The University of Southern Mississippi's Hattiesburg campus includes College Hall, one of five original 1913 buildings now home to the Student Media Center, and Hattiesburg Hall, the original 1910s women's dormitory that still serves today as the Housing and Residence Life office, with the university's own freshman live-on-campus requirement transitioning to optional starting Fall 2026.
Enrollment
11,451
Total Students
Freshman Class
2,863
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 20 - August 22, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
98%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Designated move-in dates and an early/late arrival form link will be sent to student emails in July. Students requesting to move in prior to their designated date will be charged a $25/day fee unless moving in early for a required university reason (Athletics, GEWW Crew, on-campus job, etc.). Students participating in CPC sorority formal recruitment move in earlier than the general freshman population. This specific date should be confirmed directly with USM Housing and Residence Life closer to move-in, given genuine uncertainty in the sources available at the time of research.
August 20 - August 22, 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
Residence hall data coming soon.
Housing Links
Links open University of Southern Mississippi's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
Golden Eagle Welcome Week (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 20 - August 23, 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
$10,000
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 Southern Mississippi.
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