Move-in & Fall Welcome 2026

 

CU Boulder will welcome thousands of new and returning students and their families to campus this month. We are expecting nearly 9,000 incoming students with 7,500 first-year students moving into residence halls, and 1,400 transfer students. Credentialed members of the news media are invited to a media availability from 6 a.m. to noon on Monday, Aug. 17, that will cover fall move-in and Fall Welcome events. RSVP is required for all interviews. Please see details and story ideas below.

If you plan to cover move-in, please RSVP to cunews@colorado.edu by 5 p.m. Aug. 13.

  If you go

Who: Credentialed news media members

What: Journalists will have the opportunity to interview campus spokespeople about move-in, Fall Welcome events and the fall semester ahead. They can also collect photos and video B-roll of students moving in at that time.

Email cunews@colorado.edu for arrangements.

When: Monday, Aug. 17 | Spokesperson interviews 6 a.m.–noon. Interviews with Chancellor Justin Schwartz and Vice Chancellor of Student Life D’Andra Mull 10:30–11 a.m. RSVP is required for all interviews. 

Where: Media availability will take place at Onizuka Hall. Members of the news media must RSVP to reserve parking on campus. Please park at Lot 622, marked in orange on the map below. You can follow this Google Pin for GPS directions.

Onizuka Hall and Lot 623 on the campus map

Multimedia

The 2026 move-in media assets, including VO and photos, are available for media outlets to download and use. They will also be shared through the official CU Boulder Strategic Relations and Communications X (Twitter) account, @CUBoulderNews. See video and photo assets below from 2025. These will be updated after 2026 move-in.

Video
Photos

Enter the password provided to media and search this keyword: 2025_movein

Story Ideas

Student Success

CU Boulder is invested in the student’s experience at CU Boulder from the start of their college experience until graduation. We offer an extensive range of services, offerings and support to ensure students achieve their goals.

Future Innovators

Incoming and returning CU Boulder students will shape the next generation of breakthroughs. Think about the technologies developed over the past 30 years. What will students studying in the era of quantum science and sustainable solutions create next?

Global Campus

CU Boulder's new Office of Global Affairs is creating a more connected and coordinated approach to international engagement. From expanding global partnerships, research and collaborations to supporting international students and study abroad opportunities, learn how the university is strengthening its impact around the world.

150 Years of Impact

During CU Boulder 150th anniversary, the university is reflecting on a legacy of discovery, innovation and service while looking toward the future. Explore the people, milestones and research that have shaped CU Boulder—and what's next for the state's flagship university.

Lights, Camera, Boulder

The arrival of the Sundance Film Festival presents new opportunities for CU Boulder students, faculty and researchers to engage with leaders in film, storytelling and emerging media. Learn how the university is helping support this cultural event.

Interviewing Students

  • Reporters are encouraged to speak with students, family and others who consent to interviews during move-in and Fall Welcome events.
  • Members of the news media are prohibited from entering residence halls without prior permission from Strategic Media Relations, even if a student invites you in.
  • Contact cunews@colorado.edu before visiting campus to request residence hall permission.

Traffic Impacts

  • The move-in process is spread out over several days and is based on student-selected appointments, which eases the process for students and lessens traffic impacts in and around Boulder.
  • People driving to or around Boulder should expect increased traffic beginning Aug. 14 through Aug. 18.
  • Reporters and photographers should allow extra time to arrive on campus and locate parking.
  • Members of the public should be advised that U.S. 36, Baseline Road, Broadway and Arapahoe Avenue in the areas around campus often have additional traffic throughout the move-in process.
  • Families are encouraged to approach campus from the east via Baseline Road.
  • Supermarkets and other businesses near campus can also be busier than usual as students pick up furniture or stock up on groceries and other essential items. 

Welcome Events

Fall Welcome events will be open to first-year and transfer students. Select events will be open to all CU Boulder students. See the full schedule.

In-person Welcome Events

  • Fall Welcome events will be open to first-year and transfer students. Select events will be open to all CU Boulder students.
  • Find the full Fall Welcome event schedule, including Welcome to Our Herd & Class Photo, Tuesday, August 18, 2026 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 950 Regent Drive, Boulder, CO 80309, and Ralphie’s Spirit Rodeo at Farrand Field at 9 p.m.Attendance is open to the public; CU Boulder affiliation is not required.

Public Community Events

CU Boulder affiliation is not required for events that are open to the public.

  • Pearl Street Stampede: Sept. 11, the night before the first home football game. The large celebration starts at the 1300 block of Pearl Street (in front of the Historic Boulder County Courthouse) and moves west, stopping on each block of the mall to perform. 
  • CU Buffaloes vs. Weber State Home Opener: Sept. 12

Orientation

CU Buffaloes vs. Weber State Home Opener

Pearl Street Stampede

  • Pearl Street Stampede: Sept. 11, the night before the first home football game. The large celebration starts at the 1300 block of Pearl Street (in front of the Historic Boulder County Courthouse) and moves west, stopping on each block of the mall to perform.

Resources for New Families