Moving In: What You Need to Know
Fall 2026 Updates
- Check your UMassD email in August for next steps about move-in.
- Mark your calendar! See Important Dates for Housing.
- The on-site "Move-In Help Center" will be available on all days to assist students and families on move-in days.
- Get ready for the big day! Check out "What to Bring" for tips.
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Your next chapter starts with move-in day. Here's how to make it a great one!
Step 1: Make sure you're eligible to move in
All residents need to be:
- Enrolled for the fall semester.
- Cleared through Health Services as having uploaded all needed documentation.
- Cleared through our Student Service Center through one of the following ways:
- pay fall charges in full
- have enough Financial Aid to cover your tuition, fees, and housing
- signed up for a payment plan for your tuition, fees, dining and housing bills and complete the first required payment
Important note: Unpaid balances will create a hold on your account.
Learn more about billing - Balsam and Spruce residents | All other residential students.
Move-In Help Center
The on-site Move-In Help Center brings together key campus departments—including Financial Aid, Health Services, Academic Affairs—in one convenient location on move-in days. Stop by with questions or to complete any outstanding requirements you need to be eligible for housing.
The Help Center is available on each day of move in, and is located in The Marketplace (near lot 5). For help with your UMass Pass, visit the UMass Pass Office in the Campus Center, 8am-4:30pm during move-in.
Step 2: Get your UMass Pass ready
Your UMass Pass (ID) is required to move in. It's your key into your building—and in some cases, your room—and you'll need it to use your meal plan. Upload your photo now if you haven't already.
On move-in day:
- Already have your UMass Pass? Bring it, and keep it somewhere easy to grab.
- Submitted your photo but haven't received your Pass? You'll pick it up at check-in.
- Haven't submitted a photo yet? You'll need to visit the UMass Pass Office, which will have limited hours and may have lines. Upload your photo in advance to skip this stop entirely.
Step 3 (optional): Drop off belongings early with Stow & Go
Stow & Go is a one-hour appointment the week before move-in day where you can drop the bulk of your belongings directly into your fall room assignment. The payoff: a quicker move-in, no elevator line, and a fast check-in on move-in day.
2026 Stow & Go dates
- Saturday, August 22
- Tuesday, August 25
How to sign up: Log into the StarRez Housing Portal and select "Opening Information," then "Stow and Go." Stow and Go appointments are made available in August.
Keep in mind:
- Appointments are limited for each building.
- Appointments are required and are one-hour.
- Stow and go is for drop-off only.
- Bring carts or bins to make the trip easier!
Move-in day: When you get to campus
- Start at your designated check-in lot—not your building. Follow the signs when you arrive; everyone checks in at their parking lot first.
- New Student Move-In Days
- Balsam Residents - start in lot 3
- Spruce Residents - start in lot 15
- Returning Student Move-In Days
- Woodlands and Cedar Dell Residents - start in lot 15
- Pine Dale and Oak Glen Residents - start in lot 3
- At the lot, we'll verify your move in appointment and eligibility and get your car in line for your building. We'll move cars as quickly as we can, but expect a possible wait at this stage.
- New Student Move-In Days
- Arrive within 15 minutes of your assigned appointment time.
- After unloading, park in your assigned area as shown on the campus parking map, and only in legal spaces:
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- Balsam and Spruce residents – Lots 18, 19, 20
- Oak Glen and Pine Dale residents – Lot 21
- Woodland Apartment residents – Lots 9, 10
- Family and friends with a vehicle that won't stay on campus: follow signs to "short term parking"