Welcome Home Patriots!
Welcome to Mason Housing! Get everything you need to prepare for Move-In 2026, including important dates, check-in details, packing tips, parking information, and campus resources. Get ready to unpack, meet your community, and start your Mason journey with confidence!
Category |
New Students |
Upper-level |
|---|---|---|
|
Dates |
Aug 19–20 |
Aug 21–23 |
|
Check-In Info |
9:00am–3:00pm @ Angel Cabrera Global Center |
Self Check-in on Selected Date between 9:00am-3:00pm |
|
Unloading Zone |
Rappahannock or Shenandoah |
Rappahannock Deck, Lot R, Lot I, Townhouses |
|
Parking |
Long Term: Lot R |
Long Term: Lot R |
NOTE: 'The Flats' and 'Main on University' apartment complexes are not affiliated with George Mason University housing.
The Fall 2026 Early Arrival Application will open on July 1 and will be available to fill out in the Housing Portal until August 1, 2026. Only upperclassmen and new students who are attending orientation the week of August 17 are eligible for early arrival housing. The early arrival fee for students opting to move in early and not attending orientation is $60 per night (total of $300). The fee is waived for students attending orientation.
Upper-level residents have the option of volunteering with the MoveCrew to have their $60/night fee waived.
MoveCrew volunteers will work a 5-hour shift on Wednesday, August 19 or Thursday, August 20. Residents will receive an e-mail form later in July, that will allow them to choose their shift.
Residents must be approved for early arrival housing to move in on Sunday, August 17, 2026.
New Student Move-In
Wednesday, August 19 - Thursday, August 20
from 9:00 am-3:00 pm
New students will check in at the Angel Cabrera Global Center (ACGC) before proceeding to their unloading zone.
Please access the Fall 2026 Move-In Schedule to see which day residents are assigned for move-in.
Freshmen should make every effort possible to move in on their scheduled day and time to avoid congestion. Label all of your belongings with your name, room number, and building to avoid things getting lost.
Those who cannot move in on their assigned day and time are welcome to move in later, but not earlier than their assigned date.
Upperlevel Students Self Check-in Process
Friday, August 21 - Sunday, August 23
from 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Upperlevel residents are welcome to move in between 9:00 am-3:00 pm between August 21-23
Upperlevel students will have a Self-Check-In Process, which allows them to select their planned move-in date and proceed directly to the unloading areas without going to ACGC first.
Information about the self-check-in process will be sent out in July.
Welcome Centers with green bins, unloading passes, and maps will be located close to each unloading zone.
Transfer Student Move In
Wednesday, August 19 - Sunday, August 23
All transfer students are welcome to move in with other new students on August 19-20, or wait until August 21-23 to move in.
Transfer students who choose to move in on August 19-20 will need to check in at the Angel Cabrera Global Center between 9 am-3 pm to gain access to their space. There is no assigned time block for transfer students and we are not able to guarantee move-in assistance on these days.
Transfer students who wait to move in on August 21-23 will need to select their move-in day when prompted via e-mail and will be able to head straight to their assigned space without waiting to check in.
Access The Housing Portal
If you have obtained your Mason NetID, log in with your NetID and password. Your NetID is the beginning of your gmu.edu email account. You can get access to meal plans, housing policies, room policies, and more!
Your Room Measurements
Before you move in, it’s good to get familiar with the room measurements. Check out this link below! Decorating your room is one of the ways you can begin making a comfortable and home-like space for yourself. Remember, consult with your roommate and the Mason Housing facilities team for advice when decorating your room.
Log into your Mason Email
A Mason NetID (username) is a unique personal identifier that enables you to access online systems that use the Patriot Pass Password Management System. It serves as your login to many university computing and networking services and also determines your Mason email address, which is NetID@gmu.edu.
What to Bring
We've put together a packing list that will help you get organized for move-in, including a list of items that are not allowed and should be left at home. Be sure to get in touch with your roommate(s) to coordinate items that can be shared such as rugs, mini-fridges, appliances and decor.
Move-in Resources
If you have questions or concerns, contact your Community Director. Each residential community also has Resident Advisors, Residential Learning Community Assistants, and professional staff to assist our students living at Mason Housing and Residence Life.
Residential Learning Communities
A Residential Learning Community (RLC) is a group of students intentionally living together on campus who have a shared interest in an academic, identity, or interest theme. We provide RLC options for all these aspects: academic, identity, and interest.
Review the Housing Agreement
This agreement (“Agreement”) governs the relationship between George Mason University (“University” or “Mason”) and any student living in Mason-managed housing (“Resident”). Housing and Residence Life (“HRL”) is the division of Mason responsible for student housing.
Read the Resident Student Handbook
Housing and Residence Life at George Mason University provides a safe inclusive community-oriented environment that supports academic excellence, fosters personal growth and champions the well-being of residents, through collaboration and intentional programming, to ensure their success at Mason and beyond.
Breez - Fridge Rental
Breez provides you with convenient & affordable solutions for essential in-room amenities. We highly recommend this MicroFridge option: a fridge, freezer, and microwave all in one. For convenience, reserve your MicroFridge now for straight-to-your-room delivery before you arrive!
