Fall 2026 Move-In and the Freedom 250 Grand Prix
The university is preparing to welcome students for the fall 2026 semester during the weekend of August 20-23. This period coincides with the recently announced Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC, a major international sporting event taking place on the National Mall. Due to the significant influx of visitors and the resulting impact on city infrastructure, students and families should review the following logistical information carefully to ensure a seamless arrival.
Hilltop Campus Move-In Schedule
Please be advised that move-in for the Hilltop Campus will proceed as scheduled. There are no changes to the assigned move-in dates or times for residence halls located on the Hilltop Campus. Students should adhere to their specific arrival windows as communicated by Residential Living.
Capitol Campus Move-In Logistics
The Capitol Campus residence halls (55 H Street, 77 H Street and Gewirz Residence Hall) require distinct consideration due to their proximity to the race circuit and the National Mall. Move-in assistance will also only be available on Monday, August 24.
Moving in on Monday, following the conclusion of the Grand Prix, will allow for significantly better access to residential buildings and a reduction in transit delays. For those who must arrive on Saturday or Sunday, please be prepared for restricted vehicle access and potential delays in unloading personal belongings. Student populations who may move in prior to the official move-in date will receive separate communications from residential services.
Accommodation and Travel Planning
Given the scale of the Freedom 250 celebrations and the anticipated high volume of tourists, hotel availability in the District of Columbia and the surrounding metropolitan area will be limited. We strongly encourage families to secure lodging as early as possible. Furthermore, travelers should anticipate higher-than-average traffic volume at regional airports (Reagan National (DCA), Dulles International (IAD), and Baltimore (BWI)), as well as Washington, DC’s train station (Union Station) throughout the weekend.
Road Closures and Traffic Advisories
Extensive road closures will be in effect, particularly around Pennsylvania Avenue, the National Mall and the US Capitol. While the Hilltop Campus is situated away from the primary race circuit, these closures will likely cause significant congestion on major arterial routes such as I-66, the Clara Barton Parkway and the Key Bridge. This page will be updated with specific traffic patterns and suggested detour routes as they are finalized by city government officials. Any modifications to Capitol Campus GUTS bus routes will be posted here.
Last Updated April 9, 2026
This Information is Subject to Change