MCPHS University Student Move-In Guide
Moving to MCPHS University in Boston? Learn about Fall 2026 move-in dates, assigned arrival times, first-year residence halls, health and financial clearances, Longwood-area neighborhoods and off-campus apartment setup.
Starting at MCPHS
What should students know before moving to Boston?
The MCPHS Boston campus is located at 179 Longwood Avenue in the Longwood Medical Area, near hospitals, research institutions and the Colleges of the Fenway.
University-sponsored residences are spread across several nearby buildings and partner campuses. Students should navigate to their assigned residence rather than using only the main MCPHS campus address.
Fall 2026
MCPHS University move-in dates
First-year students receive their housing assignments in mid-July and detailed move-in instructions in late July through their MCPHS email.
Before key pickup
Complete the MCPHS welcome-home checklist
Financial Clearance
Students must be financially cleared by Student Financial Services before receiving residence-hall keys.
Immunization Clearance
Required Massachusetts immunization records must be submitted through the designated MCPHS process before arrival.
Student ID Photo
Residential students must submit an approved identification photo. Delays may affect residence-hall and meal-plan access.
First-year housing
Is MCPHS housing guaranteed?
MCPHS guarantees university-sponsored housing for incoming first-year students and first-year transfer students who complete the required housing steps and deadlines.
For Fall 2026, the priority deadline for the housing deposit, Housing Profile and Housing Contract was May 15. Requests received after that date are considered according to available space.
Returning-student housing is not guaranteed. Vacant spaces are offered on a rolling basis, and students are encouraged to review off-campus options while waiting for an offer.
Review first-year MCPHS housingHousing timeline
Important Fall 2026 housing milestones
Complete the housing contract and profile
Students describe their routines, cleanliness preferences, interests and other living habits through the Residence Life Portal.
Finish roommate selection
The Fall 2026 deadline to create and mutually accept first-year roommate requests was May 26.
Check MCPHS email in mid-July
Housing assignments include the residence building, room and roommate information.
Review move-in details in late July
Follow the building-specific time slot, check-in and unloading instructions sent by Residence Life.
Boston housing
MCPHS residence-hall options
Fennell Hall
Traditional corridor-style housing with shared community spaces and convenient access to the main MCPHS campus.
Matricaria Hall
Four- and five-person apartments with kitchens, bathrooms, common rooms and two or three bedrooms.
Treehouse
Suite-style housing shared with students from neighboring Fenway colleges, with dining and community spaces in the building.
St. Julie Hall
A modern residence tower offering apartment-style living through MCPHS University’s partnership with Emmanuel College.
Edwards and Rodgers Halls
Apartment-style residences located at 572–574 Huntington Avenue, approximately a short walk from the MCPHS campus.
Mostly Shared Bedrooms
Most first-year students are assigned double or triple bedrooms. Single rooms are extremely limited.
Arrival procedure
How MCPHS move-in day works
Confirm the assigned location
Check whether the student is assigned to Fennell, Matricaria, Treehouse, St. Julie, Edwards, Rodgers or another approved housing location.
Arrive during the assigned time slot
Time slots are used to reduce congestion and coordinate with MCPHS partner campuses.
Check in and receive keys
Most students check in at their assigned residence. International first-year students follow the separate Palace Road check-in instructions.
Unload and move the vehicle
MCPHS does not provide general on-campus parking. After unloading, move the vehicle to a lawful nearby lot or garage.
Building-specific arrival
Do not assume every residence uses the same entrance
Edwards and Rodgers residents
Students unload on Vancouver Street in front of the Treehouse. Carts are then used to transport belongings to Edwards and Rodgers Halls.
St. Julie Hall residents
Students check in directly at St. Julie Hall at 400 Fenway and follow MCPHS staff directions for unloading.
Packing for MCPHS
Bring the essentials first
- Bedding for the assigned mattress
- Pillows, blankets and towels
- Toiletries and shower supplies
- Laundry basket and detergent
- Hangers and compact storage
- Laptop and charging equipment
- Approved surge protector
- School and laboratory supplies
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Medications and important documents
- Roommate-coordinated shared items
Protect the residence room
Do not permanently alter MCPHS housing
Students should not drill, mount televisions, install permanent shelving or alter university furniture unless the current written Residence Life rules for the specific building permit the work.
Use approved removable décor and freestanding storage that does not block exits, fire-safety equipment, windows or ventilation.
What to bring to a Boston student dormOff-campus housing
Where do MCPHS students commonly consider living?
Upper-level and graduate students should compare the complete route to the Longwood Avenue campus, including the walk from the nearest train or bus stop.
Longwood Medical Area
Convenient for MCPHS and nearby hospitals, with managed buildings, institutional traffic and limited unloading space.
Longwood student guideFenway–Kenmore
Often walkable to MCPHS, with Green Line, bus and bicycle access and a mix of student apartments and managed buildings.
Fenway–Kenmore guideMission Hill
Offers shared apartments and multifamily homes with walking, Route 39 and Green Line access toward Longwood.
Mission Hill guideBrookline
Apartments near Green Line branches and bus routes can provide a manageable commute to MCPHS.
