What to Expect On Move-In Day

We know there are a lot of questions revolving around move-in day, such as "what should we do before arriving on campus", "what does check-in and unpacking look like", and "what activities are going on, on campus during move-in day?" Good news! Your how-to guide for move-in day is here! Below you will find answers to all of your questions and more.

Saturday, August 21 | 8 am - 4 pm

Move-in is from 8 am - 1 pm on Saturday, August 21.

Before You Arrive

  • Sign up for a move-in day time slot through the housing portal from 8 am - 12:30 pm.
  • Carefully review the driving directions to your residence hall. Do not use GPS to get to your hall, as we direct traffic flow that day. You will receive the driving directions in the mail in early August.
  • Place your “car dash sign” on your dash. You will receive the car dash sign in the mail in early August. Fill out the car dash sign with your name and phone number.
  • Bring your Bison ID Card if you have already received one.
  • Label your items with your name, hall, and room number to avoid your items being misplaced while moving in.

Welcome to Campus!

Arrive + Check In

Remember to arrive during your 30-minute arrival time slot.

  • Students: Once you arrive, head to your hall’s designated check-in location. In most halls, this will be the hall office, and posted signage will help guide you. Hall staff will provide your room key, student ID, parking permit, room condition form, and check-in paperwork. Be sure to bring a photo ID.

  • Families: After arriving, unload all of your student's belongings before one person moves the vehicle to the assigned parking lot. Parking permits are not required during move-in. The Move-In Crew will be available to assist with unloading, but vehicles must remain attended at all times and should not be left unattended in the unloading area.

Complete Your Room Condition Form

Before you unpack, complete your green Room Condition Form (RCF). On this form, you will report any damages you see in your room (and foyer/bathroom, if applicable). Your completed RCF will be used at checkout to compare the state of the room. Anything not marked at check-in may be billed to you as damage. When you have completed the RCF, you will need to turn this in to receive your mail key.

  • If you do not complete it by the end of the week, you will receive a $25 late fee.

Move In + Unpack

  • Bring belongings to your room and begin unpacking.
  • Limited moving carts are available.
  • Break down cardboard boxes and place them in outdoor, designated recycling stations.
  • Dispose of plastic and foam packaging in designated trash containers.
  • Pro-tip: Before getting to campus, label your items with your name, hall, and room number. This will help with any lost/misplaced items during move-in day.

Important Reminders

  • First-year and transfer students are required to move in from 8 am - 1 pm on Saturday, August 21. If you are not able to, please contact Residence Life. Upperclassmen may check in during this time or any time after. New international students should follow the information regarding move-in as found on the New International Student Orientation webpage.
  • If you are arriving after August 26, please notify Residence Life so we do not cancel your room assignment.
  • All students who check in are committing to live on campus for the full academic year. After moving in, cancellations may result in a financial penalty, even if your permanent address is within 35 miles of campus. Typically, the only students released without penalty are those who are leaving NDSU, graduating, or participating in an internship, co-op, or study abroad program. All first-year students are required to live on campus.