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University of California, Berkeley campus
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University of California, BerkeleyMove-In Guide

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

Aug 17-19, 2026

Fall 2026 (completed)

Acceptance Rate

11%

Most recent cycle

Move-In

Fall 2026 Move-In Details

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. Only students are allowed in check-in lines - parents or supporters wait in the unloading area.

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

Move-in day logistics

Arrival window
Arrive at the start of your move-in time slot and park in the 20-minute unloading zone for your housing location - the driver should remain with the car at all times.
Check-in location
Check in at the central courtyard or main entrance of your housing complex - you'll need your move-in bar code, QR code, and a valid government-issued photo ID.
Parking
After unloading, move your car to one of the designated lots offering free two-hour move-in parking - a printable parking permit will be emailed to you in advance to place on your dashboard.
What you'll receive
Your room key, plus your Cal 1 Card student ID and a Clipper BayPass transit card, which provides fare-free public transit across the Bay Area.
Vehicle restrictions
To avoid break-ins, don't leave belongings inside parked cars, and always lock car doors.

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 (21)

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

  • Beverly Cleary Hall

  • Blackwell Hall

    Corridor · Coed

  • Cheney Hall

  • Christian Hall

    Mini-suite · Coed

Show 17 more

  • Clark Kerr Residence Hall

  • Cunningham Hall

  • Davidson Hall

  • Deutsch Hall

  • Ehrman Hall

  • Foothill Residence Hall

    Suite · Coed

  • Freeborn Hall

  • Griffiths Hall

  • Ida Sproul Hall

  • Martinez Commons Residence Hall

    Corridor · Coed

  • Norton Hall

  • Priestley Hall

  • Putnam Hall

  • Slottman Hall

    Mini-suite · Coed

  • Spens-Black Hall

  • Stern Hall

    Traditional · Single-sex

  • Towle Hall

    Mini-suite · Coed

Apartments (8)

Apartment-style housing, usually for upperclass students

  • Anchor House Apartments

    Apartment · Single-sex

  • Channing-Bowditch Apartments

    Apartment · Single-sex

  • Clark Kerr Apartments

    Apartment · Single-sex

  • Enclave Apartments

    Apartment · Coed

Show 4 more

  • Martinez Commons Apartments

    Apartment · Single-sex

  • Panoramic Berkeley Apartments

    Apartment · Coed

  • Wada Apartments

    Apartment · Single-sex

  • xučyun ruwway Apartments

    Apartment · 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

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

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

Nearby Essentials

  • Target0.5 miles
  • CVS Pharmacy4 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 University of California, Berkeley.

Get the checklist

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Dates last checked September 2026.