Housing

Housing Portal
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Early Arrival Program

Early move-in options for eligible students 

The Early Arrival Program allows eligible students to move into their fall housing assignment before their scheduled move-in date.

You may request an early arrival if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • You have an exceptional need (considered on a case-by-case basis by your housing community).
  • You are living in summer university housing and need to move directly into your fall assignment at the end of your summer contract.
  • Your campus employer requires you to start work before your scheduled move-in date.
  • You’re participating in training or orientation with a UCSC program, department, or college before your scheduled move-in date.
  • You have a disability-related need to access your fall housing assignment early.
  • Your scheduled move-in date occurs on or during a religious holiday. Please note: the academic calendars and move-in structure have been developed to avoid scheduling conflicts with major religious holidays. Learn more in the UC Policy for Addressing Religious Holiday Conflicts with Move-In Days (PDF).

How to request an early arrival

  1. Submit your early arrival request through the Housing Portal.
  2. Requests are accepted from Wednesday, August 20 through Monday, September 15.
  3. Your request will be reviewed by your residential community.
  4. You will receive a decision via your UCSC email.

If your request is approved:

  • You are expected to follow all move-in instructions.
  • If you no longer need early arrival, withdraw your request in the Housing Portal before your approved arrival date to avoid charges.

Note: You are financially responsible for approved early arrival housing unless your request is withdrawn before your early arrival date—even if you don’t check in.

Early arrival options and rates

ProgramDates/TimesRate (per student)
Summer to Fall HousingWednesday, September 3, 2025 at 8 a.m. (Only available to students moving from summer to fall housing)$524.85
Students in Summer Session 10-week, Session 2, or Summer Edge Housing who extend their summer housing contracts to include the transitional housing period are automatically signed up for the Early Arrival Program.Students in Summer Alternative, Employee, or Resilient Scholar Housing must submit a request, if interested.
Six-Day ProgramFriday, September 12, 2025
Arrive 10 a.m.–noon or 1–4 p.m.		$209.94
Three-Day ProgramMonday, September 15, 2025
Arrive 10 a.m.–noon or 1–4 p.m.		$104.97
One-Day ProgramWednesday, September 17, 2025
Arrive 10 a.m.–noon or 1–4 p.m.		$34.99

Dining information

Meal plans do not begin until the official move-in period. During the early arrival window:

  • A meal plan is not included.
  • Campus dining locations have limited hours and menus.
  • Visit the dining website for up-to-date hours and food options.

Get ready to move in:

Last modified: Oct 27, 2025