Get Your Mason ID Card
Activate your Mason Mobile ID on your phone or smartwatch for quick access on campus. Enter buildings, access your meal plan, use Mason Money & connect to campus services.
Sign up for Your Meal Plan
Check out meal plan options with dining hall access, 20+ retail locations, with many dietary needs. Take the dining quiz that fits you best.
The meal plan portal opens late June & fall 2026 plans activate on or after August 19, 2026.
Buy Your Parking Permit
Fall 2026 parking permits are available online at parking.gmu.edu beginning:
- Seniors/Graduate Students/Faculty/Staff – Monday, July 27, 8 am
- Juniors/Sophomores – Tues July 28, 8 am
- Freshmen & others – Wed, July 29, 8 am
How do I purchase a parking permit?
- Sign in to the parking portal using your George Mason credentials.
- Select the permit option that best meets your needs. For a complete list of semester permit options, visit the George Mason parking website.
- Associate the permit with your vehicle.
- Complete your payment using Visa, Mastercard, or an electronic check.
What is the method of payment fo getting a parking permit?
Parking permits can be purchased using Visa, Mastercard, or an electronic check.
Can I wait to buy my parking permit, or do they sell out?
Most parking permits do not sell out immediately, so you generally do not need to purchase one as soon as sales open. However, permits for reserved lots and parking decks are in higher demand and may sell out more quickly. If you plan to park in one of these locations, we recommend purchasing your permit early. Not sure which permit is right for you? Take the parking quiz to find your best option.
Is there public transportation throughout campus, or do we have to walk?
There is transportation to the Mason Square, SciTech, and Fairfax campuses, but when you arrive, you generally get around campus by walking.
On the Fairfax campus, you also have access to
- Patriot Bike Checkout Program (Free)
- Capital Bikeshare ($25/yearly student membership)
- E-scooters (cost)
- Mason Shuttles (Free):
- The West Campus Bus travels between the West Campus and East Campus and travels around Patriot Circle as part of its route.
- The CUE Bus is an alternative and departs from Rappahannock River Lane. All routes end at the Vienna Metro.
- Gunston Go-Bus provides service to area shopping centers with additional stops on Ridge Top Road and Fair Lakes Parkway
Are there assigned parking spots?
No. Your permit is associated with a particular lot(s) or deck. There is not a specific space in that lot or deck that is assigned to you. For the reserved lots and parking decks, the number of permits sold ensures that you will have a space in the lot or deck under regular conditions.
Do I need to check whether a Breez MicroFridge meets residence hall requirements?
No. All MicroFridge units rented through Breez are approved for use in George Mason residence halls and meet university housing requirements
What dietary options are available?
Meal plans include options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergy-friendly, Kosher, and Halal needs.
Click here to find out more about meal plan options.
Is there an online menu for what is being served that day?
Yes! Visit the Mason Dining website to see the menus for the upcoming days with information including:
- Nutritional facts
- Filter options by allergies and preferences
- Location-specific options
Overall, our meal plans are built based on different lifestyles and preferences. Some are smaller, fitting the commuter lifestyle, and others are abundant for those living on campus with no kitchen access.
Take our dining meal plan quiz to find out what the best meal plan is for you.
Where do I pick up mail or packages?
You can pick up your packages from smart lockers at the Mail Hub, located on the Hub’s lower level.
When we receive your mail or packages from your carriers, we will notify you by email or text. You can pick up your package by:
- Tapping your Mason ID at the locker scanner, and the system will automatically open the locker door that contains your package.
- Enter your kiosk access code that was sent to you by email or text message.
- Using the MyMail Services app, press the “Pick Up Package” button once you approach the locker area.
What address should I use to send mail or packages to the campus?
To send mail or packages to campus, use the below format:
First Name, Last Name
4450 Rivanna River Way #Mailbox Number
Fairfax, VA 22030
All on-campus residents will automatically receive a personal mailbox number via email.
Do I need to bring a printer to campus?
It’s optional to bring your own printers. We have printers with 24-hour printing access available in all housing neighborhoods and numerous locations around campus.
Printing costs are $0.10/page for black and white and $0.25/page for color. Deposit Mason Money to your Mason ID, and you can tap and print anywhere.
There are three ways to print:
- Download a print driver to your laptop
- Send print jobs via a mobile app
- Send print jobs on computers in the computer labs and the libraries
How do I find out which textbooks or course materials I need?
Visit gmu.ecampus.com to order all of your professor-selected textbooks and course materials through the George Mason University Online Bookstore, powered by eCampus.com. Students can sign in using their George Mason credentials to generate and shop a customized list of course materials according to their individual class schedules. Students can also shop by course with maximum format options, including new, used, and rental textbooks as well as digital options.
Can I get discounts at off-campus businesses?
More than 300 local businesses offer discounts to George Mason students. Visit PatriotPerks.gmu.edu for a full listing, and present your Mason ID upon your visit.