Iowa State's 1,813-acre campus in Ames, one of the nation's first land-grant universities, centers on the historic Beardshear Hall, with first-year students housed in traditional halls including Friley - one of the largest residence halls in the nation - Barton, and Lyon.
Enrollment
31,105
Total Students
Freshman Class
6,587
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 18-19, 2026
Fall 2026 (completed)
Acceptance Rate
89%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Iowa State's Move In Crew, a group of student volunteers, works 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both move-in days to help carry items - no sign-up required, just show up. Students bringing oversized vehicles or trailers should plan to arrive in the evenings. Fall 2026 semester classes begin Monday, August 24. If you live in an even-numbered room, your move-in day is Tuesday, Aug. 18; if you're assigned an odd-numbered room, it's Wednesday, Aug. 19 - though there's no need to sign up, and you can come either day if it's more convenient.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Follow the red directional signs to your hall rather than GPS - the marked routes are the most efficient for move-in. Staff will provide a parking pass good for 30 minutes once you arrive.
- Check-in location
- Friley Hall residents check in at the Hall Desk (first floor); Barton-Lyon-Freeman residents check in at the Cornerstone Hall Desk - locations are open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both move-in days.
- Parking
- After unloading, move your car to long-term parking - free options are available east of the ISU Alumni Center (Hilton Coliseum lot), at the Football Stadium, or in the Wallace/Wilson lots. Paid short-term parking is available in campus parking ramps.
- What you'll receive
- Your check-in packet, including your room key, bathroom key (if applicable), and a move-in booklet with hall-specific information.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Be mindful when parking larger vehicles and trailers - make sure you're not blocking any entrances or pathways for others who are moving in at the same time.
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 (20)
Open to undergraduates (first-year students may be able to live here)
Barton Hall
Traditional · Coed
Birch Hall
Traditional · Coed
Buchanan Hall
Suite · Coed
Eaton Hall
Suite · Coed
Show 16 moreShow fewer
Elm Hall
Traditional · Coed
Freeman Hall
Traditional · Coed
Friley Hall
Traditional · Coed
Geoffroy Hall
Helser Hall
Traditional · Coed
Larch Hall
Traditional · Coed
Linden Hall
Traditional · Coed
Lyon Hall
Traditional · Coed
Maple Hall
Martin Hall
Suite · Coed
Oak Hall
Traditional · Coed
Roberts Hall
Traditional · Coed
Wallace Hall
Traditional · Coed
Welch Hall
Traditional · Coed
Willow Hall
Traditional · Coed
Wilson Hall
Traditional · Coed
Apartments (2)
Apartment-style housing, usually for upperclass students
Frederiksen Court Apartments
University Village Apartments
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
OnCyte Orientation (required, 1.5-day)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - June 30, 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
$10,288
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Target2.1 miles
- Walmart2.2 miles
- Walgreens2.2 miles
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 Iowa State University.
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Send this page to a roommate, a parent, or anyone else helping plan the move.
Dates last checked September 2026.