Georgetown University Move-In Day 2025 – Guide from Move-In to Move-Out

Georgetown University’s Move-In Day is a milestone moment for new Hoyas and their families. It marks the exciting start of the academic year, full of anticipation and nerves for freshmen stepping onto the Hilltop. So, when is Georgetown move-in day 2025? Mark your calendar: Move-In for fall 2025 begins on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Over two days (Aug. 21 and Aug. 22), Georgetown welcomes first-year and new transfer students to campus. Returning upperclassmen follow shortly after – in fact, official move-in for sophomores, juniors, and seniors is scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2025 (Source).

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Georgetown move-in and even cover what happens at the end of the year (move-out). Whether you’re a freshman or a graduating senior, read on for key dates, preparation tips, and insider advice to make your move as smooth as possible.

Move-In Dates & Schedule for Fall 2025:

First-Year and New Transfer Students

Georgetown staggers new student arrivals over two days to ensure a smooth process. For Fall 2025, new students will move in on Thursday, August 21 and Friday, August 22, 2025 (generally, you’ll be assigned a specific date and time slot by the university). Once on campus, you’ll check in with Residential Living to get your room key and welcome packet. Orientation activities kick off that weekend – including the New Student Academic Convocation on Saturday, Aug. 23 – so arriving by Friday means you’ll be all set for those events.

Returning Students (Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors)

Upperclassmen return after the freshmen are settled. August 24, 2025 (Sunday) is the official move-in day for returning students, with check-in typically open from 9 AM to 5 PM. If you’re a returning student, you might have the option to come later if needed, but services (like move-in assistance and front desk hours) could be limited beyond that Sunday. Classes for the fall semester are slated to begin that week (on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, per the academic calendar), so plan to arrive by the 24th to get organized before coursework starts.

(Note: This guide is focused on Georgetown University in Washington, DC. If you’re looking for Georgetown College in Kentucky or another institution, be aware their move-in dates will be different. For example, Georgetown College often has new students move in mid-August, on a separate schedule. Always double-check you have the right school!)*

How to Prepare for Your Georgetown Move-In:

Proper preparation can make move-in day a breeze. Here are some key tips to get ready before August arrives:

• Pack Smart (and Light): Dorm rooms at Georgetown have the basics (bed, desk, dresser), but you’ll need to bring personal items and extras to make it home. Make a checklist of essentials: bedding for a twin XL bed, towels, toiletries, a week or two of clothes appropriate for D.C.’s late summer heat, and any must-have electronics and chargers. Consider a fan (early fall can be warm, and not all dorms have robust AC) and a reusable water bottle. It’s wise to pack lightly and avoid overpacking – you can always bring more on fall break. Remember, you’ll accumulate free T-shirts and swag during orientation!
• Know What Not to Bring: Georgetown, like most universities, prohibits certain items in residence halls for safety. For instance, do not pack appliances like microwaves or toaster ovens (microwaves are usually provided in common kitchens). Candles, incense, and anything with an open flame are off-limits (no dorm room aromatherapy with candles – try battery-operated diffusers instead). Extension cords without a surge protector, heavy-duty cooking appliances, and weapons of any kind are also on the banned list. If you’re unsure about an item, check the official Residential Living policies. It’s better to leave it at home than have it confiscated on day one.
• Coordinate with Your Roommate: Georgetown provides roommate assignments in advance, so take advantage of that and reach out to your roommate before move-in. Decide who will bring shared items like a mini-fridge, microwave (if your dorm allows small microwaves in common areas or suites), rug, or coffeemaker. This prevents you from ending up with two of everything in a cramped space. It’s also a great way to break the ice and discuss what kind of environment you both want in the room.
• Logistics and Packing Strategy: Label your boxes with your name, dorm, and room number – if a volunteer or staff member helps shuttle your belongings, this ensures nothing gets lost. Pack an “open first” suitcase or box with immediate necessities (like a change of clothes, basic toiletries, medications, and bedding) so you can get comfortable your first night without rummaging through everything. Georgetown’s move-in process usually has students pick up room keys at a check-in location (often designated by residence hall). Be sure to bring a photo ID for verification. If you have a campus parking pass for move-in or a assigned unloading zone, follow those instructions closely – it will make unloading quicker for you and everyone else. And don’t forget a mask if public health guidelines still recommend one in shared indoor spaces (by 2025 this may not be required, but it’s good to have just in case).

