Boston, August 21, 2025
News Summary
As Boston’s colleges and universities gear up for the Fall 2023 semester, a significant move-in period will take place from mid-August to early September. Families and students can expect an increase in traffic, public transit use, and hotel demand during this time, particularly around key dates like Labor Day weekend. Residents are advised to plan accordingly to avoid congestion and potential lodging challenges.
Boston
Boston colleges brace for busy move-in season as students return for Fall 2023
Boston’s colleges and universities are entering a concentrated move-in period that runs through late August and into early September for the Fall 2023 semester. The influx of students and families is expected to increase traffic, public transit use, and short-term lodging demand across the city. Residents and visitors should plan for higher congestion and a tighter market for hotel rooms during peak move-in days, particularly around Labor Day weekend.
Top-line facts
– Move-in activity will occur across many campuses from mid-August through the first days of September.
– Key cluster dates include the weekends of Aug. 23–24 and Aug. 29–Sept. 1, when multiple institutions schedule new and returning student arrivals.
– Families arriving to help with move-in can drive up short-term hotel rates and contribute to heavier traffic around college neighborhoods.
Who will be moving in and when
Below is a concise list of move-in dates for area colleges and universities to help families, students, and local residents plan around the busiest days. Dates are grouped by institution and list times for incoming/new students and returning/upperclass students where available.
- Berklee College of Music: Incoming students on Saturday, Aug. 23; returning students on Sunday, Aug. 24.
- Boston College: Freshmen on Thursday, Aug. 21; Session 7 orientation on Aug. 16 or 17; upperclassmen on Friday, Aug. 22 or Saturday, Aug. 23.
- Boston University: Freshmen on Saturday, Aug. 23 or Sunday, Aug. 24; returning students from Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day weekend).
- Emerson College: New students for orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 26; returning students on Friday, Aug. 29 or Saturday, Aug. 30.
- Emmanuel College: Freshmen on Saturday, Aug. 30; upperclassmen on Sunday, Aug. 31 or Monday, Sept. 1.
- Harvard University: Freshmen not in Pre-Orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 26; upperclassmen houses on Saturday, Aug. 30.
- MassArt: New students on Thursday, Aug. 28; returning students on Monday, Sept. 1.
- MCPHS: Freshmen on Wednesday, Aug. 27; upperclassmen on Sunday, Aug. 31.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): New students on Saturday, Aug. 23; returning students on Friday, Aug. 29.
- Northeastern University: Move-in occurs over seven to nine days around Labor Day weekend; exact dates not publicized.
- Simmons University: New students on Friday, Aug. 29; returning students on Sunday, Aug. 31.
- Suffolk University: New students on Monday, Sept. 1, with orientation on Tuesday, Sept. 2; returning students during the first week of September.
- Tufts University: New students on Wednesday, Aug. 27 (or Friday, Aug. 22 for pre-orientation); returning students on Sunday, Aug. 31.
- UMass Boston: Returning students on Thursday, Aug. 28; new students on Friday, Aug. 29 or Saturday, Aug. 30.
- Wentworth Institute of Technology: New students on Thursday, Aug. 28 or Friday, Aug. 29; orientation Aug. 29–31; returning students before classes start on Sept. 2.
What to expect in the city
The concentrated schedule means several campuses will be moving students on the same days. City streets near campus neighborhoods and major transit corridors should expect heavier car and pedestrian traffic. Those who travel by taxi, rideshare, or rental car may find increased wait times and higher short-term rates. Hotel availability and nightly prices are likely to rise for arrivals during peak move-in dates and Labor Day weekend.
Planning tips for families and residents
- Plan move-in trips for weekdays when possible to avoid the busiest weekends.
- Use campus-provided move-in instructions and times to reduce congestion; many colleges stagger arrivals by last name, building, or assigned slot.
- Allow extra time for parking, elevators, and unloading; campus lots and streets near residence halls often fill quickly.
