Boston First Year Students Move In Day

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to campus, Cardinals! On this page you’ll find important information regarding your arrival. Students will receive specific arrival instructions directly to their MCPHS emails.

The Longwood Medical Area is a congested metropolitan neighborhood of Boston and home to many of the city’s hospitals, for which we must keep roads as clear as possible. Your adherence to the schedule helps us maintain a safe, comfortable, and orderly move in. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your cooperation.

There is parking available in the immediate area. MCPHS does not offer on-campus parking.

First Year Students

Move In Day & Time: Wednesday, August 28 (designated time slots)

We ask that students arrive during their assigned move in time slot only. All students will check in directly at their assigned residence halls. Move in time slots will be between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Students will receive their floor/area’s specific time slot via email in early August along with arrival instructions.

If you arrive to campus earlier than your assigned move in time slot, we will ask that you return closer to your move in time. If you need to arrive later than your assigned move in time slot (but within the move in hours of your building), please proceed directly to your residence hall.  

On move in day, traffic will be controlled by University Police and staff at each of our residence halls. Upon arriving to your residence hall, students and guests will be asked to remain in their vehicle until they reach the designated Unload Zone. You will unload and immediately move your vehicle to a parking garage/lot after unloading. A Welcome Wagon volunteer will assist in unloading belongings into a moving bin (approximately 42x26x30).

First Year International Students

Move In Day & Time: Tuesday, August 27, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All international students may arrive to check in starting at 9 a.m. Students must check in at our Main Campus building at 101 Palace Road, Boston, MA 02115 to receive their keys. From there they may proceed to their assigned Residence Hall. 

Returning Students

Move In Day & Time: Saturday, August 31 (designated time slots)

Students will receive an email with arrival details and a request to sign up for an arrive time in early August. We ask students to arrive during their assigned move-in time slot only so we can manage a smooth move in along with our Emmanuel campus partners. All students will check in directly at St. Julie Hall.

Emmanuel College is hosting their large move in days on Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2. If you need to bring additional items, you will not be able to drive onto campus until after 5 p.m. 

Welcome Home Checklist

To ensure a smooth and efficient move in, please make sure you meet the requirements in the checklist.

Upon your arrival to campus, you must have the following:

Financial Clearance: In order to receive your keys, you must be financially cleared by the Office of Student Financial Services. Representatives will be available to speak with you if needed.  

Immunization Clearance: You must have submitted all appropriate immunization paperwork. Representatives will be available to speak with you if needed. 

ID Photo: All residential students must have an ID photo prior to arriving. Returners, make sure to bring your MCPHS ID with you.

  • If you attended Orientation in June and took your ID photo, you have completed this step.
  • If you did not attend Orientation in June or did not get to take your photo at Orientation, you will have received instructions to submit your ID photo from the MCPHS Help Desk. An ID photo must be submitted by August 1. This will help us get your ID card prepared for your arrival. Your ID provides you with access to your residence hall and your meal plan.

What to Bring to Campus

Each hall is a little different. Below you will find what is included in the rooms, as well as what items you can and cannot bring. Be sure to take some time to look through the lists and discuss what you and your roommates plan to bring.

Room/Personal:

  • Bedding (twin-XL) : sheets, blanket/bedspread, pillow
  • Floor or desk lamp (non-halogen)
  • Desk and school supplies 
  • Metal wastebasket 
  • Clothing for all seasons and hangers 
  • Towels, bathrobe, shower shoes, toiletries 
  • Laundry detergent 
  • General cleaning supplies: broom, mop, cleaning wipes, etc.
  • Power strip/surge protected electrical cords 

Bathroom:

  • Shower curtain
  • Toilet paper
  • Plunger
  • Bathroom cleaning supplies

Kitchen:

  • Pots, pans, dishes, utensils
  • Dish soap, sponges
  • Cooking Appliances*
  • Microwave

*Cooking appliances are only allowed in kitchen spaces.

Optional Items:

  • Microwave (less than 700 watts) - 1 per bedroom; no more than 1 per suite/apartment
  • Refrigerator (4.0 cubic feet or less)- 1 per bedroom
  • Electronics- TV, tablet, gaming console
  • Photos and decorations
  • Painter's Tape and Command Strips- least likely to damage paint
  • Mirror
  • Flashlight
  • Single serve Keurig

In each room:

  • Twin XL bed
  • Desk
  • Desk Chair
  • Dresser
  • Wardrobe/Closet

In suites:

  • Bathroom*

In apartments:

  • Full refrigerator
  • Stove/oven
  • Furnished living room/dining area
  • Bathroom*

In St. Julie Hall apartments:

  • Dishwasher
  • Washer/Dryer

St. Julie Hall does NOT have overhead lighting inside bedrooms.

*Students with in-unit bathrooms are responsible for bathroom cleanliness.

Our office works closely with Facilities and local authorities to maintain a safe living environment. Below is a list of prohibited items, not allowed in our residence halls.

  • Alcohol or Illegal drugs
  • Alcohol/Drug/Smoking paraphernalia-empty bottles, shot glasses, hookahs, bongs, grinders, etc.
  • Candles/incense (with or without wick)
  • Cinderblocks (plastic bed risers are allowed)
  • Cooking Appliances: Sandwich maker/George Foreman grill, toasters, hot plates, electric tea pots, coffee makers, rice cookers, etc. (Fennell and Treehouse Only)
  • Dart boards
  • Decorative lights including string lights
  • Firearms/weapons of any kind (including pepper spray)
  • Fireworks/explosives
  • Furniture: upholstered couches/sofas, futons, ottomans etc.
  • Lava lamps, halogen lamps, and neon signs
  • Martial arts equipment
  • Nails, screws or tacks for walls
  • Non-UL approved extension cords or octopus outlets
  • Paint (rooms may not be painted)
  • Pets
  • Space heaters, heat lamps, and air conditioner units
  • Sub woofers/large base units
  • Large Tapestries or curtains/window treatments (walls may not be more than 1/3 covered; no items may be placed on ceilings)
  • Water beds
  • Wireless Printers

For a full list of items prohibited on campus check the Student Handbook.

Our office can not provide room dimensions or measurements for specific furniture as spaces vary. Our furniture is standard to what can be found in most residence halls. Bed height is roughly 31 inches- heights may vary.

Mailing Information

Students will receive their mailbox information upon arrival to campus. Our mailroom cannot accept packages for students prior to their arrival due to limited space. You may order items to arrive on campus after you have arrived. Items that arrive early will be returned to sender. We encourage the use of our local City Target right in the Fenway Area, which allows pre-order and pick-up.

Fennell Hall and Matricaria Hall (Main Campus)

Mailing Address:
179 Longwood Ave
Boston, MA 02115

Driving Address:
101 Palace Road
Boston, MA 02115

Treehouse at MasssArt

Mailing Address:
578 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115

Driving Address:
50 Vancouver Street
Boston, MA 02115

Julie Hall

Mailing Address:
400 Fenway
Boston, MA 02115

Driving Address:
400 Fenway
Boston, MA 02115

Students will receive their Mailbox Information upon arrival on campus. Our Mailroom cannot accept students’ packages before their arrival due to limited space. You may order items to arrive on campus after you have arrived.

Housing Assignments

Our goal is to provide you with a pleasant and comfortable living environment where life outside the classroom encourages and supports the academic mission of the University. We made every attempt to honor profile preferences in housing assignments, but have limited space in each building.

Room change requests cannot be honored at this time. Room changes may be requested after the first 14 days of the semester and only be accommodated based on availability of space. Room Assignments are subject to change if the University deems necessary.