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U of G Move-In Weekend: Traffic, Dates, and What to Do

Written by Chloe Bennett • Published August 31, 2026 • Last verified August 31, 2026

Move-in weekend at the University of Guelph brings about 30,000 students back to the south end, and the streets around campus get congested. The university's official move-in days for fall 2026 are August 29 and 30, with additional arrivals on September 1 and 2 for upper-year students. If you live near campus or commute along Stone Road, Gordon Street, or College Avenue, expect delays, parked cars, and pedestrians moving luggage.

The university publishes a traffic plan each year, and the 2026 version is already online. It lists the roads that will have temporary closures and no-stopping zones: parts of College Avenue West, East Ring Road, and the internal campus roads. The city of Guelph coordinates with the university on signal timing, and police officers direct traffic at the busiest intersections during peak hours, usually 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What does this mean for you? If you don't need to be in the area, avoid it. If you do, give yourself an extra 20 to 30 minutes. The university advises drivers to use Wellington Road 124 and Edinburgh Road as alternates, but even those get slow. Transit users should know that Guelph Transit routes 5, 6, 9, 50, and 51 detour around campus during move-in. Check the city's website for the latest detour maps.

Residents in the south end will see more traffic on local streets as students and parents look for parking. The university opens several lots for temporary parking, but many people park on nearby streets. That means you might find fewer spots on your own block. If you have a driveway, expect to be asked if you're selling space. The city says it will enforce parking rules, including the four-hour limit on some streets.

For students moving in, the university sends each one a specific move-in time slot. That's meant to spread out arrivals. If you're helping a student move, follow the assigned time. The university also runs a shuttle from the parking lots to the residences, so you don't have to park right next to the building.

One thing to know: the Johnston Green, the main lawn near the University Centre, becomes a drop-off zone for first-year students. That area is closed to regular traffic from August 28 to September 3. The Arboretum, a popular walking spot, stays open, but its main parking lot fills up early. If you're planning a visit, go in the evening or early morning.

After move-in weekend, traffic returns to normal by mid-September, once students settle in and learn their routes. But the first week of classes, September 6 to 10, brings a second wave of congestion as people figure out where they're going. The university adds extra transit shuttles during that week, and the city adjusts signal timing on Stone Road.

If you're a driver, the best advice is to plan your route before you leave. Check the university's traffic page and the city's road closure map. Both are updated daily during move-in week. You can also sign up for the city's traffic alerts, which send email updates about closures and delays.

Finally, if you're walking or cycling around campus, use the designated crossings and watch for vehicles. Move-in weekend has more cars than usual, and many drivers are unfamiliar with the area. The university sets up temporary crosswalks and signs, but they only work if people use them.

Sources

• U of G News: Increased Traffic During Move-In Weekend

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