University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California
🏫 Public UniversityEst. 1868🔗 www.berkeley.edu
UC Berkeley's campus, anchored by South Hall - the oldest building on campus since 1873 and the only remaining structure from the original campus grounds - and the iconic Sather Tower bell tower, welcomes over 9,000 incoming undergraduates each August through a multi-day Move-In and four-day Golden Bear Orientation.
Enrollment
32,000
Total Students
Freshman Class
8,000
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 17 - August 19, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
11%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
You can always arrive after your booked time slot, just not before - you do not need to notify UC Berkeley Housing if arriving later the same day. GBO (Golden Bear Orientation) Check-In takes place Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026 regardless of your specific move-in date. Move-In Fest runs the same three days from 9 p.m. to midnight each night, featuring stargazing, free late-night food, a comedy show, games, and crafts - exclusive to the fall new-student cohort. Bring a screenshot or printout of your unique move-in bar code and QR code from the Housing Portal.
August 17 - August 19, 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
Unit 1 (Christian, Slottman, Griffiths halls)
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Stern Hall
Traditional · Single-sex
Housing Links
Links open University of California, Berkeley's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
Golden Bear Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 19 - August 24, 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 University of California, Berkeley.
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