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BSU

Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana

๐Ÿซ Public UniversityEst. 1918๐Ÿ”— www.bsu.edu

Ball State University's 731-acre campus in Muncie was founded in 1918 when the five Ball brothers - the family behind Ball Mason jars - purchased and donated the site, with first-year students housed in halls including Elliott, Botsford/Swinford, and Woodworth.

Enrollment

20,440

Total Students

Freshman Class

3,719

Approx.

Move-In Dates

August 22 - August 22, 2026

Fall 2026

Acceptance Rate

69%

Most recent cycle

Move-In

Fall 2026 Move-In Dates

Check the move-in schedule on Ball State's own Housing & Residence Life website, which is based on your housing plan type and the alphabetical position of your last name. Bring your own cart if possible, since campus-provided carts may run out. This specific date should be confirmed directly with Ball State closer to move-in, given genuine uncertainty in the sources available at the time of research.

August 22 - August 22, 2026

Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.

Move-in day tips

  • Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
  • Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
  • Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
  • Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
  • Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
  • If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
  • Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
  • Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.

Housing & Dorms

  • Elliott Hall

    Traditional ยท Coed

  • Botsford/Swinford Hall

    Suite-style ยท Coed

  • Woodworth Complex

    Traditional ยท Coed

Housing Links

Links open Ball State University's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.

Orientation

New Student Orientation (required)

All new students are required to attend one orientation session.

June 1 - August 21, 2026

Orientation tips

  • Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
  • Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
  • Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.

Costs

Room & Board

$11,000

Estimated / Year

Figures shown are estimates for room and board only, and can vary by hall and meal plan. Check with Ball State University's financial aid office for a cost breakdown specific to your situation.

Nearby Essentials

Checklists

Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist

A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Ball State University.

Get the checklist

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