Housing Services
At Bucknell, we're reinventing what it means to live on campus.
We offer you a range of housing options so that you can find the one that's best for you.
First-year students, regardless of major, can choose to live in any one of our Residential Colleges. You'll live in a hall together, go on trips, serve your community and broaden your perspectives. If not in a Residential College, you will live in a community with other students from varying places and spaces. No matter what, we will assign you a roommate or roommates that have similar living characteristics.
As a sophomore, junior or senior, you can choose to live in a themed residence called an Affinity House. This innovative living experience allows a group of students to reside together in one of our 12 small houses across campus.
You may have an opportunity to choose from traditional residence halls and apartment-style housing — the choice is yours.
First-year Move-in
New Students
- First-year move-in will be Aug. 20, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon. You may arrive at any time in this window.
- Students participating in Pre-Orientation will move in Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, from 7 to 11 a.m., and will receive move-in instructions from their Pre-Orientation leader.
Please drive directly to your residence hall upon arrival. Our Orientation Assistants will welcome you and help you unpack your car and carry your belongings to your room. Then get ready for a range of events designed to prepare you for your first year on campus. From academic advising and social activities to traditional University ceremonies for first-year students, you'll get a great introduction to life at Bucknell.
Be sure to download the Bucknell App to keep the full schedule of Orientation events and updates at your fingertips. Choose the New Student Orientation persona.
More move-in information for new students
Upperclass Move-in
Returning Students
- Move-in for returning students will take place Aug. 22–24, 2025.
Upperclass student key pickup will be a drive through and will take place in the parking lot above the Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. Keys will be distributed during the following dates and times:
Friday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 23, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
For students who need to move in early, an early arrival request form will be available in myHOME in late July.
Early Arrival
The University makes preparations for all students' arrival in August. Some students can gain approval to arrive earlier than the listed dates above. To do so, they would need a pre-approved reason or an extenuating circumstance to arrive early. It is anticipated and expected that each student arrives on the date they are approved to do so. Coming to campus earlier than an approved arrival date does not merit access to their room.
Fall Break
Fall break will begin on Friday, Oct. 11 at 4:30 p.m. and end on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at noon. If students plan to reside on campus at any time during fall break, they must fill out the Fall Break Request Form located on their myHOME page.
If students are interested in transportation shuttles for the break, please refer to the Student Transportation website.
For dining hours, please refer to the Dining Services’ website.
Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving break will begin on Friday, Nov. 22 at 4:30 p.m. and card access will resume on Sunday, Dec. 1 at noon. If students plan to reside on campus at any time during Thanksgiving break, they must fill out the Thanksgiving Break Request Form located on their myHOME page.
If students are interested in transportation shuttles for the break, please refer to the Student Transportation website.
For dining hours, please refer to the Dining Services’ website.
Winter Break
Winter break will begin on Friday, Dec. 20 at noon. and card access will resume on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. If students plan to reside on campus at any time during Winter break, they must fill out the Winter Break Request Form located on their myHOME page.
If students are interested in transportation shuttles for the break, please refer to the Student Transportation website.
For dining hours, please refer to the Dining Services’ website.
Spring Move-in
Student housing will officially open on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. Card access will resume on this date. If you are moving in for the first time this academic year or are scheduled to move rooms you can come to the Housing Services office to pick up your room key. Our office is located in Vedder Hall, room 126. The office will be open during the following dates and times over the move-in weekend.
Friday, Jan. 17, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Regular office hours (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.
If you are arriving outside of these hours, please contact the Residential Adviser (RA) for your respective building.
For students who need to move in early, an early arrival request form will be available in myHOME in mid-December.
Spring Break
Spring break will begin on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. and card access will resume on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at noon. If students plan to reside on campus at any time during Spring break, they must fill out the Spring Break Request Form located on their myHOME page.
If students are interested in transportation shuttles for the break, please refer to the Student Transportation website.
For dining hours, please refer to the Dining Services’ website.
Spring Closing
Final exams end on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Students who are not graduating will be required to move out of their campus housing 24 hours after their last final exam or no later than noon on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Students are expected to return their room to its original condition as well as return their room key to avoid a lock change charge.
Graduating seniors will be required to move out of their campus housing no later than noon on Monday, May 19, 2025. Students are expected to return their room to its original condition as well as return their room key to avoid a lock change charge.
If students need to stay on campus later than the dates and times listed above, they must fill out the Late Stay form located on their myHOME page. Please note that not all late stay requests will be honored. Students will be notified via email if their late stay request is approved or not.
Late Stay
The university is home to thousands of individuals over the summer as we host Reunion weekend, summer student housing, and many camps and conferences. Because of this and scheduled renovations, the university has limited time to prepare rooms for summer individuals. As a result, not all late stay requests can be accommodated, and if approved, students may be required to relocate to another space on campus. If students are approved, it is paramount that they follow all instructions and timelines provided by Housing Services.
If you would like to submit a request for a late stay please fill out the Late Stay request form that is located on myHOME.
Summer Housing
Bucknell University does offer student housing over the summer term. We encourage all students to review our Summer Housing page for an in-depth explanation of summer housing.
Residential Education
Your Bucknell experience doesn't end at the classroom door. At the Office of Residential Education, we're committed to bringing Bucknell's spirit of discovery, respect and inclusivity to the residential living experience. We challenge and empower residents to think critically, reflect continuously and identify their purpose at Bucknell and beyond. With our friendly and helpful staff of residential advisers, we work to provide an interconnected residential experience for all Bucknellians.
Take a Closer Look at Housing and Residence Life
Living Off Campus
Each year, a limited number of seniors may be allowed to live off campus with approval from Housing Services. Graduate and non-traditional students are also permitted to live off campus.
Help with Packing — and Protecting Your Stuff
We've prepared a packing list to help you know what to pack information about protecting your property with insurance.