We know you're excited about the fall semester and have been waiting on move-in information. Thank you for your patience! The move-in process has been developed with public health guidance. Many of the details are below and others will be forthcoming as we move through July.

When more than 9500 students are moving to campus and bringing helpers, the process needs to allow for physical distancing as items are carried through hallways, in stairwells and in elevators. All on-campus residents will also be tested for COVID-19 as part of the move-in process. This all means that the schedule below was built using these factors.

Following the testing and move-in process is a critical piece of reopening campus in the healthiest way possible. Our goal is to help you have an amazing Iowa State experience. For that to happen? We need your partnership, understanding, patience and flexibility with the move-in process.

Please read the information below carefully. Continue to watch your email and check our website . Thank you for being part of our community and we can't wait to see you soon!
Move-In Dates
To choose your date, a move-in form will be emailed to you no later than July 17. You will use that form to choose a move-in date and time slot.

Remember, slots and dates are designed to allow for COVID-19 testing and a low number of people actively moving around in the building.

  • Aug. 3 - Aug. 7: New students living in the residence halls (with the exception of Eaton and Martin) and new families living in Schilletter Village.
  • Aug. 11 and 12: New students living in Eaton, Martin, Frederiksen and SUV; new students living in the residence halls
  • Aug. 10, Aug. 13 - Aug. 16: Returning students living in the halls and apartments.

Eaton and Martin halls are currently being used for summer school. Students do not move out until August 8. On August 9 and 10, we are bringing in extra staff to clean, disinfect and make any needed repairs to the space so it's ready for residents.
Exceptions
There are over 9500 individual circumstances when it comes to move-in time frames.

Following public health guidance, the goals are to test everyone entering on-campus housing at the point of move in (only a certain number of tests can be done per hour); have roommates move in approximately 24 hours apart; and to limit the number of students/families actively moving items in at any given time.

There are many logistics involved and they are designed to give our on-campus community a healthy start to the fall semester.

We will do our best to accommodate the following exceptions:
  • People who want to move in outside of their designated time frame
  • Siblings both attending ISU and living on campus who want to move in on the same day
  • Roommates who currently have regular in-person contact and want to move in on the same day

If you fit the criteria above for an exception, this is the process you need to follow:
  • Sign up for a time slot within your designated time frame when the form is sent to you so you ensure you have a spot.
  • Email housing@iastate.edu with your preferred date(s).

Then, we will do our best to adjust your time slot and honor your request. All requests will be responded to by 5 p.m. on July 21 as to whether or not we’ll be able to honor them. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
Move-In Process
Many smaller details of the move-in action plan are in development and will be sent to you soon. An outline of the move-in process is below:

  1. All students will start at Lied Recreation Athletic Facility, which will serve as the central testing and check in center.
  2. You (student) will go in to the building while your two move-in helpers remain in the vehicle. You'll be tested for COVID-19 and get everything you need to move in to your hall or apartment. This includes your keys and, for new students, your ISU Card.
  3. You'll go back to your vehicle and drive to your hall where you'll park close to your building for one hour. Apartment students have no time limit on parking due to parking being readily available in those areas.
  4. You and up to two helpers will move your belongings in to your hall/apartment maintaining physical distance from others and wearing face coverings in common areas at all times. 
  5. After one hour in residence-hall parking lots, the vehicle needs to be moved to designated long-term parking lots so others can park close to move in their belongings.

Move-in crew and carts will not be available this year. You may want to consider packing as efficiently as possible and bringing a small cart to help move your belongings. 

Two move-in helpers are allowed in the building with you at any given time. This is to reduce the number of people actively moving through the hallways, stairwells and elevators.

Once you have everything in your room and your helpers are working to get things set up, please close your door and limit your time in common areas.
ISU Dining is busy preparing for your arrival! Several locations will be open when you move in, we have more to-go options than ever, we've implemented contactless card swiping and so much more. And, did we mention tons of new recipes? We can't wait to make your tastebuds smile this fall! Learn more using the links below.

  • What's new for fall? Find out here.
  • Need a little help deciding which meal plan to choose? Find helpful tips here.
  • Not quite sure what a Flex Meal is? We have you covered.
  • Looking for a job? Find out why working with us is a great opportunity.
  • Curious as to how we're responding to COVID-19? Learn all about our service plans and mitigating strategies here.
Iowa State University Department of Residence & ISU Dining
515-294-2900