- Consider public transit where feasible; it can avoid parking constraints, though trains and buses may be crowded on key move-in days.
Background
Boston is home to a large concentration of higher-education institutions, which together draw tens of thousands of students each academic year. Move-in season is a recurring peak period for the city, combining student arrivals, orientation activities, and the start of classes. Local services, municipal departments, and college administrations typically coordinate to manage traffic flow, parking controls, and temporary signage to facilitate smoother move-in operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the busiest move-in days?
Move-in activity clusters around late August weekends and Labor Day weekend, with notable peaks Aug. 23–24 and Aug. 29–Sept. 1 for many institutions.
Will hotels be more expensive during move-in?
Yes. Short-term lodging demand typically increases during peak move-in days, which can raise room rates and reduce availability in areas close to campuses.
How can I avoid traffic delays during move-in?
Avoid driving near campus on scheduled move-in days when possible, use alternative routes, or travel during off-peak hours. Public transit can be a useful option but may be crowded.
Are move-in dates the same for all students?
No. Institutions typically separate dates for new/freshman students and returning/upperclass students. Some campuses also run pre-orientations or staggered schedules by program or housing unit.
Where can I find the exact move-in instructions for a specific school?
Students and families should consult the college or university’s official housing or student life communications for the most detailed move-in instructions, assigned times, and parking rules.
Move-in date reference table
| College / University | New / Freshmen | Returning / Upperclass | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berklee College of Music | Sat, Aug. 23 | Sun, Aug. 24 | Standard two-day move-in |
| Boston College | Thu, Aug. 21 (freshmen) | Fri, Aug. 22 or Sat, Aug. 23 | Session 7 orientation on Aug. 16–17 |
| Boston University | Sat, Aug. 23 or Sun, Aug. 24 | Fri, Aug. 29–Mon, Sept. 1 | Large campus; extended Labor Day arrivals |
| Emerson College | Tue, Aug. 26 (orientation) | Fri, Aug. 29 or Sat, Aug. 30 | Orientation start for new students |
| Emmanuel College | Sat, Aug. 30 | Sun, Aug. 31 or Mon, Sept. 1 | Weekend arrivals |
| Harvard University | Tue, Aug. 26 (non-Pre-Orientation freshmen) | Sat, Aug. 30 (upperclass houses) | House move-in schedule for upperclassmen |
| MassArt | Thu, Aug. 28 | Mon, Sept. 1 | Short gap between new and returning |
| MCPHS | Wed, Aug. 27 | Sun, Aug. 31 | Single-day new student move-in |
| MIT | Sat, Aug. 23 | Fri, Aug. 29 | Major campus with coordinated arrivals |
| Northeastern University | Not publicized | Not publicized | Move-in spans 7–9 days around Labor Day |
| Simmons University | Fri, Aug. 29 | Sun, Aug. 31 | Weekend arrivals |
| Suffolk University | Mon, Sept. 1 | First week of September | Orientation on Tue, Sept. 2 |
| Tufts University | Wed, Aug. 27 (or Fri, Aug. 22 pre-orientation) | Sun, Aug. 31 | Pre-orientation option available |
| UMass Boston | Fri, Aug. 29 or Sat, Aug. 30 | Thu, Aug. 28 | Large commuter and residential population |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology | Thu, Aug. 28 or Fri, Aug. 29 | Before Sept. 2 (first day of classes) | Orientation Aug. 29–31 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Patriot Ledger: Boston Colleges and Universities Fall Move-in Dates 2025
- Wikipedia: University in Boston
- Boston Globe: Parent-Child Leaving College
- Google Search: Boston colleges 2025 move-in dates
- SI: Boston College OL Dwayne Allick Talks About Moving into Bigger Role
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College and University
- Business Insider: College Student Transfer Trends
- Google News: Boston Move-in Season
- Boston.com: Move-in Weekend 2024 Live Updates
- The Rink Live: Boston University Terriers Win in Overtime Thriller
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
