Overview

Fall Move-In 2025

IMPORTANT FALL MOVE-IN DATES
 

Assisted Move-In Days

  • Wednesday, August 27
  • Thursday, August 28
  • Friday, August 29

Unassisted Move-In Days (No Move-In Assistance provided these days)

  • Monday, August 25 – Approved Early Arrival Groups
  • Saturday, August 30
  • Sunday, August 31
  • Monday, September 1

East Check In Experience at UMass Amherst - Fall Move-In:

WATCH MOVE-IN – EAST CHECK IN

West Check In Experience at UMass Amherst - Fall Move-In:

WATCH MOVE-IN – WEST CHECK IN


Assignment Release Information

When will I find out where I am assigned to live on campus?

First year and transfer students will be able to view their housing assignment on SPIRE on August 4, 2025.  For questions related to your housing assignment contact the Residential Life Assignment office at 413-545-2100 or @email

For questions related to the move-in process for students living on campus (not including University Village Apartments) please contact the Residential Services office at 413-577-7777 or @email


Image of Sam the Minuteman giving a thumbs up: It says "UMass Amherst Move-In" "Welcome to UMass"

UMass Amherst Move-In

Welcome to UMass!

Sam Minuteman's Ultimate Move-In Success List


  • Review your routes prior to departure to orient yourself for Move-In day. New maps for this year can be found on our website!

  • Print and bring the boarding pass and a 2nd copy if you are bringing a 2nd car

  • Bring UCard/photo ID with you

  • Prepare to pack and travel; remember, only 1 car will be unloaded at the hall.

  • Follow our directions to East or West check-in point; don't use your GPS here

  • Coordinate for the 2nd car driver to follow 1st car through check in and then after student receives key, 2nd car will head directly to the parking lot designated for hall.

  • Drive to your residence hall and parking lots using the directions we determined. 


    Resources

  • Email: @email

  • Phone: (413) 577-7777

  • You can find more information on our website:
    https://www.umass.edu/living/

  • Find our maps under the Driving Directions tab!

Contact

For questions related to Fall Move-In, contact 

Residential Services
Phone: 413-577-7777
Email: @email
Open Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For questions related to your on campus housing assignment, contact

Residential Life Assignment Office

NOW LOCATED at 256 Sunset Avenue in Crampton Hall
Phone: 413-545-2100
Email: @email
Open Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Plan Ahead

Planning for Move-In

Every on-campus student must have a move in reservation to arrive on campus in the fall.  A move in reservation is a scheduled block of time that you are expected to arrive at your check in location to receive your room key. The move in reservation system is designed to evenly distribute the number of vehicles arriving to campus throughout the day.  The first reservation time begins at 8am and the last reservation begins at 4:30pm each day of assisted move in.

The opportunity to view or make a reservation will begin on August 11 in SPIRE, and organized by assigned residence hall. This diagram outlines when each hall becomes available to view or make their reservation.  The staggered timeline is designed to manage the level of SPIRE usage to minimize connectivity concerns.

Some students are required to move in prior to August 27th for various reasons.  This group is considered EARLY ARRIVALS and will only see move in reservations on their designated move in day. 

Students assigned to a Southwest Tower, CHCRC or Sylvan residence hall and are moving in between Aug 27 – 29 will see an assigned move in reservation time.  This happens because these halls are moved in by professional movers who have designated what order floors will move in to maximize efficiency.  Students with assigned move in times can select out of their assigned time and choose from the other options in the menu, however doing so you will forfeit all move in assistance.  

All other students moving in on Aug 27 – 29 will choose a move in reservation from the list of available options in SPIRE.

Students may see options in the move in reservation for UNASSISTED move in.  Please note that choosing one of these days/times will forfeit your opportunity for assistance with moving your belongings into your room.


Make Your Move-In Reservation

All students must have a Move-In Reservation.

  • Read the tutorial before making your reservation.
     
  • Starting on August 11, 2025 students may log into SPIRE under Main Menu > Housing > Move-In Reservation > Key Agmt to make or view their Move-In Reservation and print their boarding pass.

Students who do not make a Move-In Reservation by August 14, 2025 will be assigned a Move-In time from the remaining available options on August 15.


NOTE: If you are having difficulty accessing SPIRE due to two factor authentication issues, please contact UMass IT at 413-545-9400 for assistance between Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

After selecting or viewing your reservation time in SPIRE, you will have the ability to print your BOARDING PASS

Every student must print their boarding pass and bring it with them to check in.


