University of Oregon Students Moved Into Residence Halls
Approximately 5,000 students settled into campus housing as the university centralized its residential offerings.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in College Life
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University of Oregon students moved into nine residence halls across campus during a two-day period in late September. The process involved 450 volunteers who assisted students and families in navigating traffic and parking for the 2026-27 academic year.
Why it matters
The university moved to centralize student housing in the heart of campus for the new school year. This shift resulted in the closure of Riley and Barnhart halls, which are currently being evaluated for potential future use.
Nine residence halls currently house approximately 5,000 students. More than 450 volunteers supported the move-in process to help manage vehicle traffic.
The details
Students followed assigned time slots to coordinate arrivals and parking, guided by staff and signage throughout the campus. Following the closure of legacy buildings, the former Hamilton Hall site has been repurposed as a new community green space.
Timeline
Students moved into residence halls on September 24 and September 25, 2026.
The university announced the closure of Riley and Barnhart halls on June 2, 2026.
Riley and Barnhart halls will remain closed for the entire 2026-27 school year.
Events are scheduled for the new community green space later in fall 2026.
Culture Shift
The move aligns with an ongoing trend of centralizing residential footprints to optimize campus density and student accessibility. This transformation follows the University of Oregon's campus residential master plan, which dictates building usage and density across Eugene.
Students and families must adapt to the new centralized housing locations and updated parking logistics throughout the academic year. Those living on campus should monitor for upcoming events hosted at the new community green space.
The takeaway
Students can benefit from more centralized campus life by utilizing the new green space developed where Hamilton Hall once stood. Always check university housing portals for the most current information regarding hall status and campus accessibility.
What happens next
The university plans to host a series of community events at the new green space created on the former Hamilton Hall site later this fall.
Further reading
For more information on student housing updates, visit College Life.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Emerald.
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Do you believe living in on-campus residence halls provides a better college experience than living off-campus?
