The University of South Dakota's Vermillion campus is anchored by Old Main, its oldest building since 1883 and now home to the Oscar Howe Gallery, with first-year students housed in North Complex, including Beede, Mickelson, and Olson Halls.
Enrollment
7,515
Total Students
Freshman Class
1,879
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 21 - August 21, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
99%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Students can view their room assignment and roommate information in the USD Housing Portal, and can switch rooms through the portal until 11:59pm on July 7, 2026, after which no further changes are permitted. On Fall Semester move-in day, first check in at the DakotaDome to receive your room key before proceeding to your residence hall for unloading and parking instructions. Detailed maps outlining move-in routes to each residence hall are provided in advance to help navigate move-in day smoothly.
August 21 - August 21, 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
Beede Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Mickelson Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Olson Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Links open University of South Dakota's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
Orientation & Welcome Week (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 21 - August 24, 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
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 University of South Dakota.
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