Grinnell College's 120-acre campus, home to a genuine open curriculum with no required core classes, includes Mears Cottage, one of the first women's dormitories at any college west of the Mississippi, with first-year students required to live on campus in halls including Norris, Read, and the newly named Renfrow Hall.
Enrollment
1,788
Total Students
Freshman Class
447
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 21, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
14%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
For first-year students not participating in an early arrival program, check-in starts at 8 a.m. on move-in day at the Harris Center, where you'll pick up your room key, P-Card (student ID), and orientation swag before heading to your residence hall. Park in the lot off 10th Ave, just west of the railroad tracks. A move-in crew of student volunteers is available to help unload and carry belongings to your room.
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
- Friday, August 21, with check-in starting at 8 a.m. Orientation begins at 2 p.m. that day at MacEachron Field, so plan to be settled by then.
- Check-in location
- Check in at the Harris Center to pick up your room keys, P-Card (student ID), and orientation materials, and to complete any paperwork. Late arrivals report to the Division of Student Affairs on the third floor of the Joe Rosenfield '25 Center. Arrival maps with unloading zones near each residence hall are sent to students beforehand.
- Parking
- Park in the lot off 10th Ave, just west of the railroad tracks, and check in first; accessible parking is next to the Harris Center. After unloading, move your car to a designated long-term lot: Lots K and E (north campus), M and N (east), or T (south).
- What you'll receive
- You'll get your room keys, P-Card, and orientation materials at check-in, and student volunteers on the move-in crew help carry belongings to your room. Grinnell encourages bringing only what you need to cut down on waste.
- Vehicle restrictions
- After unloading, cars must move to the designated long-term lots for your part of campus.
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
Norris Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Read Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Renfrow Hall
Suite-style · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Grinnell College's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (NSO, required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 21 - August 26, 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
$17,348
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walmart1.8 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 Grinnell College.
Share
Send this page to a roommate, a parent, or anyone else helping plan the move.