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Southern Illinois University CarbondaleMove-In Guide
Carbondale, Illinois
🏫 Public UniversityEst. 1869🔗 siu.edu
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public research university in southern Illinois and the oldest and main campus of the SIU system. It was chartered in 1869 and opened to students in 1874. Its on-campus housing is split between West Campus (Thompson Point) and East Campus (high-rise and low-rise residence halls), and University Housing says most first-year students are required to live on campus.
Enrollment
11,785
Total Students
Freshman Class
—
Not available
Move-In Dates
Aug 12-14, 2026
Fall 2026 (completed)
Acceptance Rate
—
Not available
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
First-year and other new students move into all residence hall locations on Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Returning students move in Friday, Aug. 14, during the same hours. Volunteers help on move-in days, and reduced-price meals are available at Trueblood and Lentz Halls. For fall 2026, bring a copy of a state-issued ID to receive your key.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day logistics
- Check-in location
- Key pick-up depends on your hall (Thompson Point, Schneider, Mae Smith, Neely, or Wall and Grand). Bring a copy of a state-issued ID to receive your key.
- Parking
- Parking for families and volunteers is reserved in lots 23, 39 and 4 on the west side of campus, and lots 55 and 106 on the east side. A campus map PDF is linked from the SIU News article.
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 (15)
Open to undergraduates (first-year students may be able to live here)
Abbott Hall (Thompson Point)
Suite-style · Coed
Bailey Hall (Thompson Point)
Suite-style · Coed
Baldwin Hall (Thompson Point)
Suite-style · Coed
Bowyer Hall (Thompson Point)
Suite-style · Coed
Show 11 moreShow fewer
Brown Hall (Thompson Point)
Suite-style · Coed
Felts Hall (Thompson Point)
Suite-style · Coed
Kellogg Hall (Thompson Point)
Suite-style · Coed
Mae Smith Hall
Suite-style high-rise · Coed
Neely Hall
Suite-style high-rise · Coed
Pierce Hall (Thompson Point)
Suite-style · Coed
Schneider Hall
Suite-style high-rise · Coed
Smith Hall (Thompson Point)
Suite-style · Coed
Steagall Hall (Thompson Point)
Suite-style · Coed
University Hall
Warren Hall (Thompson Point)
Suite-style · Coed
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.
Eligibility rules vary and can change. Check with the housing office.
Orientation
Dawg Days
Orientation is recommended for all new students.
August 9 - August 12, 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
—
Not available
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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
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Dates last checked October 2026.