FSU and FAMU Move-In and Orientation: A Parent's Guide

Move-in day is long, hot if it's August, and almost always ends with a run to the store for the thing everyone forgot. A good night's sleep on either side of it helps more than you'd expect.

Here's what FSU and FAMU have published for 2027 so far, what's still unannounced, and how we'd plan the weekend.

FSU dates

• Spring 2027 move-in: residence halls open Monday, January 4, 2027, at 3 p.m. Classes begin Wednesday, January 6.
• Fall 2027 move-in: not posted yet. For fall 2026, FSU required move-in appointments, and general move-in ran August 15–23, skipping a few days. Expect a similar mid-August window, and watch housing.fsu.edu for the appointment sign-up.
• New Nole Orientation: registration for spring 2027 admits is open now. Registration for summer and fall 2027 admits opens January 13 at 9 a.m. First-year sessions are three-day overnight programs, and family members register for Family Orientation on the student's reservation.
• Family Weekend: 2026 was September 25–27. The 2027 dates weren't announced when we wrote this.

FAMU dates

• Spring 2027 housing: FAMU's spring 2027 housing application opens Monday, November 2, 2026. Spring 2027 move-in dates weren't posted yet. As a guide, halls opened January 4 at 9 a.m. for spring 2026.
• Fall move-in: for fall 2026, FAMU's residence halls opened August 17 at 8 a.m. Fall 2027 dates aren't out yet.
• Orientation: FAMU requires orientation for every new student. The 2027 dates weren't published yet; for 2026, the orientation page listed online registration opening March 15.

How we'd plan a move-in weekend

• Arrive the night before. It's a better day when you start rested with breakfast in you. Our free continental breakfast has waffles, eggs, fruit, cereal and juice.
• Book a Double Queen if siblings are coming along. If you need two rooms, book them together.
• Park the packed car overnight. Parking is free and on site. The property is well lit with cameras around it, and the front desk is staffed 24/7. We'd still bring laptops and anything valuable into the room.
• Use the mini fridge for drinks and snacks headed to the dorm. There's no microwave in the room, but the Marketplace has a guest microwave, plus ramen and ready meals for a quiet dinner after a long day.
• Take the late checkout on the last morning if you're going back to help finish the room. A 1 PM checkout is $25.
• Your student can't check in alone if they're 17. You have to be 18 or older to check in, so a parent should book and check in.

Getting to campus

We're about 10 minutes by car from FSU and about 5 from FAMU, right off I-10. Both campuses get heavy traffic on move-in days, so follow the routes and timing housing sends with your appointment. The airport is about 12 minutes from us if a parent is flying in.

For more on picking a base for campus trips, read our parent's guide to hotel locations for campus visits. Traveling as a big group? See family and group stays at BOB, or email hello@thebobhotels.com about a block.

Quick answers

When do FSU residence halls open for spring 2027?

Monday, January 4, 2027, at 3 p.m. Classes begin Wednesday, January 6.

When does FSU orientation registration open for fall 2027?

January 13 at 9 a.m., for summer and fall 2027 admitted students.

Can a student check in alone at BOB?

Only if they're 18 or older. Guests under 18 can't check in, so a parent or guardian should.

Is parking free at BOB Hotels?

Yes. On-site parking is free, and the property is well lit with cameras around it.

How far is BOB Hotels from FSU and FAMU?

About 10 minutes by car to FSU and about 5 minutes to FAMU.

Book direct at thebobhotels.com/rooms, or call us at (850) 201-1700.