Dakota State University is a public university in Madison, South Dakota, known for its cyber and computer science programs. Full-time students within two years of high school graduation must live on campus unless they are married, exempted, unable to get space, or living with a parent or guardian within a 45-mile radius. First-year students live in traditional halls, and upper-class students move into apartment-style housing.
Enrollment
2,071
Total Students
Freshman Class
—
Not available
Move-In Dates
Aug 21-23, 2026
Fall 2026 (completed)
Acceptance Rate
—
Not available
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
New students move in on Friday, Aug. 21, from 8 a.m. to noon. Returning students move in starting Saturday, Aug. 22 at 8 a.m., and can check in between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Outside those hours, call the RA duty number to check in at your hall. Move-in details come with your housing assignment in July.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day logistics
- Check-in location
- New students check in at the Office of Residence Life in Courtyard Hall.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
- Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
- Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.
Housing & Dorms
Residence halls (9)
Open to undergraduates (first-year students may be able to live here)
Emry Hall
Traditional · Coed
Girton House
Higbie Hall
Traditional · Coed
Residence Village
Single-occupancy rooms · Coed
Show 5 moreShow fewer
Richardson Hall
Traditional (largest hall) · Coed
The 2-1-2
The Courtyard
One-floor hall · Coed
Van Eps Place
Zimmermann Hall
Apartments (1)
Apartment-style housing, usually for upperclass students
8-Plex Apartments
Apartment-style · Coed
Housing Links
Who can live where
- Residence halls:
- Not marked first-year only, so they may also house returning students. Assignment follows the school's housing process.
- Apartments:
- Apartment-style housing, often for sophomores and up. Confirm eligibility with the housing office.
Eligibility rules vary and can change. Check with the housing office.
Orientation
Welcome Week
Orientation is recommended for all new students.
August 21 - August 25, 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
—
Not available
Nearby Essentials
We haven't listed nearby stores for this campus yet. Use the Campus Map link to find essentials near campus.
More Links
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 Dakota State University.
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Send this page to a roommate, a parent, or anyone else helping plan the move.
Dates last checked October 2026.