What to Expect On Move-In Day
Saturday, August 22 | 8 am - 1 pm
Before You Arrive
- Carefully review the driving directions to your residence hall (these will go live on our website in July). 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.
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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.
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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 22. 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 27, 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.
Ice Cream SocialCampus Activities on Move-In Day
Unpack and get settled, then explore campus!
Books, Bison Gear and More
9 am - 5 pm | NDSU Bookstore
Review required digital and print materials included in Bison Ready, NDSU’s program that brings affordable and accessible course materials to students. Take advantage of education pricing and get the laptops, tablets, and tech accessories you need. Prepare for Bison Pride Fridays and grab the latest Bison gear and merch.
Connect with One Stop
9 am - 4 pm | Memorial Union
Get all of your questions answered regarding financial aid, scholarships, tuition, and more!
Opening Weekend Help Desk
9 am - 5 pm | Memorial Union - Located by Caribou Coffee
Do you have questions about anything related to NDSU and your experience here? Or have a question and not sure where to go? Stop by the Help Desk first so that we can either answer your question or get the answer to you!
NDSU IT Service Center
9 am - 5 pm | Quentin Burdick Building 206
Need assistance connecting to the internet or setup your devices? Need your Bison ID Card? The staff at the NDSU IT Service Center are happy to help you. (Please bring a government-issued ID for your ID card)
Academic Advisors Help Desk
9 am – 5 pm | Memorial Union - Located by Caribou Coffee
Get help with general questions or more information on how to connect with your assigned academic advisor for specific questions.
NDSU Gold Star Marching Band
11 am | Located by Reed/Johnson Hall/Residence Dining Center
Nothing brings out game-day spirit like the NDSU GSMB! Come out and enjoy!
Chill Out at the Library
12 - 3 pm | NDSU Main Library
Come chill out and cool off on move-in day at the NDSU Main Library! Check out our Relaxation Room, emerging technology labs, and a variety of study spaces designed with you in mind. Grab a popsicle, snag some library swag, and explore the COOLEST place on campus.
NDSU Volleyball Game vs. Minot
1 pm | Bentson Bunker
Cheer on the Bison Volleyball Team in an exhibition match against Minot State! Free admission.
Student Health Service Tours
1 - 3 pm | Wallman Wellness Center
See the campus clinic and pharmacy and learn about ways their highly experienced team provides student-centered medical care by supporting the health and well-being of students.
Wellness Center Tour
1 - 3 pm | Wallman Wellness Center
Tour the Wellness Center and learn how students can stay healthy and active at NDSU.
Ice Cream Social
2-3 pm | Shepperd Area South Lawn
Take a break and swing by for FREE ice cream. Sponsored by NDSU Dining and NDS
NDSU Move-In Yard Art
All Day | Between Thompson and Sevrinson Halls
Photo opp! Capture your move-in day memories with a picture by the 2025 NDSU Move-In yard art! #ExperienceNDSU
Goodbye Hugs
3:30 pm
Friends and families are asked to start saying goodbyes at 3:30 pm so students are ready to meet their Welcome Week group and start activities.