Bentley University Student Move-In Guide
Moving to Bentley University in Waltham? Plan Fall 2026 move-in, first-year residence halls, assigned unloading windows, campus parking, nearby apartments, commuting and off-campus apartment setup.
Starting at Bentley
Move-in is tightly scheduled — arrive organized
Bentley University’s main campus is at 175 Forest Street in Waltham. For Fall 2026, the university assigns students specific arrival dates, residence-area routes and move-in windows.
Bentley’s published move-in instructions give many students only about 20 minutes to unload at the residence area before the vehicle must move along. Labeling boxes and separating first-night essentials can make arrival much smoother.
Fall 2026
Bentley University move-in dates
Move-in traffic
Use the correct campus entrance and residence route
Main Campus
Most first-year residents move in through the Main Campus at 175 Forest Street. Bentley directs families to use the designated Forest Street entrance and follow staff and move-in signage.
Lower and North Campus
Some transfer and returning students use separate Lower Campus or North Campus arrival routes. Follow the exact location listed in the student’s Bentley move-in instructions rather than navigating only to the university’s main address.
20-minute unload
Pack for speed, not just capacity
Bentley’s Fall 2026 instructions state that students generally have about 20 minutes to unload belongings in the residence area so traffic can continue moving.
Professional movers hired by Bentley may provide limited assistance on certain move-in days, but families should still arrive ready to unload efficiently.
- Label every box with student name
- Add residence hall and room number
- Keep identification accessible
- Use smaller manageable boxes
- Separate medication and valuables
- Pack first-night essentials separately
- Coordinate shared items with roommates
- Have one person ready to move the car
First-year housing
Traditional residence halls are the typical first-year experience
Bentley’s first-year students typically live in traditional residence halls with rooms located along shared hallways and communal bathrooms.
Upper-class students generally have access to a wider range of suites, apartments and other residential configurations.
Residence options
Bentley offers housing from traditional rooms to apartments
Miller Hall
A traditional first-year residence hall with room configurations including singles, doubles, triples and larger occupancy options.
Slade Hall
Traditional first-year housing with shared residential community spaces and multiple room configurations.
Trees Complex
Includes several first-year residence buildings and traditional room arrangements.
Suites
Upper-level students may live in suite-style housing with bedrooms, a shared common area and kitchenette-style amenities.
Apartments
Bentley offers several apartment-style communities with full kitchens for eligible upper-class residents.
Waverley Oaks
Bentley’s Waverley Oaks apartments are being fully renovated for Fall 2026 and provide two- and four-person apartment configurations near campus.
Housing process
Incoming students should watch housing deadlines carefully
For incoming Fall 2026 students, Bentley required the Housing License Agreement and Housing Application by June 10. Housing assignments are communicated in late July.
Students who miss required housing deadlines may lose guaranteed housing consideration and can be placed on a waitlist depending on availability.
What is included
Bentley residence halls include key student amenities
Air Conditioning
Bentley lists air conditioning among the amenities available across its residential options.
High-Speed Internet
Campus housing includes internet connectivity for academic work, streaming and personal devices.
Laundry
Laundry facilities are available within Bentley’s residential communities.
Furniture
Student rooms include core furnishings such as a bed, desk and dresser appropriate to the assigned room.
Community Spaces
Residence areas include lounges and shared spaces designed for studying and student interaction.
Residential Support
Residence Directors and Resident Assistants support students across Bentley’s residential communities.
Dorm packing
Coordinate before buying extra room items
- Bedding appropriate to assigned bed size
- Pillow and mattress protection
- Towels and toiletries
- Laundry bag and detergent
- Computer and charging equipment
- School supplies
- Approved power strips
- Medications and first-aid basics
- Compact storage
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Identification documents
- Roommate-coordinated shared items
Dorm walls
Use non-permanent solutions unless housing rules permit otherwise
Students should avoid drilling into residence-hall walls, permanently mounting televisions or adding structural shelving unless current Bentley Residential Center policies expressly allow the installation.
For dorm televisions, a freestanding tabletop or floor stand is usually the safer option.
Parking
First-year residents generally cannot keep a car on campus
First-year residents
Bentley generally prohibits first-year resident students from keeping vehicles on campus. Limited exceptions may be considered for documented medical or financial hardship.
