Worcester Polytechnic InstituteMove-In Guide
Worcester, Massachusetts
🏫 Private UniversityEst. 1865🔗 www.wpi.edu
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private research university focused on science, engineering and technology, known for its project-based curriculum. Nearly all full-time first-year students live in college housing, and a residential meal plan is required for all first-year students. Typical first-year halls include Daniels, Founders, Institute, Messenger, Morgan, Sanford Riley, Stoddard, Trowbridge and Wachusett.
Enrollment
7,388
Total Students
Freshman Class
1,300
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 16, 2026
Fall 2026 (completed)
Acceptance Rate
62%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
First-year move-in is Sunday, Aug. 16. Students pick a move-in time in the housing portal; if none is chosen, one is assigned. Do not arrive before your assigned time. Bring only what fits in one vehicle, since not every hall has an elevator, and outside furniture is not allowed. Family and friends may help.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day logistics
- Check-in location
- On Aug 15-16, check in at the Gateway Park Garage rather than your residence hall, where you receive your room key and, for first-year students, your WPI ID.
- Parking
- Cars must be moved to the upper levels of Gateway Garage by 7:00 PM on Aug 14. The driver stays with the vehicle in the 15-minute unload zone, then parks in the nearest available garage or lot, with overflow at Gateway Garage. Follow the paths-of-travel maps and campus signs.
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 (9)
Open to undergraduates (first-year students may be able to live here)
Daniels Hall
Founders Hall
Suite-style · Coed
Institute Hall
Messenger Hall
Show 5 moreShow fewer
Morgan Hall
Sanford Riley Hall
Stoddard Complex
Trowbridge House
Wachusett House
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.
Eligibility rules vary and can change. Check with the housing office.
Orientation
New Student Orientation
Orientation is recommended for all new students.
August 16 - August 19, 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
$19,252
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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
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Dates last checked October 2026.