up your Harvard University ID and room key at your assigned key pick-up location, and remember to bring a government-issued photo ID (e.g. passport, driver’s license, state ID, military ID)
- Unload quickly at your drop-off location after parking outside your dorm – you will have a maximum of 20 minutes
- Retrieve mail and packages from Harvard Yard Mail Center (your package notification email will tell you where to pick up your package)
- Unpack after you and your roommates have agreed on bedrooms
Information for Parents and Families
Limited family activities will be hosted during move-in by the Parent and Family Engagement Office, to allow your family to spend time with you, assist with your move, and explore campus. Parents and families should only be on campus for their student's move in date and should plan to depart campus by 6pm to allow students to attend dinner and mandatory evening meetings
Family Weekend for First-Year and Junior families will take place on October 22-25. Family Weekend is the perfect time for a longer visit to experience academics, dining, and life on campus.
Students can subscribe parents and families to communications through the Family Information Form (please note that this only subscribes family members to communications from Parent and Family Engagement in the Dean of Students Office).
For the latest information about first-year move-out, please visit the Yard Ops Move-Out web page.
Returning Students
Learn more at the Harvard College Housing Office website.
During Sophomore Orientation activities, each House will hold events to help you meet each other, connect with staff, and learn about the traditions and perks of your House. The orientation activities and schedule will vary for each House, and include unscheduled blocks of time for unpacking, running errands, and impromptu socializing. Contact your House Administrator for more details.
Harvard College reserves parking meters in the areas around the Houses for drop-offs and pick-up (no more than 20 minutes). We reserve these meters on days when we expect a high volume of students to arrive on or depart from campus. Ordinarily, Harvard University Police Department and Parking Services will direct traffic and provide instructions on-site. If you have questions about specific parking logistics, please contact Harvard Yard Operations.
You may pick up/drop off your keys at your House's building manager office.
Students or other House residents that have questions about the status of a parcel as it arrives on campus via a carrier should contact HUMS@harvard.edu or 617-496-6245. House residents can also track the status of a parcel.
Students or other House residents that have questions about the status of parcel delivery to their House or room once it has left HUMS possession should contact Olympia Moving and Storage at packages@olympiamoving.com or 617-415-5166. More information is also available on Olympia Moving website.
Residents of the following Houses will have the same experience as previous years:
- Cabot
- Currier
- Pforzheimer
Beginning on 8/16/23, Harvard University Mail and Distribution Services (HUMS) will receive all parcels for residents of these Houses in the Gilbert Living Room on the first floor of Currier House. Residents will receive an email alerting them when a parcel is ready for pickup. All inquiries for these three Houses can be directed to HUMS@harvard.edu or 617-496-6245. Quad residents can also track the status of a parcel.
Hours of operation are 8am-5pm, Monday through Saturday, and 8am-5pm Sunday, 9/3/23. Closed on Labor Day, Monday.
Mail & Distribution Services - 28 Travis St. Allston, MA 02134
Students in the Houses who are not participating in the Commencement exercises must move out on time. Only late-staying students approved for the commencement housing period and seniors participating in senior week and commencement are permitted to remain on campus after this date.
View the move out checklist
Seniors (or "social seniors" participating in Senior Week and Commencement Exercises, with permission from their House) are permitted to remain in residence for an extended period. Information about upcoming dates if forthcoming.