Carleton College's 1,040-acre campus borders the 800-acre Cowling Arboretum at the edge of the dorms, anchored by the historic Willis Hall, the college's first purpose-built structure, with first-year students housed across seven residence halls including Musser, Myers, and Goodhue.
Enrollment
2,128
Total Students
Freshman Class
532
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Sep 8, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
19%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Unload first - Move-In Day helpers meet your car and will stand with your belongings while you park, then check in at your building's table. Review the 2026 NSW Move-In Day Map (updated closer to summer) to find your specific hall's designated drop-off location. Every traditional-hall room comes with a micro-fridge already provided, and personal air conditioners are not permitted - don't pack either.
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
- Tuesday, Sept. 8: residence hall check-in runs 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and unloading help is available until 2:00 p.m. Contact Residential Life ahead of time if you'll arrive later.
- Check-in location
- Report to your assigned residence hall first. Helpers in blue shirts and yellow vests guide you to your hall's drop-off spot, marked by a numbered green suitcase on the Move-In Day Map. The Sayles-Hill Campus Center opens to new students and families at 8:00 a.m.
- Parking
- Designated parking spots near each hall's entrance are for quick drop-off and unloading only. Unload first, then park.
- What you'll receive
- Your room key, your OneCard student ID (if you submitted your photo in advance) and orientation materials, all at check-in. Traditional-hall rooms come with a micro-fridge. Package pick-up and student-employment paperwork are both available at Severance Hall that day.
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
Musser Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Myers Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Goodhue Hall
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Carleton College's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
New Student Week (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
September 8 - September 13, 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
$17,500
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walgreens0.7 miles
- Target2.4 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 Carleton College.
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