Boston University's Charles River Campus centers on the Gothic Marsh Chapel, whose original 1920s design called for a 350-foot bell tower that was never built after the city's construction of Storrow Drive, with most underclassmen housed in Warren Towers, the second-largest non-military dormitory in the entire country.
Enrollment
37,737
Total Students
Freshman Class
4,701
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 24 - August 25, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
11%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Students have a two-hour window during their chosen moving shift to check in at their designated location, pick up their Terrier Card, and occupy their room - sign into the My Housing Portal on your mobile device beforehand and go to the Assignment History section for your QR code. Avoid Storrow Drive and Soldiers Field Road in Boston and Memorial Drive in Cambridge if using a moving truck, van, or box truck - these roads are restricted to cars only with height restrictions as low as nine feet. Matriculation, the official ceremony welcoming the incoming class, is held at Agganis Arena the Tuesday before classes begin.
August 24 - August 25, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Warren Towers
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Links open Boston University's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
On-Campus Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 26 - September 1, 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
Nearby data coming soon.
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 Boston University.
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