Bowie State University is a public university in Bowie, Maryland, between Washington, DC and Annapolis, and describes itself as Maryland's first historically black public university. Students can live in traditional halls, suite-style halls and apartments. First-time freshmen are generally not eligible for the Christa McAuliffe apartments, except Honors Program admits. Move-in is by appointment only.
Enrollment
5,970
Total Students
Freshman Class
855
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 17-18, 2026
Fall 2026 (completed)
Acceptance Rate
72%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
First-time freshmen and transfer students move in Monday, Aug. 17 and Tuesday, Aug. 18. Move-in is by appointment only, and a time block (hall and floor) is emailed to your BSU email account. You get two hours within your block, and early or late arrivals cannot be accommodated. You need a cleared move-in status (academic and financial requirements met, plus the medical history form and immunization records, including the meningococcal ACWY vaccine required by Maryland law) to receive keys. Up to two helpers at least 16 years old may assist and must leave at the end of your block, and helpers must be out of the halls by 7:00 p.m. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your time, and by 3:45 p.m. for late-afternoon blocks, since arrivals after 4:00 p.m. are asked to return the next business day.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
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
Residence halls (6)
Open to undergraduates (first-year students may be able to live here)
Alex Haley Residential Complex
Suite-style · Coed
Dwight Oliver Holmes Hall
Traditional · Single-sex
Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community
Suite-style · Coed
Harriet Tubman Hall
Traditional · Single-sex
Show 2 moreShow fewer
Lucretia Kennard Hall
Traditional · Coed
Towers Hall
High-rise · Single-sex
Apartments (1)
Apartment-style housing, usually for upperclass students
Christa McAuliffe Residential Community
Apartments · Coed
Housing Links
Who can live where
- Residence halls:
- Not marked first-year only, so they may also house returning students. Assignment follows the school's housing process.
- Apartments:
- Apartment-style housing, often for sophomores and up. Confirm eligibility with the housing office.
- Single-sex:
- Open to residents of one gender only.
Eligibility rules vary and can change. Check with the housing office.
Orientation
New Student Orientation
Orientation is recommended for all new students.
August 19 - 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
$12,241
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
We haven't listed nearby stores for this campus yet. Use the Campus Map link to find essentials near campus.
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 Bowie State University.
Share
Send this page to a roommate, a parent, or anyone else helping plan the move.
Dates last checked October 2026.