The University of Northern Iowa's 900-acre campus in Cedar Falls, originally founded as a teacher-training institution in 1876, houses most first-year students in traditional halls including Bender and Rider, both part of on-campus "Towers" and "Quads" residential communities.
Enrollment
9,283
Total Students
Freshman Class
1,929
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 19, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
93%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Drop & Go (Aug. 7-13) lets you drop items off early without moving in, and Individual Early Arrival (starting Aug. 14) is available for those who need to arrive ahead of the general date - contact University Housing & Dining directly to arrange either option. Fall 2026 classes begin Monday, August 24.
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
- Check your assignment email for your specific move-in date and time window ahead of the general August 19 date.
- Check-in location
- Check in at your residence hall's own Mail & Information Desk. Bring a photo ID - if you submitted a photo at least a week beforehand, your UNI ID will be ready at check-in; otherwise, visit the Housing & Dining Office in Redeker Center first.
- Parking
- Purchase and display a parking permit (C or R lot) through the Parking Portal or the Department of Public Safety in Gilchrist Hall - permits are available on-site at move-in. Refer to the move-in parking maps for your building's assigned lot.
- What you'll receive
- Every room comes with a Twin XL mattress, desk, chair, wood loft, dresser drawers, closet space, a central light, blinds, and both a wastebasket and recycling container already in place. Apartment-style units add a couch, chair, coffee table, and a full kitchen with microwave, refrigerator, and stove.
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
Bender Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Rider Hall
Traditional · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Dancer Hall
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to University of Northern Iowa's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (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
$10,646
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- CVS Pharmacy1.8 miles
- Target2.2 miles
- Walmart2.3 miles
- Walgreens3.3 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 University of Northern Iowa.
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