Grinnell College's 120-acre campus, home to a genuine open curriculum with no required core classes, includes Mears Cottage, one of the first women's dormitories at any college west of the Mississippi, with first-year students required to live on campus in halls including Norris, Read, and the newly named Renfrow Hall.
Enrollment
1,788
Total Students
Freshman Class
447
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 21 - August 21, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
14%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
For first-year students not participating in an early arrival program, check-in starts at 8 a.m. on move-in day at the Harris Center, where you'll pick up your room key, P-Card (student ID), and orientation swag before heading to your residence hall. Park in the lot off 10th Ave, just west of the railroad tracks. A move-in crew of student volunteers is available to help unload and carry belongings to your room.
August 21 - August 21, 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
Norris Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Read Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Renfrow Hall
Suite-style · Coed
Housing Links
Links open Grinnell College's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (NSO, required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 21 - August 26, 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
$17,348
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 Grinnell College.
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