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
August 18 - August 19, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
89%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
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.
August 18 - 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
Friley Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Barton Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Lyon Hall
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Links open Iowa State University's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
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
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 Iowa State University.
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