Fall has officially kicked off and University of Oregon is welcoming thousands of students into its dormitories.
Whether you’re a commuter passing by or an anxious parent of a new college student, here’s everything you need to know about Ducks’ move-in day.
When is University of Oregon move in day?
While some Ducks move in early for sports, work or other exceptions, the vast majority of students will move in Sept. 25 and Sept. 26.
Students will have designated time slots between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. both days.
How many college students are moving in?
Although there is not a final estimate for how many students are moving in this week, looking at previous years’ numbers, thousands of students are expected to come into town.
Hailey Pease, left, and Marel Pease unpack their car while moving Hailey into the dorms at the University of Oregon in 2024.
In 2024, 5,750 students moved into UO dorms, 4,750 of whom moved in during the two-day rush.
In 2023, of the estimated 5,500 students who moved in, 4,200 did so on the two designated move-in days.
Between UO’s 11 residence halls, capacity ranges from 5,100 to 6,045 beds.
Why is there traffic around University of Oregon?
Roads around the university, including Franklin Boulevard, Agate Street, University Street, 11th Avenue, and 13th Avenue, are expected to see increased activity on Thursday and Friday, the two main moving days.
However, for the past three years, traffic has been minimal compared to previously, when vehicles on Franklin Avenue were backed up all the way to the Interstate 5 Glenwood exit.
UO’s current move-in strategy has made major traffic jams less likely. This is the university’s fourth year using a two-day move-in process. Previously, move-in occurred in a single day, causing notorious traffic congestion around campus.
Commuters concerned about traffic are advised to avoid the streets near campus if possible.
There will be no public parking on campus on Thursday and Friday. Campus roads will be closed to anyone without a UO-issued unloading permit.
Where do I park for UO move in?
Students moving in on Thursday and Friday should have received an assigned check-in time. Each vehicle must have an unloading permit to access campus.
Each residence hall will have a designated unloading zone. “Unpack the Quack” student volunteers will greet students and their families at these zones and assist with unloading personal items.
Parking near the dorms will not be available, so a driver must remain with the car. Volunteers will help students arriving alone unload their vehicles.
After unloading, drivers must immediately park at Autzen Stadium. Shuttles will transport students and their families between Autzen and campus to help them settle in.
What can I bring into a dorm room? What can’t I bring?
Each UO dorm room comes furnished with a bed, wardrobe or closet, dresser, desk, chair, and waste and recycling bins. Some dorms have varied amenities.
UO recommends bringing the essentials, then determining what else you need after getting into your room.
As far as appliances, you can bring a coffee pot or electric kettle, mini fridge 4.6 cubic feet or under and hair care devices. However, you cannot bring microwaves, toasters or any other appliances with an open heat source and without a thermostat and automatic shut-off features such as candle warmers and hot plates. Space heaters, candles, electric blankets, weapons, alcohol and drugs are also banned.
The only pets allowed are fish in tanks under 10 gallons.
Vacuums and other cleaning appliances are available upon request, but it’s recommended to bring supplies like disinfectant and glass cleaner, rags or soft cloth, and a broom.
UO has a full list of what you can and cannot bring at housing.uoregon.edu/whattobring.
When do classes start at UO?
Classes begin the week after move in.
The fall term begins on Monday, Sept 29, for UO students, kicking off the 2025-26 school year. The last day of instruction for the fall term is Dec. 5 and final exams are done Dec. 12.
UO is on a term schedule, with the traditional academic year split up into three terms — fall, winter and spring. There is also a summer term offered. However, UO School of Law is on a semester schedule with slightly different start and end dates.
Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: University of Oregon students are moving in this week. What to know