Understanding Your Boarding Pass

Printing Instructions

  • The boarding pass does not have to be printed in color.
  • Make sure the bar code is printed fully to be scanned at check in.
  • You can print multiple copies of your boarding pass, and should do so if you are bringing multiple cars to check in.
  • If for any reason your move in reservation time changes AFTER you printed your original boarding pass, you will need to print a new boarding pass.
  • If you do not have your boarding pass upon arrival, you will need to print one at our check in station. This will add time to your move in process.

NOTE: All students MUST print out their Boarding Pass and bring it on Move-In Day. Forgetting your Boarding Pass will add a minimum of 30 minutes to your check-in time. 


What if I need to change my Move-In reservation?

Students who are unable to arrive during available Move-In Reservation times can make an Unassisted Move-In Reservation in SPIRE. If you plan to arrive to campus after Monday, September 1, 2025, you must contact Residential Services at 413-577-7777 and request to be listed as a late arrival. Failure to request late arrival may result in your assignment being cancelled. 

Students with special requests to change their Move-In Reservation time must complete the Move-In Reservation Change Request Form. Reservation change requests will be reviewed and students will be notified within three business days whether their request has been approved or denied.

Please be advised that students who live in the Southwest Towers, Commonwealth Honors College and Sylvan Areas are unable to change their Move-In request, except in the event of extreme extenuating circumstances. These requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, Students in these buildings can self-select a Move-In Reservation time from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. on Move In Days or throughout Labor Day weekend; HOWEVER please note that there is no move-in assistance available during these times. Moving bins are available for student use at their Residential Service Desk on these days.


Travel Directions and Advisories

Familiarize Yourself with all Traffic Expectations Arriving To and Within Campus

We have designed specific travel routes to each check in location to minimize traffic congestion and ensure travelers see our Move In directional signage along the way. Please follow our travel directions found in the DIRECTIONS tab and DO NOT use your GPS services near campus. Your GPS does not know that some University roads are closed or redirected specifically for Move In.  The maps we provide outline how to arrive to your check in location as well as how to get to your unload zone and finally, where to park during scheduled move in times Aug 27-29 8am – 5pm. These maps can be downloaded to your device or printed at home for easy access on the road.

Arriving by bus or hired car service? Staying at the Campus Center Hotel?

If you are not arriving to campus by personal vehicle, we provide a Move In Shuttle that provides transportation from two locations on campus, along with your luggage.

SHUTTLE PICKUP LOCATIONS 

  1. Bromery Center for the Arts, located at Haigis Mall
  2. Flint Circle, located near the Campus Center Hotel and Campus Garage

Look for our shuttle signage at these two locations for pickup information.  The shuttle operates Aug 27 -29, from 8:00am – 5:00pm each day.  The shuttle will bring you to your check in location to pick up your room key and then deliver you and your luggage to your residence hall.  Don’t forget to have your photo ID and boarding pass ready!

This shuttle only serves riders (and their families) with assistance to their check in location and their residence hall.


What to Bring

Be Mindful of What you Bring
Please be advised that only one car/vehicle will be allowed in the unloading zone. Before you decide what you intend to bring to campus, review important reminders and suggested items on the What to Bring page. Please keep in mind, some items are prohibited from the residence halls. Students that live outside Massachusetts and wish to ship items to campus prior to Fall Move-In should review the Luggage Program.


Make sure you have your UCard

  • New students must upload their UCard photo with the UCard Office.
  • Returning students who have lost their UCard must request a replacement from the UCard Office.
  • At this point any student who requests a UCard will have to pick their UCard up from the UCard Office after Move-In. Failing to upload a photo or request a UCard will cause delays in accessing their residence hall and meal plan. 

Update your Emergency Contact information in SPIRE.

View your assignment on SPIRE starting August 4. 

  • Contact your roommate and decide what to bring to avoid having two MicroFridges, two TVs, etc.
  • Not Sure What to Bring? Get some advice from previous students to avoid bringing too much.
  • IMPORTANT: only one vehicle will be allowed in the unload zone on Move-in day.
  • Students who live outside Massachusetts and wish to ship items to campus prior to Fall Move-In should review the Luggage Program.

Complete your Move-In Reservation in SPIRE August 11-14.

  • You will need to sign your Key Agreement, view information regarding your Room Condition Form, and print your Boarding Pass.
  • View the Move-In Reservation schedule to see what time reservations become available for your hall.

Use our directions to your Check-In location. 

  • Directions to your Check-In location are in the DIRECTIONS tab. Do not use your GPS around campus - local traffic patterns will be changed specifically for Move-In. Using your GPS will delay your arrival. Follow the Check-In location directions for your hall.

Have your UCard ID and Boarding Pass ready on Move-In Day.

