University of Colorado Boulder — Elevation 5,430 ft, with red rooftops framed by the Flatirons and Rocky Mountains in this stunning aerial view.

Move-in is almost here. First-year and returning residence hall students will arrive by appointment from Sunday, August 16, through Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Thousands of students and family members will be navigating CU Boulder during one of the busiest weeks of the year. A little preparation can make the difference between a stressful arrival and a smooth beginning to life on campus.

Here is the practical checklist every Buff should know before arriving.

Confirm Your Move-In Appointment

Every first-year and returning residence hall student is required to have a scheduled move-in appointment.

Students who did not select an appointment by the July 14 deadline were assigned one by CU Boulder. Before leaving home, students should check the MyCULiving portal and confirm their assigned date and arrival time.

CU Boulder limits the number of appointments available during each period based on parking, staffing, elevator access and the location of individual residence halls. Arriving during the correct appointment window helps prevent unnecessary congestion.

Students must be present to complete check-in and receive room access. Parents, relatives or friends cannot check in or receive access to the room on the student’s behalf.

Print Your Move-In Parking Permit

A printed move-in parking permit is required to access campus from August 14 through August 19.

Beginning August 3, students can download the permit through the Move-In Parking Permit Card in the Buff Portal. The permit must be printed and placed on the vehicle’s dashboard with the QR code clearly visible.

Each permit is color-coded according to the student’s residence hall and unloading area. CU Boulder recommends printing the permit in color whenever possible because it helps police and parking staff direct vehicles more efficiently.

Do not wait until arrival to look for a printer. Print the permit before leaving home and keep it somewhere easy to reach inside the vehicle.

Follow Campus Signs Instead of Relying Only on GPS

GPS apps may suggest routes that conflict with CU Boulder’s temporary move-in traffic plan. As students approach campus, drivers should follow the posted move-in signs and directions from police officers, parking attendants and university staff.

Drivers arriving from Denver on U.S. 36 will generally be directed toward Foothills Parkway and then west on Baseline Road. The correct entrance to campus will depend on the color of the student’s parking permit.

Expect heavier-than-normal traffic along Baseline Road, Broadway, Regent Drive and other streets surrounding campus. Build extra time into the trip, but do not arrive far ahead of the assigned appointment and add to the congestion.

Understand the Unloading Process

The color-coded permit will direct each vehicle to an unloading area associated with the student’s residence hall.

After unloading, the vehicle must be moved to one of the orange extended-parking lots. The unloading spaces are not intended for decorating rooms, assembling furniture or completing the entire unpacking process.

The most efficient strategy is straightforward:

• Keep the printed permit visible on the dashboard.
• Unload boxes, bins and luggage as quickly as possible.
• Place the student’s belongings together near the residence hall.
• Have one person move the vehicle to an orange extended-parking lot.
• Allow the student and remaining helpers to begin taking items to the room.

Keeping the unloading areas moving helps every arriving family have a better experience.

Pack for a Fast Arrival

Use sturdy boxes, suitcases or storage bins that can be carried and stacked safely. Label each container with the student’s name, residence hall and room number.

Keep the most important items separate and easy to find:

• Phone and charger
• Required identification
• Medications
• Water bottle
• Printed parking permit
• Move-in appointment information
• Bedding and towels
• Basic toiletries
• One change of clothing
• Cleaning supplies
• Small toolkit

A folding wagon, hand truck or moving cart can be extremely helpful, particularly in residence halls located farther from the unloading area. Just make sure it can be transported and stored after move-in.

Check What CU Boulder Provides

Before packing the vehicle, review CU Boulder’s official list of what is already included in the room and what students should not bring.

Residence hall space is limited, and duplicate appliances or oversized furniture can make a small room feel crowded. Certain appliances and other items are prohibited for safety reasons, so students should check the university’s current housing rules instead of relying on an old college packing list.

When possible, coordinate with a roommate before move-in day. Decide who will bring shared items so the room does not end up with duplicate refrigerators, fans, lamps or cleaning supplies.

Farrand Field on the CU Boulder campus — a favorite hangout for students soaking up the sun, tossing frisbees, or just relaxing with friends between classes.

Dress for Boulder’s August Weather

August afternoons in Boulder can be hot, sunny and dry, but thunderstorms can develop quickly.

Everyone helping with the move should wear comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing. Bring water, sunscreen and a light rain jacket. Keeping a small towel and an extra shirt available can also make a long day of lifting much more comfortable.

Students arriving from lower elevations should remember that Boulder sits more than a mile above sea level. Drink water, take breaks and avoid trying to carry too much at once.

Coordinate With Your Roommate

If possible, compare arrival times before move-in day. When two students and both families arrive simultaneously, even a well-organized residence hall room can become crowded.

Roommates should also discuss shared belongings, preferred room arrangements and which side of the room each person plans to use. A brief conversation in advance can prevent confusion during an already busy day.

Flexibility matters. The room does not have to be completely organized or decorated during the first hour.

Expect Some Emotion

Move-in day is more than a transportation and parking exercise. For many students, it is the first major step toward living independently.

Excitement, nervousness, homesickness and exhaustion can all appear during the same afternoon. Families may experience the same emotional mix.

Once the essential belongings are inside, slow down and take a breath. Students will have time to organize, decorate and purchase anything that was forgotten.

This is also a good time to meet the resident advisor, introduce yourself to neighbors and begin learning the layout of the building. A few simple conversations can make an unfamiliar residence hall begin to feel like home.

What If You Cannot Arrive on Time?

CU Boulder encourages students to arrive during the regular August 16–18 move-in period so they can participate in Fall Welcome and begin connecting with their campus community.

Students who need to arrive between 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, and 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, should contact Residence Life at reslife@colorado.edu.

Anyone planning to arrive after classes begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, should contact University Housing at universityhousing@colorado.edu because a late arrival could affect the student’s housing contract.

Fall Welcome begins August 16, and fall classes begin Thursday, August 20.

Final Advice for CU Boulder Move-In Day

Confirm the appointment, print the parking permit, follow campus signs and unload efficiently. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes and remain patient with the staff members and other families navigating the same milestone.

The traffic, lifting and unpacking will soon be over. What remains is the beginning of a new academic year in Boulder—and for first-year students, the start of an entirely new chapter.

For last-minute updates, students should check CU Boulder’s official Fall 2026 residence hall move-in instructions and monitor their CU email.

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