Wayne State University's Midtown Detroit campus centers on the NRHP-listed Old Main, originally built as Detroit's Central High School in 1895, with first-year students housed in Atchison Hall as part of the First-Year Residential Experience (FYRE).
Enrollment
24,168
Total Students
Freshman Class
4,043
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 26, 2026
Fall 2026 (completed)
Acceptance Rate
78%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
At your scheduled move-in time, go to the Wayne State Fieldhouse to begin the move-in process, unless you're living in The Thompson, which has its own separate process. Residential Student Orientation (RSO) is mandatory for new residents and takes place the next day, Thursday, August 27, from 1-4 p.m. at General Lecture Hall. The first meal of the semester begins the same evening as move-in (dinner at Towers Café). Atchison Hall is genuinely honors housing, bringing together academically-driven students in an air-conditioned building with in-unit private bathrooms.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Arrive during your scheduled move-in time, based on your assigned floor - staff will be available throughout the day to assist with check-in, direct traffic, and answer questions.
- Check-in location
- First-year students and all Atchison Hall residents check in at the Wayne State Fieldhouse; returning residents, transfer students, and graduate students check in at St. Andrew's Hall.
- Parking
- After checking in and receiving your room key, drive to your residence hall's designated unloading zone - you'll have 20 minutes to unload your belongings, then move your vehicle to one of the designated parking areas (Lot 72 for University Tower Apartments residents).
- What you'll receive
- Your room key and move-in information at check-in, before you drive to your building's designated unloading zone.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Move your vehicle to designated parking promptly once unloading is complete - the 20-minute unloading window is enforced to keep move-in traffic flowing for everyone.
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 (2)
Reserved for first-year students
Atchison Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year onlyChatsworth Suites
Suite-style · Coed
First-year only
Residence halls (2)
Open to undergraduates (first-year students may be able to live here)
Ghafari Hall
The Towers Residential Suites
Suite · Coed
Apartments (2)
Apartment-style housing, usually for upperclass students
Anthony Wayne Drive Apartments
Apartment · Coed
University Tower 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 & Warrior Welcome Week (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - August 30, 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
$12,500
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walgreens0.3 miles
- CVS Pharmacy0.4 miles
- Meijer2.3 miles
- Target3.8 miles
- Walmart6.4 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 Wayne State University.
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Dates last checked August 2026.