Welcome to Campus! Everything You Need for Move-In

Moving to campus is an exciting milestone, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. This page has all the essential details—from move-in dates and check-in procedures to packing lists and parking maps—so you can arrive prepared and stress-free. Whether you're a first-year student, returning resident, or arriving early, you’ll find everything you need to make your transition seamless. Read on for key information, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We can’t wait to welcome you home!

Move-In Dates & Times

In July, you’ll select a move-in day and time from the dates available to you in the housing portal. We’ll send more information in early July!

DateTimeEligible Students
Sunday, August 10, 20259:00 AM – 3:00 PMBridge Week Participants (for new students registered for Bridge Week)
Thursday, August 14, 20254:00 PM – 7:00 PMLocal Move-In (for new students who live in Vigo, Sullivan, Clay, Parke, Vermillion Indiana counties, and Edgar and Clark Illinois counties); Move-In Crew
Friday, August 15, 20258:00 AM – 4:00 PMRegular Move-In (New and returning students)
Saturday, August 16, 20258:00 AM – 4:00 PMRegular Move-In (New and returning students)
Sunday, August 17, 202510:00 AM – 3:00 PMReturning Student Move-In

* See below for more information regarding early arrivals and early arrival groups.

If you are arriving on or after the first day of classes (Tuesday, August 19, 2025), please contact our office at reslife@indstate.edu to let us know.

Move-In Process: What to Expect

To keep move-in smooth and efficient, we’ve structured the process into 30-minute timeslots. During this time, you’ll unload in designated zones near the residence halls. Carts will be available, and on Friday and Saturday, our move-in crew will be there to help!

Here’s how move-in works:

  1. Arrive during your selected timeslot at Indiana State.
  2. Check in with our team, who will collect your contact information in case you exceed your time limit.
  3. Unload your belongings into the provided carts as quickly as possible.
  4. Officially check-in and pick up your key inside your building.
  5. Move everything into your new home within 30 minutes.
  6. Relocate your vehicle to a non-loading zone parking lot once you’re done.
  7. Evening arrivals: Please note that unloading zones close at the end of each day, and times are firm.

By following these steps, you’ll have a quick and easy move-in experience. Welcome home, Sycamores!

With limited parking in our move-in lots, we discourage the use of trailers or U-hauls when moving to Indiana State.

* This process is not applicable to those who move in prior to Sunday, August 10, 2025 or after Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Early Arrival Information

We understand that some students need to move in before the official dates due to participation in specific programs, athletics, or required training. If you are part of one of these groups, your move-in details—including your assigned date and time—will be provided directly by your group leader, department, or coach.

Students in the following groups will receive specific move-in instructions:

  • Marching Sycamores
  • Football, Volleyball, and Women’s Soccer student-athletes
  • Spirit Squad
  • HMSU Student Staff
  • Campus Rec Student Staff
  • Residential Life Desk Staff
  • Public Safety CSOs
  • Blue Team
  • Move-In Crew
  • Bridge Week Mentors & Students

New International Students Attending New Student Orientation

If you are a new international student attending New Student Orientation on Thursday August 7, 2025 and Friday, August 8, 2025, watch for more information regarding temporary housing and moving into your room on campus (if you are living on campus for the year).

Students Attending New Student Orientation

If you are a new student attending New Student Orientation on Friday, August 8, 2025, you will have the opportunity to move in on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM or Friday, August 8, 2025 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Watch for more information from Residential Life and New Student & Transition Programs in early August.

Please note: We are unable to accommodate individual early arrival requests. If you are not part of an approved early arrival group, you must plan to move in during the standard move-in dates.

If you have questions about your early arrival status, please contact your program coordinator or the Office of Residential Life.

What to Bring & Move-In Tips

Laundry & Cleaning Supplies

  • Broom/vacuum
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Hangers
  • Garbage bags
  • Laundry bag or collapsible hamper
  • Paper towels

Cooking & Food

  • Dishes & utensils
  • Mugs
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable microwave safe containers
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Food items (such as macaroni and cheese, ramennoodles, soup, cereal, crackers etc.)
  • Pots & pans (for buildings with kitchens)

Electronics & Appliances

  • Cell phone & charger
  • Coffee Maker (no hot plate, must have auto shut-off)*
  • Lamp
  • Laptop & charger
  • Surge protectors
  • TV *
  • Fan *
  • Fridge (3.5 cubic feet/1.5 amp max) *
  • Microwave (Not to exceed 700W) Microfridges available for rent via www.mycollegefridge.com

Documents & Payment

  • Driver's license
  • University ID
  • Credit Card
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Work Documents(if planning to work on-campus;Birth certificate, social security card, etc.)

