Yale University's campus is anchored by the 216-foot Harkness Tower, its most recognizable landmark, with all first-year students living together on Old Campus - the university's oldest grounds - in dormitories including Lanman-Wright Hall and Durfee Hall.
Enrollment
6,814
Total Students
Freshman Class
1,704
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 23, 2026
Fall 2026 (completed)
Acceptance Rate
5%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Students will select a designated move-in time slot via the Undergraduate Housing Portal later in the summer. Events for families run from the morning of August 23 through the afternoon of August 24. New students are required to remain on campus continuously from August 23 through September 7 to participate fully in Opening Days - attendance at all required orientation events is mandatory, and students absent from mandatory activities may be asked to take a gap year.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Move-in runs Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - select your specific time slot through the Undergraduate Housing Portal later in the summer.
- Check-in location
- Check in at your assigned first-year dormitory on Old Campus - specific building routing is provided along with your move-in time slot assignment.
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
Durfee Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year onlyLanman-Wright Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Who can live where
- First-year only:
- Reserved for incoming first-year students.
Eligibility rules vary and can change. Check with the housing office.
Orientation
Opening Days (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 23 - September 7, 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
$19,800
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walgreens1.2 miles
- CVS Pharmacy2.4 miles
- Walmart2.7 miles
- Target3.7 miles
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 Yale University.
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Dates last checked September 2026.