Brookline student guideBack Bay
A central option with walking, Green Line and bus access, although rents and move-in logistics may be challenging.
Back Bay guideJamaica Plain
A more residential option with Route 39, Orange Line and bicycle connections depending on the exact apartment address.
Jamaica Plain guideQuick comparison
Choosing off-campus housing near MCPHS
| Area | Campus access | Housing considerations | Move-in concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longwood | Walking or short bus trip | Medical-area and managed housing | Hospital traffic and garage restrictions |
| Fenway–Kenmore | Walking, Green Line and buses | Student apartments and managed buildings | Game-day traffic and loading reservations |
| Mission Hill | Walking, Route 39 and Green Line | Shared apartments and multifamily homes | Hills, stairs and September 1 turnover |
| Brookline | Green Line, buses and walking | Residential and managed apartments | Municipal parking and building rules |
| Back Bay | Walking, Green Line and buses | Historic units and managed buildings | Higher rents and limited curb space |
| Jamaica Plain | Route 39, Orange Line and cycling | More residential apartment options | Commute varies by exact address |
Apartment search
Use MCPHS off-campus housing resources
MCPHS provides an off-campus housing portal with rental listings, roommate profiles, sublet searches and renter resources for members of the university community.
The university recommends allowing approximately two to three months for an apartment search after identifying a budget, preferred neighborhoods and potential roommates. Students should not rent an apartment sight unseen.
Before moving off campus
MCPHS student apartment checklist
- Calculate the commute to 179 Longwood Avenue
- Review the lease and every required fee
- Confirm the lease start date and key pickup
- Verify the landlord or management company
- Check guarantor and income requirements
- Confirm heat and utility responsibilities
- Photograph the apartment before unpacking
- Test locks, windows and safety equipment
- Measure doors, stairs, elevators and rooms
- Arrange internet service
- Review drilling and mounting restrictions
- Confirm vendor and insurance requirements
After the boxes arrive
What MCPHS students may need help setting up
Furniture Assembly
Beds, desks, chairs, bookcases, storage units and dining furniture may need assembly after move-in.
TV Mounting
Confirm landlord approval and identify whether the wall is plaster, drywall, brick or concrete before installation.
Identify the wall typeCurtains and Privacy
Measure windows before purchasing curtain rods, blackout panels or privacy treatments.
Study and Storage Areas
Compact desks and vertical storage can improve smaller Boston bedrooms used for demanding health-sciences coursework.
Wi-Fi and Streaming
Position networking equipment to reach bedrooms, study spaces and common areas.
Wi-Fi optimization guideMirrors and Artwork
Use fasteners appropriate for the wall material while following lease and building rules.
For parents and families
Make MCPHS move-in day easier
- Confirm the assigned residence and room
- Use the correct building address in GPS
- Complete all August 1 clearances
- Follow the assigned arrival time
- Label boxes by room and priority
- Coordinate shared items with roommates
- Keep identification and medications accessible
- Move the vehicle promptly after unloading
Continue planning
Related MCPHS University move-in guides
College and Campus Guides
Return to the complete Boston-area school directory.
College guide hubBoston Student Neighborhoods
Compare Longwood, Fenway, Mission Hill, Brookline and Jamaica Plain.
Neighborhood hubApartment and Dorm Setup
Plan furniture, storage, Wi-Fi, privacy and wall décor.
Setup guideNeed help setting up an MCPHS student apartment?
Mr Home Guy helps Boston students and families with furniture assembly, television mounting, curtains, shelves, mirrors, artwork, room organization and other off-campus apartment setup tasks. Same-day and next-day availability may be limited during peak August and September move-in dates.
See Boston Student Move-In ServicesFrequently asked questions
MCPHS University move-in questions
When is MCPHS first-year move-in for Fall 2026?
International first-year students move in on August 25, 2026. Other first-year residents move in on August 26 using assigned time slots based on their residence building and floor.
When do returning MCPHS students move in?
Returning residents move in on Saturday, August 29, 2026, using designated arrival time slots.
Is MCPHS housing guaranteed for first-year students?
MCPHS guarantees university-sponsored housing for incoming first-year students and first-year transfer students who complete the required housing steps and deadlines.
When are MCPHS housing assignments released?
Fall housing assignments are generally sent to students through their MCPHS email in mid-July, followed by detailed move-in information in late July.
What must MCPHS residents complete before receiving keys?
Students must complete financial clearance, required immunization clearance and their student ID photo submission. MCPHS identifies August 1, 2026, as the completion deadline for the Fall 2026 welcome-home checklist.
Where do MCPHS students commonly live off campus?
Students commonly compare the Longwood Medical Area, Fenway–Kenmore, Mission Hill, Brookline, Back Bay and Jamaica Plain.
Can a television be mounted in an MCPHS dorm?
Students should not drill or permanently mount equipment unless the current written Residence Life rules for their assigned building specifically permit it. Unauthorized installation may result in damage charges.
Does Mr Home Guy help MCPHS students move?
Mr Home Guy focuses on apartment and room setup rather than traditional moving transportation. Services may include furniture assembly, television mounting, curtains, shelves, mirrors, artwork and room organization.