The University of Montana's Missoula campus centers on University Hall, its oldest standing building since 1898, where pumpkins mysteriously appear atop the tower each year as a beloved, unexplained tradition, with first-year students housed in halls including Craig, Elrod, and Pantzer.
Enrollment
11,064
Total Students
Freshman Class
1,559
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 17 - August 17, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
95%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Students received an email in early July with directions to sign up for a specific move-in time. Early arrival outside of approved programs is subject to a $100 nightly charge until the official Aug. 17 opening. If you plan to arrive later than Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, contact the UM Housing Office so they can hold your room. Look out for genuinely Montana-specific traditions during Welcome Week, including River Rendezvous and the Freshman Float.
August 17 - August 17, 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
Craig Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Elrod Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Pantzer Hall
Suite-style · Coed
Housing Links
Links open University of Montana's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
New Student Orientation & Welcome Week (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 17 - 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
$11,500
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 Montana.
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