Returning Student Move-In will take place on Friday, August 21, Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23. Your check-in location is determined by where you are assigned to live for the 2026-2027 Academic Year.
Returning students who live on-campus must sign up for a timeslot to check-in. Returning Students who live on the South 40 and the Northside can select their move-in date and time slot beginning on July 8, 2026 at 9 a.m. through the Housing Portal.
Students who live in Off-Campus Apartments (Greenway, The Lofts, Rosedale, University Drive) should not select a timeslot.
South 40 Residents
Students who live on the South 40 will check in on the South 40 at their assigned residence hall.
Northside
This includes the Village House, Lopata House, House 5, House 22, Millbrook Apartments, Village East Apartments, Chapter Houses/Upper Row
Students who live on the Northside will check in at Village House.
Off-campus apartments
This includes Greenway, The Lofts, Rosedale, University Drive
Students who live in Off-Campus Apartments can go directly to your residential community to check in. You will need to complete the Self Check-In on the Housing Portal upon arrival. If you encounter any difficulties with the Self Check-In, you can visit any Residential Life Office or contact Residential Life for more assistance.
For students who live in Greenway, Rosedale and, U Drive will be issued a physical mailbox key and a parking permit, instructions for how to sign up for one will be sent to your WashU email.
Getting to campus
If you are being dropped off via rideshare (Lyft/Uber) use “Danforth University Center” as your destination. After checking-in, you will proceed to your unloading zone as listed on the parking placard you receive at check-in.
Movers will not be available for returning student move-in. You can access a red bin or dolly for move-in.
After hours check-in (South 40 & Northside
If you are unable to arrive during our regular check-in times, red bins and dollies will not be available for check-out. However, we do have options for you to be able to complete your check-in.
You can complete check-in and receive your room key at the Residential Life Center located in Umrath House on South 40. Please make sure that you have your WashU student ID. If you arrive after midnight, please contact WashU Police at 314-935-5555 for assistance.
Early arrivals
Residential Life will permit students to move in earlier than the first day of their contract. Students must meet certain criteria to be eligible. Students will sign up for an Early Arrival on the Housing Portal.
Are you moving in as a part of a sponsored group or program?
If you have an early arrival as part of a WashU group, do not complete this form. You will be registered to move in early by your sponsoring group. Examples of sponsors include:
- Athletic Teams
- Academic Programs
- Scholarship Programs (i.e. Danforth, Ervin, Rodriguez, Taylor Scholars)
- Campus Employers
- Assistance with New Student Move-In
Please check with your sponsor to ensure you are included on their roster. Submitting this form will result in you being charged for the cost of your early arrival.
Requests for an early arrival date may not be for any date earlier than August 14. Requests to move in from August 14 through August 16 will only be permitted if the requesting student has a sibling or family member moving in as a part of First-Year Move In.
Requests to move in earlier than the traditional Move In date are accepted beginning June 1, 2026. Requests cannot be edited, amended, or cancelled by the requester once it has been submitted. The priority deadline to submit an Early Move In Request is June 30 at 11:59 p.m (Central Time).
Requests to move in early are approved at the discretion of Residential Life, and if your request is approved you will be charged $60 per night for each night you move in prior to the beginning of your housing contract.
Frequently asked questions
You can ship items to campus however, we cannot place any items in your room ahead of your arrival. Mail & Receiving Services will start accepting items after August 1.
No, we will not provide movers on these days. You will have the option of checking out red bins and dollies to assist you with moving in your items. You can see locations, dates, and times below.
Additional information
Vaccination and immunization records
Upload Your Vaccination Records to Student Health Center – Danforth Campus’ Portal
See information here about how to upload your records and what is required of you prior to coming to campus.
Renter’s insurance through GradGuard
WashU has partnered with GradGuard to offer renter’s insurance to students. You can obtain renter’s insurance through GradGuard via the Request Forms tab on the Housing Portal.
The Office of Residential Life strongly recommends that all students obtain renter’s insurance prior to their scheduled move-in date and time either through GradGuard or another provider of their choice to be covered in the event of theft, destruction, or loss of money, valuables, or other personal property belonging to, or in the custody of a student.
Bike registration
For students who bring bikes on campus, WashU provides free bike registration. If you are a Danforth Campus student, faculty or staff member who will park your bike on campus, it’s mandatory to register your bike with WashU and clearly display the registration shield on your bike.
Displaying a registration shield helps protect your bike from theft and facilitates the recovery of lost or stolen bikes. It also allows WashU to contact the owners of bikes that were impounded due to improper parking, (blocking pedestrian access, for example).
If you aren’t sure about bringing a bike, consider renting a bike from a student-owned business, WashU Bear Bikes. Bears Bikes exist today to help the WashU community move sustainably. No need to bring one with you, it’s already here!
Page updated May 11, 2026
Room condition reporting
Residential Life will work diligently ensure your room is in the best possible condition for your arrival. You are also expected to assess the condition of your room at the time of move-in. Each resident must complete the Room Condition Report (RCR) within 48-72 hours of occupancy.