Stanford Move In and Move Out Guide for Parents

Move in dates for 2026 to 27

R&DE Student Housing set autumn move in for Tuesday, Sept 15, 2026 for new frosh and transfer students and Thursday, Sept 17 for upperclass students. Undergraduates must check in within two days of their official date. Early arrival is limited to approved groups such as residence staff, New Student Orientation volunteers and athletic teams, and prorated rent applies for each early day.

Students starting housing in winter quarter can move in Saturday, Jan 2, 2027. Spring quarter move in is Saturday, March 27.

Check in and keys

New frosh and transfers receive their keys and Stanford ID during New Student Orientation check in. Returning students collect keys at their Housing Service Center during business hours. If a housing problem comes up after hours, R&DE's CARE Team answers at 650.725.1602.

What the room includes

R&DE says every room is fully furnished, and furniture cannot be removed or stored. Undergraduate singles have twin extra long beds, 36 by 80 inches, so buy XL sheets. Microwaves are supplied only in Munger Graduate Residence, not in undergraduate rooms. Housing suggests roommates coordinate shared items like a mini fridge or microwave and buy or arrange them after moving in.

What to bring, and what stays home

The Preparing to Move In list starts with bedding: pillow and pillowcases, a mattress pad or topper, twin XL sheets, and a comforter or blanket. If your student does not have a Stanford ID yet, they should bring a government issued ID.

Not allowed in Stanford housing:

• Candles, incense and hookahs
• E bikes, hoverboards and halogen lamps
• Hot plates or anything with an open heating element
• Lofted beds the university did not provide
• Pets of any kind, including fish
• Gasoline, charcoal fluid and mercury thermometers
• Firearms, knives and other weapons

For an emotional support animal, R&DE points students to the Office of Accessible Education.

Shipping ahead

Stanford's package centers do not accept packages before your student's official move in date, so time online orders for after arrival.

Leaving for winter break

All undergraduate residences close at noon on Saturday, Dec 12, 2026, and no one can return before Jan 2. Talk with your student about what they need at home for three weeks before you book that flight.

End of year move out

Undergraduate housing closes at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2027. Seniors taking part in Commencement may stay through 2 p.m. on Monday, June 14 at no charge. Students approved to work Commencement may also extend, billed at R&DE's late departure daily rate.

The Moving Out rules worth knowing:

• Return keys to the Housing Service Center. Do not leave them in the room.
• Cleaning charges run $50 for light cleaning, $100 for kitchen or bathroom cleaning and $200 for extensive cleaning, with severe cases billed by time.
• Staying past the deadline without approval brings a $450 administrative fee plus $225 a day.
• Update the home address in Axess. Mail & Package Services also has a forwarding form that covers mail for 60 days after a move.

R&DE also runs a Give & Go donation program for things your student no longer wants.

Storage and shipping home

R&DE's Preparing to Move Out page lists a few routes:

• Stanford Summer Storage Program: run by Mail & Package Services, it stores students' belongings at the Stanford Warehouse over the summer.
• Shipping boxes yourself: Mail & Package Services points to a campus map of blue USPS and FedEx drop boxes.
• Self storage: a commercial storage unit nearby can work for a student staying in the Bay Area for summer work or research. Compare access hours and how your student will get there without a car.