South Dakota State UniversityMove-In Guide
Brookings, South Dakota
🏫 Public UniversityEst. 1881🔗 www.sdstate.edu
South Dakota State University's Brookings campus, the state's largest public university, includes the historic Wenona and Wecota Halls, women's dormitories completed in 1909 and 1915 and NRHP-listed since 1980, with Meet State move-in and welcome activities each fall.
Enrollment
10,728
Total Students
Freshman Class
2,682
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 21, 2026
Fall 2026 (completed)
Acceptance Rate
86%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Sign up for a move-in time slot in the MyState housing portal ahead of arrival. Text MEETSTATE to 333111 for text alerts covering any schedule changes or important announcements throughout move-in weekend. First-year students are not able to have a single room and will have an unlimited on-campus dining plan. First day of classes is Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- New Student Move-In Day runs 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 - sign up for your specific time slot through the MyState housing portal.
- What you'll receive
- You'll receive your room key or access card at check-in.
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
First-year halls (1)
Reserved for first-year students
Binnewies Hall
First-year only
Residence halls (12)
Open to undergraduates (first-year students may be able to live here)
Ben Reifel Hall
Brown Hall
Caldwell Hall
Hansen Hall
Show 8 moreShow fewer
Honors Hall
Hyde Hall
Jackrabbit Village (Spencer, Abbott, Thorne)
Mathews Hall
Pierson Hall
Schultz Hall
Waneta Hall
Young Hall
Apartments (3)
Apartment-style housing, usually for upperclass students
Meadows Apartments
Apartment · Coed
Southeast University Neighborhood
Apartment · Coed
University Apartments (704 Apartments)
Apartment · Coed
Housing Links
Who can live where
- First-year only:
- Reserved for incoming first-year students.
- 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
New Student Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
May 28 - June 25, 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
$9,500
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walmart1.2 miles
- Target1.7 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 South Dakota State University.
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Dates last checked September 2026.