The University of Iowa's Pentacrest is centered on the gold-domed Old Capitol, once the actual seat of Iowa's state government before becoming the university's first building, with first-year students housed in halls including Currier, the university's original 1914 residence hall.
Enrollment
31,563
Total Students
Freshman Class
5,852
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 15-17, 2026
Fall 2026 (completed)
Acceptance Rate
84%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Select your move-in date and time slot online by July 29, 2026, using your HawkID - the link only becomes active during your specific assigned window, and slots are limited to 200 students at a time per building. Only pre-approved student leaders and move-in volunteers may move in before August 18. A $35/day early arrival fee applies for anyone arriving ahead of their assigned date. Parking near residence halls is very limited, so move-in time slots are staggered based on parking, elevator, and cart availability - move-in time slots are 30 minutes each, with capacity ranging from 5 to 20 students depending on the building.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Move-in hours run 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on the first two days and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on the third - arrive during your assigned 30-minute time slot.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Students using trailers or large moving trucks can move in after 5:30 p.m., since there isn't space for these vehicles during the day's regular traffic - move-in volunteers won't be available after 5:30 p.m.
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 (11)
Open to undergraduates (first-year students may be able to live here)
Burge Hall
Traditional · Coed
Catlett Hall
Traditional · Coed
Currier Hall
Traditional · Coed
Daum Hall
Traditional · Coed
Show 7 moreShow fewer
Hillcrest Hall
Traditional · Coed
Mayflower Hall
Suite-style · Coed
Parklawn
Traditional · Coed
Petersen Hall
Traditional · Coed
Rienow Hall
Traditional · Coed
Slater Hall
Traditional · Coed
Stanley Hall
Traditional · 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
SOAR Orientation & CSI:1600 Success at Iowa (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - August 14, 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
$14,022
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- CVS Pharmacy0.1 miles
- Target0.2 miles
- Walmart1.4 miles
- Walgreens1.7 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 University of Iowa.
Share
Send this page to a roommate, a parent, or anyone else helping plan the move.
Dates last checked September 2026.