Iowa State's 1,813-acre campus in Ames, one of the nation's first land-grant universities, centers on the historic Beardshear Hall, with first-year students housed in traditional halls including Friley - one of the largest residence halls in the nation - Barton, and Lyon.
Enrollment
31,105
Total Students
Freshman Class
6,587
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 18-19, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
89%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Iowa State's Move In Crew, a group of student volunteers, works 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both move-in days to help carry items - no sign-up required, just show up. Students bringing oversized vehicles or trailers should plan to arrive in the evenings. Fall 2026 semester classes begin Monday, August 24. If you live in an even-numbered room, your move-in day is Tuesday, Aug. 18; if you're assigned an odd-numbered room, it's Wednesday, Aug. 19 - though there's no need to sign up, and you can come either day if it's more convenient.
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
- Follow the red directional signs to your hall rather than GPS - the marked routes are the most efficient for move-in. Staff will provide a parking pass good for 30 minutes once you arrive.
- Check-in location
- Friley Hall residents check in at the Hall Desk (first floor); Barton-Lyon-Freeman residents check in at the Cornerstone Hall Desk - locations are open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both move-in days.
- Parking
- After unloading, move your car to long-term parking - free options are available east of the ISU Alumni Center (Hilton Coliseum lot), at the Football Stadium, or in the Wallace/Wilson lots. Paid short-term parking is available in campus parking ramps.
- What you'll receive
- Your check-in packet, including your room key, bathroom key (if applicable), and a move-in booklet with hall-specific information.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Be mindful when parking larger vehicles and trailers - make sure you're not blocking any entrances or pathways for others who are moving in at the same time.
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
Friley Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Barton Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Lyon Hall
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Iowa State University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
OnCyte Orientation (required, 1.5-day)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - June 30, 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
$10,288
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Target2.1 miles
- Walmart2.2 miles
- Walgreens2.2 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 Iowa State University.
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