The quiet part of Boston summer is almost over.
Move-in season starts getting serious later this month, when thousands of college students begin returning across Boston and the surrounding area.
At Boston University, new incoming undergraduates move in August 24–25, followed by continuing students August 28–31.
At Boston College, some students arriving for Orientation Session 7 can move in August 22–23. International exchange and new international students move in August 24, first-year students arrive August 27, and upperclass and transfer students move in August 28–29.
At Northeastern, fall move-in takes place over roughly five to seven days around Labor Day weekend, with students assigned specific arrival dates and times based on their housing. Fall undergraduate classes begin September 9.
And the impact won’t stay on campus.
Boston has already announced temporary parking restrictions in parts of Mission Hill for September 1 to help manage the neighborhood’s move-in rush.
For students, it’s exciting.
For anyone with a U-Haul on Comm Ave., it’s war.
Expect crowded sidewalks, moving trucks, parents looking deeply stressed and one suspiciously expensive lamp getting carried into a dorm.
Boston is becoming Boston again.
University move-in schedules and City of Boston move-in information were checked on August 17, 2026. University schedules and local traffic restrictions can change, so students should confirm their assigned move-in information directly with their school before arriving.