Howard UniversityMove-In Guide
Washington, Washington, D.C.
🏫 Private UniversityEst. 1867🔗 www.howard.edu
Howard University's campus centers on The Yard, a National Historic Landmark District anchored by the iconic Founders Library, with Howard's traditionally single-gender first-year residence halls including Drew Hall for men and Tubman Quadrangle for women.
Enrollment
12,941
Total Students
Freshman Class
3,235
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 3-8, 2026
Fall 2026 (completed)
Acceptance Rate
41%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Arrive at your assigned move-in time - early arrivals cannot be accommodated, and arriving after your window means staff and volunteers may not be available. Parking for moving students/families ends at 6:00 p.m. daily during Move-In Weeks. Housing is guaranteed for first-year freshmen and continuing second-years with continuous enrollment; all are required to live in University-sponsored housing absent an approved exemption.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Move-in runs August 3-8, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, staggered by last name and assigned residence hall - check your assigned day and time before arriving.
- Check-in location
- Check-in happens in three stages: Station 1 verifies your medical clearance, course registration, renters insurance, signed residence agreement, and room assignment via a StarRez QR code; Station 2 confirms your documentation and issues your move-in key, inventory form, and wristbands; Station 3, in your building's lobby, has staff on hand for questions.
- Parking
- Follow the posted route and officer directions to your assigned residence hall, then park in a designated move-in lot such as Howard Center Lot or Banneker South Lot once you've finished unloading. Parking for moving families ends at 6:00 p.m. daily during Move-In Weeks.
- What you'll receive
- Your move-in key, an inventory form (return it within 24 hours), and wristbands.
- Vehicle restrictions
- One person must stay with your vehicle at all times during unloading - abandoned or illegally parked vehicles will be towed.
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
College Hall North
Single-sex
First-year onlyDrew Hall
Single-sex
First-year onlyHarriet Tubman Quadrangle
Single-sex
First-year only
Residence halls (5)
Open to undergraduates (first-year students may be able to live here)
Bethune Annex
Suite · Coed
College Hall South
Howard Plaza Towers East
Suite · Coed
Howard Plaza Towers West
Suite · Coed
The Axis
Apartments (3)
Apartment-style housing, usually for upperclass students
Clover at the Parks
Apartment · Coed
The Lanes
Apartment · Coed
Vie Towers
Apartment · Coed
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.
- Single-sex:
- Open to residents of one gender only.
Eligibility rules vary and can change. Check with the housing office.
Orientation
Bison Week Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 10 - August 14, 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
$18,982
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Target0.9 miles
- Walgreens1.5 miles
- CVS Pharmacy1.7 miles
- Walmart2.6 miles
- Wegmans3.3 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 Howard University.
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Dates last checked September 2026.