Winter Move In
Welcome to campus, Banana Slug!
Winter move-in takes place on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
This page contains the important dates, to-do’s, and resources you need to get ready for move-in day. Please review the information and complete any necessary action items so you can arrive feeling prepared and ready to settle into your new home at UC Santa Cruz. We look forward to meeting you in January!
Winter 2026 move-in schedule
Date: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Once you arrive on campus, please make your way to your college/community Housing Office to check in. Please note that your move-in location is determined by your housing assignment location, not your college affiliation.
To do before move-in:
Submit your student ID photo
Deadline for winter residents: Dec. 1, 2025
Your student ID card is essential—it often functions as your room key and grants access to dining halls, buses, libraries, athletic facilities, and more. If you submit your photo by the Dec. 1 deadline, your card and quarterly bus pass sticker will be ready for pickup on move-in day.
How to submit
- Go to the ID Card Services website.
- Follow the photo submission instructions.
- Wait for email confirmation once your photo is approved.
Check your room & roommate info
Available: Beginning December 1, 2025
Starting December 1, room and roommate information will begin appearing in the Housing Portal. When your housing assignment is finalized, you’ll receive an email (subject: “Winter 2026 Housing Assignment and Move-In”) with your assignment details.
What to do:
- Log into the Housing Portal view your room assignment and roommate/housemate information.
- Roommate details may be unavailable if someone has requested a non-release of their information.
Need to request a change?
If your housing assignment doesn’t meet a critical need (e.g., gender, finances), contact your college/community housing office right away. While changes can’t be guaranteed before move-in, we’ll do our best to help.
If you have a disability-related housing need that hasn’t yet been communicated, start the process now. Submit a housing accommodation request through the Disability Resource Center (DRC) as soon as possible.
Want to preview your space?
Check your college/community page to view sample room layouts, photos, and virtual tours. Keep in mind that room sizes and furniture can vary.
Ready to pack?
Review our list of suggested items for your room and everyday life on campus. Plus, learn what comes in your room, what to coordinate with roommates—and what you should leave at home.
Move-in day details
Parking
Each student is allowed one vehicle for move-in due to limited space. You’ll receive unloading instructions when you check in. You are welcome to park in a ParkMobile Zone and return to unpack your belongings. We recommend signing up for a ParkMobile account in advance. You will need to use the ParkMobile app to park in metered spaces while visiting campus.
Visit Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS) for more information about Campus Transit Shuttles, METRO buses, and ParkMobile availability.
Vehicle restrictions
To keep traffic moving and everyone safe:
- Large vehicles (over 19’1” x 6’3″ x 6’1″), RVs, cargo or utility trailers, and U-Hauls are not permitted.
- Don’t block roads, fire lanes, ADA/medical spaces, or marked areas. Unattended vehicles in these areas may be towed.
15-minute unloading pass
When you check in at your college/community Housing Office, you’ll receive a 15-minute unloading pass for your residence area. This short window is just for unloading your car so everyone has a chance to get close parking.
After unloading:
- Move your vehicle to a ParkMobile Zone.
- Return to your room to unpack, decorate, and settle in.
- Many families use this time to pick up any last-minute items off campus.
Tip: Set up a ParkMobile account ahead of time for on-campus parking after unloading.
Picking up your keys and student ID card
Depending on your room assignment, you may be issued brass keys or a temporary key card, or your student ID card may act as your key. If you submit your photo by the deadline, your student ID will be ready for pickup on move-in day.
- New students: Present photo identification and student ID number in order to receive your student ID card, quarterly bus pass sticker, and keys.
- Continuing students: Present your student ID (or another form of photo identification) and student ID number in order to receive keys.
Reminder: If you have not yet submitted a photo, follow these instructions and do so immediately.
Remaining on campus
If family and friends of students plan to remain on campus after move-in, we recommend signing up for a ParkMobile account in advance. Visit Transportation & Parking Services for more information about Campus Transit Shuttles, METRO buses, and ParkMobile availability.
After you move in
Get settled in and explore campus life
Learn about Wi-Fi, laundry, dining options, and other everyday essentials on the Amenities page.
Need help?
We’re here to support you before, during, and after move-in.
- General move-in questions: contact College Student Life Operations at csladmin@ucsc.edu.
- Room, roommate, or residential life questions: contact your college/community housing office.
- Housing contract or housing and dining charges: contact Student Housing Services.
Cancellation
It is your responsibility to immediately cancel your application in the Housing Portal if at any time your plans change and you are no longer interested in university housing (e.g. you are accepted into an exchange program, you academically withdraw/take a leave of absence or are barred, find other housing, etc.)