Move in looks a bit different depending on what day you arrive and where you’re living. Let’s break it down:

Friday, Aug. 11: Sorority recruitment

Information about move in times and recruitment in general will come directly from the Office of Sorority and Fraternity engagement.

When you arrive to your building, here are the steps to follow:

  1. Park your car
  2. Go in to the building and find the hall desk (there will be signs). .
  3. Pick up your packet and keys
  4. Move in your items
  5. Move your vehicle – you have 90 minutes to unload and then your vehicle needs to be relocated to long-term parking in the lots east of the Iowa State Alumni Center (lots A3, A4, B4) or at the football stadium in lots S2, S3, S5, S6, S7 or S8. You can also park in lot 29 (behind Molecular Biology) or in the Wallace and Wilson lot, (61A). These lots are free and you can leave vehicles overnight until Aug. 21. Paid options are the Memorial Union Parking Ramp and the Ames Intermodal Facility. Parking meters are also available in Campustown.

Saturday, Aug. 12 – Monday, Aug. 14: Apartments Open & Early Moves to Halls

Apartments: Saturday, Aug. 12, all apartments are open for move-in through the first day of classes. You’ll arrive at the community center located in your apartment community. Pick up your keys, check-in packet, move in your items and you’re set!

Halls: You are considered an early arriving student and fees apply to move in from Aug. 12 – Aug. 14, unless you’re part of Move-In Crew or another early-arriving group.

When you arrive to your residence-hall building, here are the steps to follow:

  1. Park your car
  2. Go in to the building and find the hall desk (there will be signs).
  3. Pick up your packet and keys
  4. Move in your items
  5. Move your vehicle – you have 90 minutes to unload and then your vehicle needs to be relocated to long-term parking in the Hilton stadium lots (lots A3, A4 and B4) or at the football stadium (lots S2, S3, S5, S6, S7 and S8). You can also park in lot 29 (behind Molecular Biology) or at Wallace and Wilson Halls (lot 61A). These lots are free and you can leave vehicles overnight until Aug. 21. Paid options are the Memorial Union Parking Ramp and the Ames Intermodal Facility. Parking meters are also available in Campustown.

Tuesday, Aug. 15 & Wednesday, Aug. 16: New students Moving To Halls

These two days are when new students move in to the residence halls. Move-In Crew is available to help the process go smoothly during the day. We recommend odd-numbered rooms move in on Aug. 15. and even-numbered rooms move in on Aug. 16. However, if you need to come on a different day, you can and there is no need to notify us. You can move-in at anytime during the day, there’s no need to schedule an appointment. Check-in locations are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Here’s what to expect on move-in day:

  1. Follow the red signs to your building (don’t follow your GPS, routes are marked for efficiency of traffic flow)
  2. There, staff will greet you in the parking lot and give you a 30-minute parking pass to park close to the building and unload.
  3. Student – go in to your hall and get your check in packet (signs will direct you): helpers – stay with the belongings and start to unload. (Locations are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  4. Take all items to your room
  5. Move your vehicle to long-term parking in the Hilton stadium lots (lots A3, A4 and B4) or at the football stadium (lots S2, S3, S5, S6, S7 and S8). You can also park in lot 29 (behind Molecular Biology) or at Wallace and Wilson Halls (lot 61A). These lots are free and you can leave vehicles overnight until Aug. 21. Paid options are the Memorial Union Parking Ramp and the Ames Intermodal Facility. Parking meters are also available in Campustown.
  6. Enjoy setting up your room and saying hi to your neighbors

Check In Locations: Aug. 15 and 16

  • Buchanan: Main Lounge
  • Geoffroy: G216 (main floor) by the mural
  • Barton, Lyon, Freeman and Birch, Welch, Roberts: Cornerstone Hall Desk
  • Oak-Elm: Elm Parlor
  • Linden: Main lounge next to the hall desk
  • Maple: Main Lounge
  • Willow: Ground floor breezeway
  • Larch: Ground floor breezeway
  • Friley: Room 2414 (main floor, entrance that faces west)
  • Helser: Rec Room
  • Martin: Room 2121 (main floor)
  • Eaton: Room 1132 (main floor)
  • Wallace and Wilson: The Wallace-Wilson Commons

Thursday, Aug. 17 – Monday, Aug. 21: Returning Students Moving to Halls

Thursday is when returners to the halls begin moving in (if you want to come early, consider being part of Move-In Crew!).

When you arrive to your building, here are the steps to follow:

  1. Park your car
  2. Go in to the building and find the hall desk (there will be signs).
  3. Pick up your packet and keys
  4. Move in your items
  5. Move your vehicle – you have 90 minutes to unload and then your vehicle needs to be relocated to long-term parking in the Hilton stadium lots. Lots A3, A4, B4, B5, B6, C4, C5 and C6. You can also park in lot 29 (behind Molecular Biology) or in the Wallace and Wilson lots, 61A and 61B. These lots are free and you can leave vehicles overnight until Aug. 21. Paid options are the Memorial Union Parking Ramp and the Ames Intermodal Facility. Parking meters are also available in Campustown.

After-Hours Arrivals

Though we do recommend doing your best to come during the day, we know that things happen and travel schedules can be unpredictable. If you arrive after hours, signs on your building will direct you to who to call so you can get your keys to move in.

Looking for Lunch?

Use your meal plan! ISU Dining has some of the most delicious food in town. Explore hours and menus here. After a day of unpacking, coffee and gelato definitely count as lunch. But, we have a whole lot of variety at our all-you-care to eat dining centers, making them the perfect lunch or dinner spot! Full salad bars, pizza, scratch-made desserts, international cuisine and so much more are available when you visit our dining centers. Plus, it’s a great way to show your helpers all the amazing food you’ll be eating this year!