Elon University is a private university in the town of Elon, North Carolina, between Greensboro and Raleigh, founded in 1889. Residence Life states that all first- and second-year students are required to live on campus, with exceptions for students living with a parent or guardian and non-traditional-aged students. First-years live in one of four residential neighborhoods: Colonnades, Global, East and Historic. The 2026 first-year class moves in on Friday, Aug. 21, followed directly by New Student Orientation.
Enrollment
7,070
Total Students
Freshman Class
1,333
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 21, 2026
Fall 2026 (completed)
Acceptance Rate
63%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Move-in is Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, and New Student Orientation begins at 4:30 p.m. that day. Each student has an assigned check-in time shown in their Acorn Account. Print the dashboard sign from Phoenix Living and complete immunization requirements beforehand to avoid delays. More than 1,600 new students are expected.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day logistics
- Check-in location
- Report first to central check-in at Schar Center, where volunteers guide you from your car. You receive a new student packet, name tag, parking pass and room key if applicable, and directions to your move-in location.
- Parking
- Use the northern entrance route to campus. You receive a hangtag tied to your move-in location to hang in your rearview mirror. Orientation Leaders, RAs and staff help you unload, then move your car to long-term parking for the rest of the day. Several campus roads are one-way and open only to students with the proper hangtag, and many lots are closed for move-in. Know both your neighborhood and building name, since signage may vary.
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 (16)
Open to undergraduates (first-year students may be able to live here)
Carolina Hall (Historic)
Single-sex
Gill Hall (Global)
Hook, Brannock and Barney (Historic)
Isabella Cannon Pavilion (East)
Show 12 moreShow fewer
Jackson Hall (Global)
Kenan Honors Pavilion (East)
Honors · Coed
Kivette Hall (Colonnades)
Moffitt Hall (Colonnades)
Perkins Hall (Global)
Sloan Hall (Historic)
Smith Hall (Historic)
Single-sex
Staley Hall (Colonnades)
Story Hall (Colonnades)
Virginia Hall (Historic)
West Hall (Historic)
Single-sex
Whittington Hall (Global)
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.
- Single-sex:
- Open to residents of one gender only.
Eligibility rules vary and can change. Check with the housing office.
Orientation
New Student Orientation
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 21 - August 24, 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
$17,127
Estimated / Year
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 Elon 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.