Move In and Move Out Information

The information below covers specific details for Fall 2025 move out, Spring 2026 move in, and winter break departure and return. 

Students Moving Out after Fall 2025

Students who do not have a Spring 2026 housing assignment must move out 24 hours after their last final exam or by 12PM on Friday, December 19, whichever comes first. Specific move out instructions will be shared via Tufts email. 

Please plan accordingly when making travel arrangements.

Students who do not complete the check-out process and vacate by the deadlines noted above will be charged a $150.00 improper check out fee and an additional $50.00 per day for each additional day they are on campus. It is very likely another student will be assigned to your space for the spring semester so our facilities, custodial, and operations teams all rely on you to check out on time to do their work to prepare that space for another student. 

Shipping & Storage 

Tufts University is working with Dorm Room Movers to provide storage and shipping options to residential students. Please visit Tufts’ Dorm Room Movers page for more information about packing, pick up, delivery, and cost.   

Students Moving in for Spring 2026

Students who are moving into a new housing assignment can check in with Residential Life on Monday, January 12 between 10AM and 4PM at 120 Packard Ave to confirm their residence hall access and pick up their key (if applicable, not all spaces use keys). Students who arrive after 4PM on January 12 can check in at Tufts University Police on the ground floor of Dowling Hall (489 Boston Ave., Medford, MA 02155). 

Students who are moving in can unload their car in the designated unloading zone nearest to their residence halls. After unloading the car, please park in a lot or garage on campus. Parking is not permitted in unloading zones. There will be unloading and a parking grace period on January 12 when drivers will not be ticketed or have to pay for parking on campus.  

Students Returning to Fall Assignment

The residence halls close for winter break at 12PM on Friday, December 19 and will reopen on Monday, January 12 at 10AM. Students should plan to leave campus not more than 24 hours after their last final exam in December or by 12PM on December 19, whichever comes first, to ensure the residence halls remain conducive to studying and learning at the end of the semester. 

Residence Hall access will be discontinued during winter break. 

Graduate Students

Graduate students who have a fall 2025 and a spring 2026 housing assignment are automatically approved to stay on campus over winter break for no additional cost. 

Additional Important Information 

Much planning and organization goes into fall move out and spring move in; Residential Life, Residential Facilities and C&W Cleaning plan many details in advance to provide a great experience for all Tufts students. We need students’ consideration and cooperation to help everything run smoothly. Therefore, it is not possible to accommodate requests to move out stay late or arrive before your assigned move in date. 

Approval to stay on campus after December 19 or prior to January 12 will be provided for students who have a specific reason for being on campus while the residence halls are closed, such as varsity athletes and resident assistants. 

Approval to stay on campus while the residence halls are closed for winter break will be communicated to students directly via their Tufts emails. Students should confirm with their coach or direct supervisor that they are included on their group’s roster shared with Residential Life. 

Students who are not approved to stay on campus during break and do not depart by 12PM on December 19 or arrive earlier than 10AM on January 12, will be charged a $150.00 improper check out/check in fee and $50.00/night for each night they stay on campus between December 19 and January 12. Students who are approved to depart late or return early can only depart or arrive on approved dates or they may be charged for an improper check out/check in and a nightly rate. 

Please make every effort to depart and arrive on time. 

Shipping & Storage 

Tufts University is working with Dorm Room Movers to provide storage and shipping options to residential students. Please visit Tufts’ Dorm Room Movers page for more information about packing, pick up, delivery, and cost.   

Leaves of Absence

If you leave the University, for any reason, you need to complete the room check-out process.

• If you take a leave of absence, you will need to remove all personal items from your assigned room within 48 hours of the effective date of leave. If you don’t remove personal items by the deadline, we will hire professional movers to pack and ship items to your permanent address at your expense.
• We do not assume responsibility for any personal items left in your university housing assignment, or for the safety and security of personal belongings being packed or shipped.