Upper-class and commuter students
Eligible resident and commuter students must register vehicles, obtain the appropriate Bentley parking decal and use designated parking areas.
Off-campus housing
Where Bentley students may compare apartments
Waltham
Often the most practical choice for students seeking a short commute to Bentley and access to Moody Street, Main Street and local transit.
Watertown
Offers apartments east of Waltham with driving and bus connections toward Bentley and Boston.
Newton
Newton offers a mix of apartment buildings and multifamily homes, though commute times vary substantially by neighborhood.
Newton area guideBrighton
Brighton can appeal to students who want easier Boston access while still maintaining a reasonable trip toward Waltham.
Brighton guideAllston
Allston has a large student rental market, but students should calculate the full Bentley commute before signing.
Allston guideGreater Waltham Area
Consider rent, parking, transportation, utilities and travel time together rather than comparing monthly rent alone.
Apartment checklist
Before moving off campus near Bentley
- Calculate the commute to 175 Forest Street
- Verify landlord or property manager
- Read the complete lease
- Confirm all upfront costs
- Check utilities and heating responsibilities
- Confirm parking availability
- Measure doors, stairs and elevators
- Check internet-provider availability
- Review drilling and mounting restrictions
- Photograph the apartment before unpacking
- Confirm lease start and key pickup
- Ask whether vendors need a COI
Apartment setup
What Bentley students may need help setting up
Furniture Assembly
Beds, desks, chairs, shelves and storage furniture may need assembly after moving into an off-campus apartment.
TV Mounting
Confirm landlord approval and identify whether the wall is drywall, plaster, brick or concrete before installation.
Identify the wall typeStudy Space
Create a practical desk area with strong lighting, charging access and space for coursework.
Curtains and Privacy
Measure windows before purchasing curtain rods, shades or blackout curtains.
Wi-Fi Setup
Shared apartments may benefit from improved router placement or mesh coverage across bedrooms and study spaces.
Wi-Fi optimization guideMirrors and Artwork
Use hardware appropriate for the wall construction and follow the lease’s installation requirements.
For families
Make Bentley move-in day easier
- Confirm the student’s exact move-in group
- Check the assigned arrival window
- Verify Main, Lower or North Campus
- Label every box with room information
- Prepare for a short unloading window
- Keep ID and medications accessible
- Coordinate shared items with roommates
- Have a driver ready to move the vehicle
Continue planning
Related Bentley University move-in guides
College and Campus Guides
Return to the complete Boston-area college and university directory.
College guide hubBoston Student Apartment Checklist
Review leases, utilities, parking, internet and apartment setup.
Apartment checklistApartment and Dorm Setup
Plan furniture, storage, Wi-Fi, curtains, television placement and room organization.
Setup guideNeed help setting up a Bentley University student apartment?
Mr Home Guy helps students and families in Waltham and the Greater Boston area with furniture assembly, television mounting, curtains, shelves, mirrors, artwork, Wi-Fi-related setup and room organization. Same-day and next-day availability may be limited during peak August and September move-in periods.
See Boston Student Move-In ServicesFrequently asked questions
Bentley University move-in questions
When do general first-year Bentley students move in for Fall 2026?
General first-year students who are not in an earlier arrival group move in Thursday, August 27, 2026.
When do international first-year Bentley students move in?
International first-year students and exchange students move in Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
When do returning Bentley students move in?
Returning residential students move back to campus Sunday, August 30, 2026, using assigned residence-area time windows.
When do Fall 2026 classes begin at Bentley?
Fall 2026 classes begin Monday, August 31, 2026.
How long do families have to unload on Bentley move-in day?
Bentley’s published Fall 2026 move-in instructions generally provide about 20 minutes for unloading in the residence area before the vehicle must move along.
Can first-year Bentley residents keep a car on campus?
First-year resident students generally may not keep vehicles on campus. Limited exceptions may be approved for documented medical or financial hardship.
Where do Bentley students commonly live off campus?
Students commonly compare Waltham, Watertown, Newton, Brighton and Allston depending on budget, parking and commute preferences.
Does Mr Home Guy help Bentley 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.