Fall 2025 Semester Move-In Dates

  • First-Year Student Move-In for the Class of 2029:  Wednesday, August 20
  • New Transfer Student Move-In: Thursday, August 21
  • Returning Students (Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors) Move-In: Sunday, August 24 (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) to Monday, August 25 (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
  • Students approved to arrive early will receive an updated move-in day and time from the Office of Residence Life and Housing.

Class of 2029 Move-In Day Schedule

Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025

Time Event
8 a.m. - Noon Move-in to Residence Halls for First-Year Students
First-Year students will move your belongings into your home for the academic year! An enthusiastic group of student volunteers will be awaiting your arrival and available to assist you move-in. 
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Completing the Move-in Process
Hogan Campus Center, 4th Floor
Complete the move-in process by verifying important forms and documents have been completed. Review the tasks and deadlines listed on the incoming student website to be sure you have completed all your required paperwork and assignments.
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Lunch & Navigating Campus 

Lunch 
Hogan Campus Center, Basement 
Students and families enjoy complimentary lunch from Dining Services.

Campus Services Fair 
Hogan Campus Center, Ballroom 
Meet various campus departments to learn more about key campus services and get answers to your questions.

Campus Tours 
Departing from The Jo
Familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.
 

11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Transitions: Your Student's First Year
St. Joseph Memorial Chapel  
Join Dean Michelle Bata and other members of the First Year Experience committee as they discuss developmental trends for college students as they transition to college. This session will provide a better understanding of the campus culture and suggest ways of staying involved while supporting student growth. This session will be offered in two one-hour rotations.
 
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. New Students and Families Reception
Kimball Quad 
Join Holy Cross faculty and staff for some light refreshments.
 
4 p.m. Mass of the Holy Spirit
Fitton Field 
First-year students and their families are formally welcomed to start the new academic year. People of all faith traditions and beliefs are welcome at this Mass. This event will be livestreamed. The link will be made available in August. 
5:15 p.m. Goodbye to Family and Friends
Time for families to depart campus so that students can begin Gateways Orientation.
5:30 p.m. Gateways Orientation 
Students begin our orientation program.

To learn more about move-in, consider joining us for our webinar “From The Hill to You: Preparing to Move to Campus” on Monday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m., ET. Learn more and register.

The New Transfer Student Move-In Day Schedule will be released at a later date.

Frequently Asked Questions

First-Year and Transfer Students should sign up for time slots on their given move-in days. Information and directions will be sent to students once the process has been finalized, usually a week before move-in is to take place.

First-Year and Transfer Student Move-in Day maps will be provided in August via email and the website to guide the traffic pattern on campus. 

Please see our suggested packing list for what to bring to live on campus at Holy Cross.

Apparel:

  • Clothes for all seasons and types of weather
  • Coats (winter & rain)
  • Boots (snow & rain)
  • Semi-formal clothes for events

Linens:

  • Hangers
  • Laundry bag, detergent
  • Mattress pad
    • Consider renting a luxury mattress from our approved vendor, Dormi
  • Pillow and twin XL bedspread or comforter
  • Twin XL sheets and pillow cases
  • Blankets
  • Bath Towels and washcloth

Toiletries:

  • Shower bucket/tote
  • Shower shoes (flip/flops)
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo/conditioner/soap

Home Goods:

  • Surge protector power strips
  • Lamps
  • Umbrella
  • Small tool kit
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • UL approved lamp
  • Compact fluorescent light bulbs
  • Sponge and cleaning supplies
  • Under bed storage crates/boxes
  • Bed risers (store bought only–no cinder blocks)
  • Pitcher with water filter

Office and Desk Supplies:

  • Computer (desktop or laptop)
  • Device chargers
  • Ethernet cable and adapter, if needed
  • Pens/Pencils
  • Wall or desk calendar
  • Dry erase or bulletin board

Prohibited Items:

For a full list of prohibited items, please visit page 27 of the Community Standards Process and Procedures document.

  • Stand-alone Microwaves
  • Candles, incense, and candle/potpourri warming plates
  • Air Conditioners
  • Pets (Only fish are allowed)
  • Contact Paper and Wall Paper
  • LED Lights with adhesive
  • Extra furniture

Other Important Packing Items:

  • Health insurance information (insurance card, primary physician’s phone number).
  • Original document/forms of ID (photocopies are not acceptable).

Suggested Items Shared with Roommate:

  • Window fan
  • Stereo and/or television
  • Carpet or area rug
  • Refrigerator (no larger than 4 cubic feet)

You may ship personal belongings to the College prior to your arrival to the address listed below. It is up to you to insure these items. Your box number and post box information will be sent separately by our Post Office in early August. Please do not ship items until you receive your post box information. Please address all shipments as follows:

Your Name - Box Number
College of the Holy Cross
1 College Street
Worcester, MA 01610-2395

Students can access their room and roommate assignment information via The Housing Director - Self-Service portal. Room assignments and roommate groups will be released in late July.

Contact Us

Office of Residence Life and Housing

Location
Hogan Campus Center 122