Tips for a Smooth Move-In Day:

When the big day arrives, keep these pointers in mind to make your Georgetown move as stress-free as possible:

• Arrive on Time (but Be Flexible): Aim to get to campus at your assigned check-in time. Georgetown staggers arrivals to avoid traffic jams on the narrow Georgetown streets. That said, expect some waiting – there may be lines for elevators or check-in. Stay flexible and patient; the university staff and the New Student Orientation (NSO) volunteers are there to help things go efficiently.
• Dress Cool and Stay Hydrated: August in Washington can be hot and humid. Wear light, comfortable clothing and shoes good for walking and carrying boxes. Georgetown’s campus is hilly (it’s called “the Hilltop” for a reason!), so you’ll get a workout on move-in day. Drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade if you need. Many move-in sites offer water stations or free refreshments – don’t hesitate to use them.
• Embrace the Help: You might feel the urge to prove you can handle everything yourself, but move-in day is a team effort. Let your parents (and Georgetown’s student volunteers) help you out. If your family wants to make your bed or organize your closet, let them. This not only speeds up the process but creates nice moments together. (In a few months, you might even miss having Mom or Dad around to help with the little things!) Georgetown’s orientation leaders (“OAs”) and resident assistants are also typically available – they might be holding doors, offering directions, or even hauling luggage carts. Take advantage of their assistance and knowledge. You can also seek the help of professional local DC movers. They are ready to take care of the entire moving process and almost always offer discounts for students.
• Meet Your Roommate & Neighbors: The first day is the best time to introduce yourself to the people you’ll be living with. When you or your roommate’s family arrive, say hello and be courteous. A great tip is to avoid completely taking over the room with your stuff – unpack gradually and leave space for your roommate to do the same. Maybe agree on who gets which side of the room if not pre-assigned. In these first interactions, a little friendliness goes a long way. (Pro tip: prop your door open once you’ve moved in – it signals to others on your floor that you’re open to visitors, and you’ll likely meet a bunch of fellow new students this way.)
• Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy – maybe a box is missing, or Dad is telling his cheesy jokes to your new neighbors. Remember that everyone is just as stressed and excited as you are on move-in day. No one is judging if your family is a bit awkward or if you forgot something trivial. You’ll find that by even a few weeks into the semester, you won’t recall who saw you struggle with a suitcase in the elevator or who had a perfectly decorated room on day one. Focus on the big picture: you’re here, you’ve moved in, and your college adventure is beginning.
• Follow Campus Guidelines: Pay attention to any on-site instructions. Georgetown’s team might direct traffic flow, limit elevator capacity, or have specific COVID-19 protocols (for example, in 2022 students had to show proof of vaccination or test on arrival). By 2025, such requirements might have eased, but always check the latest emails from Residential Living. Complying with the rules will make the experience safer and smoother for everyone.

After the Move: Settling into Hoya Life

Once the boxes are unpacked and your family heads out, congratulations – you’re officially moved in! Now begins the process of truly settling into Georgetown. Here’s what to expect next:

