Move-In

  • Winter quarter new students: Visit the Housing Portal beginning December 4 to view your room assignment and roommate/housemate information.
  • Students receive their move-in instructions on December 18. Check your UCSC email for information regarding check-in details and reminders, including how to sign up for your move-in appointment time.

Winter 2024 Move-In Schedule

  • Friday, January 5 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., by appointment time
Please note, move-in is not by college affiliation, but by your housing assignment.

Move-In Check-In Information 

Once you arrive on campus, please make your way to your college/community Housing Office to check in. Family and friends should park and remain with the vehicle while you (the student) proceed to the housing office.

Receiving Your Key(s)

New residents will receive student IDs with their keys but to do so, you will need to have your student ID number and another form of photo identification. 

Note: Your student ID will only be available if you submit a photo in advance; if you have not submitted a photo, follow these instructions and do so immediately. 

Continuing students, to receive your key(s), you will need to present either your student ID or another form of photo identification and your student ID number. 


Move-In Parking

15-Minute unloading passes and instructions on where to unload your vehicle will be provided at check-in.

  • Do not block access to roadways or park in ADA/Medical or other specifically marked spaces. Unattended vehicles in fire lanes will be cited and towed.

Note: Valid parking permits are required in lots or spaces not specifically designated for move-in operations during posted enforcement hours. If you are planning on remaining on campus after you move in, it is recommended that you have an active account on ParkMobile prior to your arrival to better facilitate your parking needs. We also strongly encourage the use of Campus Transit Shuttle and the METRO. Please visit Transportation & Parking Services for more information on permit requirements, purchasing permits, and the use of metered parking, pay stations, and the ParkMobile app.

Vehicle Policy: Due to extremely limited parking, students and their guests are limited to 1 vehicle per resident. Please arrive with your guests at your assigned check-in location at your scheduled move-in time. Large vehicles (> 19’1”x 6'3" x 6'1"), RVs, cargo, or utility trailers are not permitted at move-in. 


Sustainability

UC Santa Cruz is deeply committed to sustainability and is striving to both reduce the amount of waste we generate and divert waste to compost and recycle bins instead of landfill. For move-in, we're providing guidance to help guests support our zero waste goals. Check out our Zero Waste Initiatives page to sort your waste properly and find a tip sheet for a zero waste move in.

Tips for a Zero Waste Move-In 


What to Bring, and What NOT to Bring to College

As you prepare to come to UCSC, you may be wondering what you should pack. Our "What To Bring" page includes a handy list of items you may want to consider bringing. The list doesn't contain basics, like clothes, but does have things you might forget to pack. There's also a list of things you shouldn't bring, including fire hazards like candles and noisy items like drum sets. Be sure to check it out.

Important Technology Considerations

In order to make the most of your educational and personal entertainment needs when using the campus’s network, there are several important details to consider.

  • Important: If you plan to bring a desktop computer it must have a Wi-Fi adapter installed. The current recommended specs for your PCIe or USB Wi-Fi adapter are for it to support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).
  • Cable television is available to residents via Xfinity on Campus . If you plan to use a television set, a Roku or Fire TV is required. Chromecasts are not supported.
  • UCSC uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA, also known as two-step or 2-factor authentication, adds a second layer of protection to your UCSC account in addition to your username and password. MFA requires a device in addition to your primary computer, laptop, or tablet.
  • Student rooms do not have access to the internet via Ethernet ports*. All internet access is wireless. More information about getting connected ». An Ethernet port may be present in some student rooms but these are not activated. *Some residence halls at Merrill, Crown, Kresge, and University Town Center have ethernet service. See wired ResNet information page for details.
  • Wireless routers are not allowed in upgraded ResWiFi locations.
  • If you plan to bring a printer to campus, you can print wirelessly using Wi-Fi Direct or by connecting a USB cable. Standard wireless printers are incompatible with campus wireless networks.
  • ResWiFi doesn’t guarantee support for certain smart devices such as Chromecasts or Sonos speakers. Gaming consoles and streaming devices can be self enrolled. Visit the Getting Connected page to learn more.

For more information regarding device compatibility as well as for instructions on how to get help, please call, email, or open a ticket with the ResNet office.


UCSC Dining

Dining halls will be open beginning Friday, January 5, with dinner. Dining halls offer all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet-style dining. All locations accept UCSC Dining meal plan funds (Slug Points, Banana Bucks, Flexi Dollars) and credit/debit cards. More information can be found on the Dining website.

Other Dining Options 


Contact Us

  • For general questions about move-in, contact College Student Life Operations:  csladmin@ucsc.edu.
  • For questions about your room assignment and your college/community, contact your Housing Coordinator.
  • For questions about your housing bill or your housing application, contact the Campus Housing Office.


See Also