Drake University's 150-acre campus in Des Moines centers on Old Main, the university's original 1882 building and a National Register-listed landmark, with first-year students housed together in "The Quads" - Carpenter, Crawford, Herriott, and Stalnaker Halls.
Enrollment
4,600
Total Students
Freshman Class
725
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 19 - August 19, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
64%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
You'll receive a communication to your Drake email on August 1 with instructions to select a move-in time slot. Students have a twenty-minute move-in window to complete check-in, unload their vehicle, and move their car to a residential parking lot - notably shorter than many schools' windows, so come prepared to move efficiently. Label all moving boxes and items with your full name and residence hall before arriving.
August 19 - August 19, 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
- Photo coming soon
Carpenter Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Crawford Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Herriott Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Links open Drake University's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
Summer Orientation & First Year Seminar (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - August 18, 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
$13,516
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
Nearby data coming soon.
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 Drake University.
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