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Brown UniversityMove-In Guide

Providence, Rhode Island

🏫 Private UniversityEst. 1764🔗 www.brown.edu

Brown University's College Hill campus is anchored by University Hall, a National Historic Landmark completed in 1770 that briefly housed Revolutionary War troops, with all first-year students living in close-knit residence hall communities of 50-60 students, including Archibald-Bronson, Metcalf, and Andrews Halls.

Enrollment

11,005

Total Students

Freshman Class

1,818

Approx.

Move-In Dates

Sep 2, 2026

Fall 2026 (completed)

Acceptance Rate

5%

Most recent cycle

Move-In

Fall 2026 Move-In Details

Check-in station and recommended parking lot locations are plotted on Brown's own Fall 2026 New Student Move-in map - check in with Residential Life staff first, then proceed to your drop-off location to unload. Students arriving after 4pm should go to the Charlesfield Street entrance of Grad Center E to the Key Office, though moving assistance isn't available that late. Items specifically restricted from residence halls under Rhode Island fire laws or Brown policy include air conditioners, space heaters, candles, extension cords, halogen lamps, pets, and weapons.

Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.

Move-in day logistics

Arrival window
Incoming first-year, transfer, and visiting student move-in runs Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Check-in location
Check in at your assigned campus location - Pembroke Campus or Keeney Quad, depending on your residence hall - before heading to your drop-off point to unload.
Parking
Recommended parking lot locations are plotted on Brown's own Fall 2026 New Student Move-in map alongside check-in stations.
What you'll receive
Your room key from Residential Life staff at check-in; late arrivals after 4 p.m. can pick up keys 24/7 at the Grad Center E Key Office, though moving assistance isn't available that late.
Vehicle restrictions
Items restricted from residence halls under Rhode Island fire laws or Brown policy include air conditioners, space heaters, candles, extension cords, halogen lamps, pets, and weapons.

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

First-year halls (3)

Reserved for first-year students

  • Andrews Hall

    Traditional · Coed

    First-year only

  • Archibald-Bronson

    Traditional · Coed

    First-year only

  • Metcalf Hall

    Traditional · Coed

    First-year only

Residence halls (37)

Open to undergraduates (first-year students may be able to live here)

  • Buxton House

  • Caswell Hall

  • Champlin

  • Chapin House

Show 33 more

  • Chen Family Hall

  • Danoff Hall

  • Diman House

  • Emery

  • Everett-Poland

  • Goddard House

  • Gregorian Quad A

  • Gregorian Quad B

  • Harkness House

  • Hegeman Hall

  • Hope College

  • Jameson-Mead

  • King House

  • Littlefield Hall

  • Machado House

  • Marcy House

  • Miller Hall

  • Minden Hall

  • Morriss Hall

  • New Pembroke 1

  • New Pembroke 2

  • New Pembroke 3

  • New Pembroke 4

  • Olney House

  • Perkins Hall

  • Sears House

  • Slater Hall

  • Sternlicht Commons

  • West House

  • Woolley Hall

  • Young Orchard 10

  • Young Orchard 2

  • Young Orchard 4

Apartments (1)

Apartment-style housing, usually for upperclass students

  • Barbour Hall & Apartments

Housing Links

Who can live where

First-year only:
Reserved for incoming first-year students.
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.

Eligibility rules vary and can change. Check with the housing office.

Orientation

New Student Orientation (required)

All new students are required to attend one orientation session.

September 2 - September 8, 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

$19,800

Estimated / Year

Figures shown are estimates for room and board only, and can vary by hall and meal plan. Check with Brown University's financial aid office for a cost breakdown specific to your situation.

Nearby Essentials

  • CVS Pharmacy0.3 miles
  • Walgreens0.8 miles
  • Walmart1.5 miles
  • Target4.7 miles

Need Dorm Essentials Delivered?

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 Brown University.

Get the checklist

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Dates last checked September 2026.