The University at Albany is a public research university in the State University of New York system. Its Residential Life page states that all freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus, with exemptions for commuters, married students, students 21 or older, veterans and students with medical needs. First-year students are placed mainly in State, Indigenous and Colonial Quads and check in during a mid-August move-in window by appointment.
Enrollment
17,560
Total Students
Freshman Class
—
Not available
Move-In Dates
Aug 17-19, 2026
Fall 2026 (completed)
Acceptance Rate
69%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
First-year move-in is Aug. 17 for international students and first-years in Living-Learning Communities, EOP, Honors College and freshman athletes. All other first-years move in Aug. 18 or 19. Every student must make a check-in appointment using the link in the housing assignment email. Rooms are held through Aug. 24 unless other arrangements are made.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Arrive during your scheduled check-in appointment; the appointment link is sent in the housing assignment email.
- Check-in location
- Follow the signs to your housing area and staff will direct you. If you arrive after 5 p.m., check in at your quad information center or apartment complex office.
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
Colonial Quad
Suite-style · Coed
Indigenous Quad
Traditional and suite-style · Coed
First-year onlyState Quad
Suite-style · 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.
Eligibility rules vary and can change. Check with the housing office.
Orientation
Welcome Week Orientation
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 20 - 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
$16,423
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 University at Albany, SUNY.
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Dates last checked October 2026.