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Black Hills State UniversityMove-In Guide

Spearfish, South Dakota

🏫 Public UniversityEst. 1883🔗 www.bhsu.edu

Black Hills State University's Spearfish campus, nestled near Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, and Spearfish Canyon, includes Wenona Cook Hall, its oldest residence hall since 1899, named for the founder of the university's first Art Department, alongside newer options like Bordeaux Hall in the West Complex.

Enrollment

3,198

Total Students

Freshman Class

800

Approx.

Move-In Dates

Aug 20, 2026

Fall 2026

Acceptance Rate

95%

Most recent cycle

Move-In

Fall 2026 Move-In Details

Contact the Office of Residence Life in Woodburn Hall 124 with any move-in questions. A $100 housing deposit and a signed housing application and agreement are required before move-in. Early move-in starts August 16 - there is a $20/night charge for arrivals before that date, and early-arrival requests must be submitted at least 10 days ahead. This specific date should be confirmed directly with BHSU Residence Life closer to move-in.

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
Move-in day runs 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with residence hall floor meetings starting at 8:00 p.m. Early move-in (from August 16) uses requested 1-3 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. arrival windows.
Check-in location
The Jonas Hall parking lot, where you pick up your keys before heading to your assigned residence hall to unload and unpack.
What you'll receive
Your residence hall keys and an information packet from BHSU staff. Have a valid photo ID ready at check-in.

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

  • Wenona Cook Hall

    Traditional · Coed

  • Thomas Hall

    Traditional · Coed

Housing Links

Each available link goes directly to Black Hills 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.

March 1 - August 19, 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

Figures shown are estimates for room and board only, and can vary by hall and meal plan. Check with Black Hills State University's financial aid office for a cost breakdown specific to your situation.

Nearby Essentials

  • Walgreens0.7 miles
  • Walmart3.3 miles

Need Dorm Essentials Delivered?

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 Black Hills State University.

Get the checklist

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