Caltech Parent FAQ
Several Caltech student offices share the Center for Student Services on South Holliston Avenue, and most keep weekday hours only. Here is who handles what, with the phone numbers and emails each office publishes.
About this group
Is this the official California Institute of Technology parent group?
No. Far From Home is an independent parent community supported by College Cubbies. For official information, visit the California Institute of Technology parent and family page.
Dates and breaks
When is move in day at Caltech for fall 2026?
New undergraduates move in on Saturday, Sept 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Orientation follows the same day from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
When is Caltech Family Weekend?
First Year Student Family Weekend for the Class of 2030 is Jan 29 to 31, 2027. Student and Family Engagement says registration opens in November 2026.
Does Caltech get a full week off for Thanksgiving?
No. Thanksgiving is an Institute holiday on Thursday, Nov 26 and Friday, Nov 27 only. Fall classes end Dec 2 and finals run Dec 7 to 11.
When does winter break start and end?
Winter recess runs Dec 12, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027. Winter term instruction begins Monday, Jan 4 at 8 a.m.
When is Caltech Commencement 2027?
The registrar lists Commencement on Friday, June 11, 2027 at 10 a.m. That is also the last day of undergraduate finals.
Travel and where to stay
What is the closest airport to Caltech?
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), about 17 miles away. LAX is about 28 miles, roughly a 45 minute drive depending on traffic.
Can I get from LAX to Caltech without a car?
Yes. Caltech directions suggest the FlyAway bus from LAX to Union Station, then Metro light rail to Pasadena. The Keck Institute for Space Studies at Caltech estimates about 2.5 hours for the trip.
How much does visitor parking cost at Caltech?
Visitors pay through Honk: $3 for 1 hour up to $9 for the day, plus a service fee. Parking in commuter (unreserved) stalls is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
What hotels are near Caltech?
Caltech's Family Weekend page lists The Athenaeum (under 0.1 mile), Saga Motor Hotel (under 1 mile), Hilton Pasadena (1.2 miles), Hyatt Place Pasadena (1.4 miles), The Langham and Courtyard Pasadena (2.2 miles each), and Holiday Inn Express & Suites (3.8 miles), among others.
Move in and move out
What furniture comes in a Caltech room?
Housing provides a desk, desk chair, dresser and bed for each undergraduate resident.
What items are not allowed in Caltech housing?
The Resident Guide bans candles, incense, toaster ovens, hot plates and other cooking devices, space heaters, tapestries, extension cords longer than six feet, and air conditioning units not installed by Housing, among other items.
When do students have to move out in June 2027?
The undergraduate housing contract ends at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, 2027. Students should submit the Intent to Vacate form 15 days before leaving.
Can my student leave things in storage at Caltech over summer?
No. Housing says storage space is not available for personal items, and anything left after checkout is discarded at the resident's expense.
Health, safety and local life
What is my student's mailing address at Caltech?
Use: Student's Name, MSC and number, 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena CA 91126. Packages are picked up at the Tech Express in the Keith Spalding Building lobby, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Where does my student go if they get sick at night or on a weekend?
Call Student Wellness Services at (626) 395-8331 and press 2 for after hours crisis support. Caltech lists Exer Urgent Care at 3160 E. Del Mar Blvd. for minor injuries and Huntington Hospital for emergencies.
What is the Caltech Security phone number?
Emergencies: (626) 395-5000, or x5000 from a campus phone. Non emergencies, safety escorts and lost and found: (626) 395-4701.
Family questions
Parent and Family Engagement (part of Student and Family Engagement): SFE@caltech.edu. Runs First Year Student Family Weekend and family programs, and is a good first stop if you are not sure where a question belongs.
Your student's wellbeing
Undergraduate Deans' Office: (626) 395-6351, Room 210, Center for Student Services (Building 87), Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Handles academic advising, Honor Code support and overall student support. The office also links a CARE Team referral form for concerns about a student.
Student Wellness Services: (626) 395-8331, 1239 Arden Road. Medical care and counseling. After hours, call the same number and press 2 for crisis support.
Caltech Campus Security: (626) 395-5000 for emergencies, (626) 395-4701 for non emergencies, escorts and lost and found.
Housing and daily life
Housing Office: (626) 395-6176, housing@caltech.edu, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Handles room assignments, the housing contract, check in, move out and the Intent to Vacate form. For after hours maintenance problems such as a burst pipe or broken lock, the Resident Guide lists (626) 395-4717.
Parking Office: (626) 395-8877. Resident parking placards for students who bring a car.
Mail Services: (626) 395-6371. Packages and mail at the Tech Express in the Keith Spalding Building.
Money and records
Financial Aid Office: (626) 395-6280, finaid@caltech.edu, 383 S. Hill Ave., behind the Holliston parking structure. Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Registrar's Office: (626) 395-6354, regis@caltech.edu, Center for Student Services Room 125, 414 S. Holliston Ave. Open 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Handles enrollment, transcripts and the academic calendar, and keeps a student privacy page for parents.
A note on privacy
Before you call about grades, aid or a housing charge, read the registrar's FERPA page for parents, linked above. For questions about your own student's records, having your student on the call or in the email thread tends to help.
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