Montana State University's Bozeman campus is anchored by Montana Hall, a central landmark since 1896 whose cupola is a major identifying image for the university, home to the Museum of the Rockies and the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skull ever found, with first-year students housed in halls including Lewis and Clark Hall, a WWII-era barracks-style dormitory.
Enrollment
17,165
Total Students
Freshman Class
3,718
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 23-24, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
84%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Sign-ups for a move-in time slot open at 9am MDT on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 through the Housing Portal. Early arrival before August 23 requires approval and a $75/night charge billed to your student account. Mail and packages won't be accepted before Monday, August 17, 2026 - please don't ship anything to arrive earlier than that date. A 2026 Move-In Parking Credential is available for download ahead of arrival.
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 is Aug. 23-24, with each student signing up for a time slot through the Housing Portal starting July 1. Each student gets a 2-hour block to check in and unload.
- Check-in location
- Check in at your residence hall's front desk.
- Parking
- Download your Move-In Parking Credential ahead of arrival and follow the posted move-in maps and directions to your hall.
- What you'll receive
- Access to your assigned room, confirmed at your hall's front desk during your 2-hour check-in block.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Bring your downloaded parking credential - vehicles without one may not be able to park in the move-in zones.
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
Lewis and Clark Hall
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Montana State University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
Freshman Orientation & Class Registration (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - August 22, 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
$11,500
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- CVS Pharmacy1 miles
- Walmart1.8 miles
- Target3.1 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 Montana State University.
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