  • You will need to show your UCard and Boarding Pass as you arrive to your check in location. Forgetting your boarding pass will add a minimum of 30 minutes to your move-in time. You must have a valid picture ID (i.e. Student ID, license, passport) in order to receive your room key.

Pack the one vehicle that will be unloaded at your residence hall.

  • Pack heavier items last so they are the first items placed in the moving bins
  • High value electronics are only eligible for moving assistance if they are in their original packaging. High value items not in their original packaging must be transported by the owner and UMass is not responsible for any damages to these items.
  • Please do not pack boxes/containers so heavy that they cannot be carried. Assume that you will not have access to an elevator during move-in times. Students may have to use the closest stairwell to carry their belongings to their room while move-in takes place, or they can wait until move-in concludes and elevators are available for residents to use.

Contact

For questions related to Fall Move-In, contact 

Residential Services
Phone: 413-577-7777
Email: @email
Open Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you on campus!

Early Arrival

EARLY ARRIVAL MOVE IN

There are several reasons why students are required to move in prior to Assisted Move In days August 27 - 29. More details listed below by group.

  • Most Early Arrival students will arrive on Monday, August 25th.
  • All students must complete their move in reservation in SPIRE to select a move in time.
  • You must bring a photo ID to check in.
  • All early arrival move ins are UNASSISTED move ins.

Check out this FAQ document for more information about early arrival move in days.

STUDENT STAFF

Resident Assistants, Peer Mentors and Move In Squad student staff are required to move in on Sunday, August 17th between Noon - 7:00pm. Your move in reservation will offer move in times for this date only. You will check in at your Residential Service Desk and move yourself into your hall. You do not need to print your boarding pass. Be sure to bring a photo ID. Check out this FAQ document for more information.

STUDENT STAFF - FALL MOVE IN SUPPORT

Some student staff groups are required to move in early to prepare to support move in. If you are a student staff member and unsure if you are required to move in early, speak to your supervisor. 

These groups will move in on either Saturday, August 23 or Sunday, August 24 between Noon - 7:00pm, depending on your group. Your work supervisor determines your move in day. You will only see that day in your list of move in reservation options.  You will check in at your Residential Service Desk and move yourself into your hall.  You do not need to print your boarding pass. Be sure to bring a photo ID. Check out this FAQ document for more information.

SUMMER SESSION STUDENTS

Some students are already living on campus for the summer attending summer classes. These students will transition out of their summer assignment and into their fall assignment on Sunday, August 24 between Noon - 7:00pm. You will only see move in reservations for this date. You will check in to your fall assignment at your fall Residential Service Desk. You will return your summer housing key to the CHC Residential Service Desk before 8:00pm this day to avoid additional fees. Be sure to bring a photo ID. Check out this FAQ document for more information.

CONFERENCE HOUSING TRANSITION

Some students are already on campus in conference housing and will need to transition to their fall assignment.  Most commonly, these groups are Band Camp members and students taking the BIOS Orientation. These students will transition out of their conference housing on Monday, August 25th between 7:00am - 8:15am. You will be assigned a move in reservation for this period of time.  You will not choose a move in time. You will return your conference housing key according to the instructions from your group leader.  You will check in and collect your fall assignment key at Crampton House in the basement lounge. You do not need to print your boarding pass.  Be sure to bring a photo ID. Check out this FAQ document for more information.

INDIVIDUAL EARLY ARRIVAL REQUESTS

Some students are not able to arrive during their scheduled move in day. We offer the option to request to move in early on Monday, August 25 between 9:00am - 8:00pm.  This option must be requested and approved in advance using the Early Arrival Request Form. This option incurs a $120.00 fee to your bursar bill. If approved, you will see move in reservation options for this date only. You will check in at your Residential Service Desk to collect your key before going to your hall. You do not need to print your boarding pass. Be sure to bring a photo ID. Check out this FAQ document for more information.

Move-In Days

Move-In Days

There are many different days that students can move in. This graphic should help you understand the differences between them. If you do not see your group listed, please reach out directly to Residential Services at 413-577-7777 for assistance.

Move-In Groups FAQ


EARLY ARRIVAL

Beginning Monday, July 21 at 9:00am, students who are interested in moving in on Monday, August 25th can Contact Residential Services to request Early Arrival. Students who move in before Wednesday, August 27 will be charge a $120 fee which will be applied to your fall bill after halls have opened. The individual Early Arrival Request form closes 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, August 21.

