Ball State University's 731-acre campus in Muncie was founded in 1918 when the five Ball brothers - the family behind Ball Mason jars - purchased and donated the site, with first-year students housed in halls including Elliott, Botsford/Swinford, and Woodworth.
Enrollment
20,440
Total Students
Freshman Class
3,719
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 16-17, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
69%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
First-year move-in is Aug. 16-17, by appointment - book early, as Sunday slots tend to fill first. Returning students move in separately on Aug. 20. Bring your own cart if possible, since campus-provided carts may run out.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time - your exact move-in date is shown above in the Overview.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- First-year students move in by appointment on Aug. 16-17; report to your assigned residence hall's welcome table or tent first, before unloading.
- Check-in location
- Your assigned residence hall's welcome table or tent - get your room key and important information there, using the QR code to complete official check-in.
- Parking
- Family parking is designated in specific yellow or green lots per the move-in map; move your vehicle to permanent parking the same day or risk ticketing or towing. Overnight parking during move-in is only allowed at the football stadium.
- What you'll receive
- Each room comes equipped with 2 beds, desks, and chairs, closets/wardrobes and dresser space, window treatments, and a garbage can - already in place before you arrive.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Vehicles left unattended in unauthorized areas during move-in will be asked to move or will be towed; do not park on sidewalks, near barricades, or in roundabouts.
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
- Photo coming soon
Elliott Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Botsford/Swinford Hall
Suite-style · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Woodworth Complex
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Ball State University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - August 21, 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
$11,000
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walgreens1 miles
- CVS Pharmacy1.1 miles
- Target1.8 miles
- Walmart1.8 miles
- Meijer2.7 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 Ball State University.
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