• New Student Orientation (NSO): Georgetown’s NSO program will kick off immediately after move-in. There will be icebreaker events, campus tours, informational sessions, and social activities for all new students. Take advantage of these – they are designed to help you meet classmates and learn your way around. Don’t skip the New Student Convocation on Saturday the 23rd, where the university formally welcomes you (and you’ll hear inspiring words from faculty and university leaders). Also, the famed Mass of the Holy Spirit (a Georgetown tradition to start the year) typically occurs within the first week; students of all faiths are welcome to attend this beautiful service.
• Emotional Goodbyes: It’s normal to feel a lump in your throat when your parents or guardians say goodbye. Move-in day is often full of “teary goodbyes” – not just for you, but for many families across campus. As one Georgetown article capturing move-in experiences noted, these moments are heartfelt as families reflect on “the path to Georgetown and first steps on the Hilltop”. Give your loved ones a big hug, thank them for helping you get here, and know that it’s okay to feel emotional. You’re starting a new chapter, and they’re proud of you.
• Making Your Dorm a Home: After you’ve had that goodbye, you’ll likely return to a room that’s almost in order. Finish setting up your space in a way that’s comfortable for you. Maybe put up some photos, string lights (those are allowed as long as they’re LED and not a fire hazard), or your favorite Hoya memorabilia. A well-organized, cozy room will be a welcome retreat after busy days.
• Explore and Say Hi: In the first week, push yourself to explore campus and the surrounding neighborhood (Georgetown is a lovely area with lots of shops on M Street and Wisconsin Ave – great for an ice cream or last-minute dorm item). Introduce yourself to people on your floor or in your classes – Georgetown students are friendly, and everyone is looking to make connections early on. You never know, the person you strike up a conversation with in line at Leo’s dining hall could become your best friend. College is a time to be open and say “yes” to new experiences and friendships.

Georgetown Move-Out: Planning Ahead for the End of the Year

It may seem crazy to think about move-out when you just moved in, but it’s worth knowing the basics so you’re not caught off guard when spring comes around. Every academic year must eventually conclude, and with it comes move-out from the dorms:

• Key Dates for Move-Out: Undergraduate residence halls at Georgetown usually close shortly after final exams in the spring. The general rule is that students must vacate their rooms 24 hours after their last final exam is done. There is a final absolute deadline as well – often by midday on the day after the last exam period or by commencement for graduating seniors. For example, if final exams end on May 13, students are typically required to move out by May 14 at the latest (unless they’re seniors attending the graduation ceremony). Graduating seniors usually get a couple of extra days, often needing to move out 24 hours after Commencement ceremonies wrap up. Georgetown will announce the exact move-out date for spring 2026 later, but expect it to be in early to mid May 2026. If you’re an underclassman in 2025–26, plan your summer travel around that timeframe.
• Move-Out Procedure: Much like move-in, move-out is a coordinated effort. You’ll get instructions from Residential Living toward the end of the spring semester about checkout procedures. Generally, you’ll need to clean your room, remove all your belongings, and return your key by the deadline. It’s smart to start packing non-essentials well before finals so you’re not overwhelmed at the last minute. Georgetown often runs an Annual Move-Out Drive where students can donate gently used items (clothes, appliances, books, etc.) instead of throwing them away – look out for those donation bin locations on campus.
• Cleaning and Damage: Leave your dorm room in good shape. Trash should be thrown out, furniture returned to its original position, and surfaces wiped down. If you’re living off-campus in an apartment or house in Georgetown, you might consider hiring move-out cleaners in Georgetown to deep-clean the place – especially if you’re renting and hope to get your security deposit back. There are professional cleaning services that specialize in move-in/move-out cleaning for the Georgetown area (you can ask upperclassmen or look at local reviews to find a reliable one). On campus, you won’t need professional cleaners, but do make sure you don’t leave any damage beyond normal wear and tear. Residents can be charged fees for left-behind items or dirty/damaged rooms, so a little sweeping and scrubbing at the end of the year pays off.
• Storage and Shipping: If you’re an out-of-state or international student and can’t take everything with you over the summer, consider student storage options. Georgetown sometimes partners with storage companies that offer summer storage for boxes. Alternatively, make a plan with friends to store items or ship them home. Thinking about this early (by spring break) will save you a headache during the hectic finals period.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion:

Moving into Georgetown University is an exciting rite of passage. Whether you’re driving up Healy Lawn with a car full of boxes or flying in from across the globe, Georgetown’s Move-In Day 2025 will be the start of an incredible journey. By knowing the key dates, preparing wisely, and following the tips above, you’ll navigate move-in day with confidence. Remember to soak in the moment – the welcomes from orientation leaders, the first glimpse of your dorm, the ringing of the bells from Healy Tower signaling a new chapter. In a blink, you’ll find that you’ve not only moved into a new room, but also into a vibrant community. Welcome to Georgetown, and Hoya Saxa! Here’s to a great year ahead from move-in to move-out.