Drake University's 150-acre campus in Des Moines centers on Old Main, the university's original 1882 building and a National Register-listed landmark, with first-year students housed together in "The Quads" - Carpenter, Crawford, Herriott, and Stalnaker Halls.
Enrollment
4,600
Total Students
Freshman Class
725
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 19, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
64%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
You'll receive a communication to your Drake email on August 1 with instructions to select a move-in time slot. Students have a twenty-minute move-in window to complete check-in, unload their vehicle, and move their car to a residential parking lot - notably shorter than many schools' windows, so come prepared to move efficiently. Label all moving boxes and items with your full name and residence hall before arriving.
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
- You'll receive an email to your Drake account on August 1 with instructions to select a twenty-minute move-in time slot for Wednesday, August 19 - notably shorter than many schools' windows, so come prepared to move efficiently.
- Check-in location
- Your assigned residence hall - most first-year students live in one of the four Quads halls (Carpenter, Crawford, Herriott, or Stalnaker).
- Parking
- After your twenty-minute unloading window, move your vehicle to a residential parking lot.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Label all boxes and items with your full name and residence hall before arriving.
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
Carpenter Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Crawford Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Herriott Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Drake University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
Summer Orientation & First Year Seminar (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - August 18, 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
$13,516
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walgreens0.3 miles
- CVS Pharmacy2.5 miles
- Target3.2 miles
- Walmart3.2 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 Drake University.
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