ASSISTED MOVE IN 

The following image shows the dates for ASSISTED move-in days by residence hall:

 

Residential Hall Schedule for Fall Move-in 2025

Driving Directions

Driving Directions

These maps show the routes designed specifically for Move-in days Aug 27th-29th between 8AM and 5PM ONLY. Please use these directions instead of your GPS directions to avoid delays on Move-In days.

Driving Directions

Directions to Check-in Stations

  • East Check-in (ALL of Northeast, North Apartments, Orchard Hill, Central, and Sylvan
  • West Check-in (ALL of Southwest and Commonwealth Honors College) 

Directions to Residence Halls and Parking

After you check in you will need these directions to get to your residence hall to be unloaded.

Select the day of your Move-In reservation and your check-in station to find directions to your hall and designated parking lot. 

EASTMAN LANE Parking Lot Shuttle is available to families parking in Lots 68, 31 and 26 on August 27 - 29 between 8:00am - 5:00pm on EAST side. This parking lot shuttle will pickup riders in the designated location in the parking lot and drop off at Northeast Halls near Totman Gym and Sylvan Halls.

Directions for 2nd Cars to Parking

*2nd cars are not allowed access to the halls between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

East

West

EASTMAN LANE Parking Lot Shuttle is available to families parking in Lots 68, 31 and 26 on August 27 - 29 between 8:00am - 5:00pm on EAST side. This parking lot shuttle will pickup riders in the designated location in the parking lot and drop off at Northeast Halls near Totman Gym and Sylvan Halls.


Arriving by Rideshare or Staying at UMass Hotel? 

On Aug 27 - 29 between 8:00am - 5:00pm, UMass provides a shuttle service on campus for residents who arrive by rideshare to campus. Direct your rideshare to drop you at Bromery Center for the Arts where a shuttle will take you and your luggage to check in and collect your key.  The shuttle will then bring you to your residence hall to be moved in.

If you are staying at the UMass Hotel the night before your move day, the Check In Shuttle will also pick up up at Flint Circle (outside the hotel near the parking garage) and bring you to check in and your residence hall. 

This shuttle is only available August 27 - 29 between 8:00am - 5:00pm.

 

Information for Faculty, Staff, and Campus Neighbors

The start of the new academic year is almost here!  Students will be moving in between the dates of August 25 and September 1, with the highest volume Move-In dates being August 27-29. Expect heavy traffic and delays around campus as well as the Amherst/Hadley area during the Move-In. 

Please practice pedestrian safety as you travel around campus and use pedestrian walkways and crosswalks when available. Please note starting August 27 traffic will be impacted in the following areas.

West Check In at Stadium

  • Families are directed to use the UMass exit on Route 116 to enter Stadium Drive.  Please avoid using this campus entrance, it will be heavily congested and there will be delays.
  • Families exiting the Southwest residential area will come through Lot 71 on the west side of Whitmore.
  • Fearing Street will be one way traveling eastbound from University Drive.
  • University Drive will be closed in both directions starting at Amity Street to Massachusetts Avenue. This section will be available for move-in traffic ONLY.

East Check In at Lot 44

  • Eastman Lane will be closed to through traffic.
  • Families are directed to enter the East Check In location using North Residential Drive between Furcolo Building and Lot 43.  Expect heavy traffic and possible delays if you enter campus using N. Pleasant Street.

Be advised that students and families will be using nearby parking lots while unpacking during this time period. Permit holders of closed parking lots will be emailed by Parking Services with details.

Closed and Impacted Parking Lots

**UPDATED CLOSURE NOTICES WILL BE POSTED HERE 

Closed Parking Lots

Permit holders will be contacted by Parking Services.

  • Lot 11 Closure Letter
  • Lot 44 Closure Letter
  • Lot 46 (Gorman/Wheeler) Closure Letter
  • Lot 46 (Brett) Closure Letter
  • Lot 47 Closure Letter
  • Lot 49 (Chadbourne and Greenough) Closure Letter
  • Lot 49 (Van Meter) Closure Letter
  • Lot 50 Closure Letter
  • Lot 54 Closure Letter
  • Lot 63 Closure Letter

Impacted Parking Lots

  • Lot 24 Impact Parking Letter
  • Lot 43 Impact Parking Letter
  • Lot 64 Impact Parking Letter
  • Lot 66 Impact Parking Letter
  • Lot 71 Impact Parking Letter

Contact

For questions related to Fall Move-In, contact 

Residential Services
Phone: 413-577-7777
Email: @email
Open Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

FAQ

Fall Move In Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the frequently asked questions below. Contact Residential Services if you still have questions about Fall Move In. They can be reached by email @email or phone 413-577-7777 Monday - Friday 9am - 4:30pm.

Communications