Linens

  • Bath Towels
  • Bedding & blankets
  • Pillows & Pillow Cases
  • Washcloths
  • Sheets (Twin XL Sheets)

Toiletries

  • Comb, brush
  • Hairdryer, flat irons
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Hand soap
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Emergency health kit
  • Personal thermometer

Miscellaneous

  • Medications
  • Command strips
  • Posters, decorations
  • Flip flops or shower shoes
  • Toilet paper (for those with private bath)
  • Backpack
  • School supplies: notebooks, binders, pencils,calculator, pens, highlighters
  • Umbrella
  • Small lock-box for prescriptions & other valuables

*For these items, we recommend you speak with your roommate to determine who would bring this if desired.

Download a PDF version of this list

Tips for a Successful Move-In

  1. We recommend students contact their roommate to discuss and determine who
    is bringing the refrigerator, the microwave, the Xbox, etc. or any shared items for
    the room or apartment.
  2. Students should decide if they will rent a loft for their bed from Residential Life.
    (Not available for apartment areas. Blumberg and Rhoads already have medium
    height lofts in rooms.)
  3. Visit your housing portal in mid-July to reserve your move-in timeslot.
  4. Confirm your meal plan choice in the housing portal by June 30. Please go to
    https://indstate.sodexomyway.com/en-us/meal-plan/meal-plan-options to learn
    more about the meal plan options available to you.
  5. Obtain your ISU Parking Permit (if you are bringing a car). You can do this online
    by visiting https://indianastate.edu/administration/finance-admin/publicsafety/
    parking
  6. Make sure to write down or photograph items of value. Record make, model, and
    serial number of electronics.
  7. Check and make sure your parent’s homeowner’s policy covers items in your
    residence hall room. If not, it is suggested that you invest in renter’s insurance.
    One option, GradGuard, is available for review in your housing portal. Residential
    Life does not assume responsibility for damages to personal belongings as per
    Residential Life Housing Agreement.
  8. Bringing a bike to campus? Remember to bring a durable lock and register it with
    Public Safety.
  9. While some move-in carts will be available, we encourage you to bring your own
    carts and dollies. Contact friends, family, neighbors, moving companies, or mom
    and pop appliance stores to see about borrowing/renting one.
  10. With limited parking for move in, we discourage the use of trailers or U-Hauls for
    move-in.

Download a PDF version of this list

The following items are against housing regulations and should be left at home:

  • Hot surfaced appliances, such as hot plates, space heaters, George Foreman Grills, electric frying pans, etc. All appliances and electrical devices must have an enclosed heating element AND an auto-off switch.
  • Toasters (allowed only in 500 Wabash & University Apartments)
  • Candles & Incense
  • Waterbeds
  • Air conditioners
  • Grills
  • Hunting equipment, firearms, weapons
  • Extension cords
  • Pets other than fish, unless a pre-approved ESA

Bedloft and microfridges will be dropped off prior to move-in if ordered by the pre-order deadline. Late orders for bedlofts can be coordinated with Residential Life for pick up later in the week. Late orders for microfridges can be coordinated with MyCollegeFridge at www.mycollegefridge.com.

Directions and Parking Maps

To Unloading Zone:

  • From I-70: Take exit 7 and go north on U.S. 41 (Third Street). Turn right onto Ohio Street. Turn left onto Fifth Street. Turn Left onto Cherry Street. The entrance to Lot 10 is on the Right.
  • From the east on U.S. 40: U.S. 40 becomes Wabash Avenue. Continue west on Wabash Avenue to Fifth Street. Turn Left onto Cherry Street. The entrance to Lot 10 is on the right.
  • From the north on U.S. 41: Turn left onto Ohio Street. Turn left on to Fifth Street. Turn left onto Cherry Street. The entrance to Lot 10 is on your right.

To Park:

  • Exit Parking Lot 10 and turn left onto Fourth Street (one way). Turn left onto Wabash Avenue and proceed to Ninth Street. Turn left and proceed to any orange lot.

To Unloading Zone:

  • From I-70: Take exit 7 and go north on U.S. 41 (Third Street). Turn right onto Ohio Street. Turn left onto Fifth Street; then turn left onto Chestnut Street. The entrance to the West Visitors’ Pay Lot is on the left.
  • From the east on U.S. 40: U.S. 40 becomes Wabash Avenue. Continue west on Wabash Avenue to Fifth Street. Turn right onto Fifth Street; then left onto Chestnut Street. The entrance to the West Visitors’ Pay Lot is on the left.
  • From the north on U.S. 41: Turn left onto Ohio Street. Turn left onto Fifth Street; then left onto Chestnut Street. The entrance to the West Visitors’ Pay Lot is on the left.

To Park:

  • Exit the West Visitors’ Pay Lot and turn left onto Chestnut Street; then turn left onto Fourth Street (one way). Turn left onto Wabash Avenue and proceed to Ninth Street. Turn left and proceed to any orange lot.

To Unloading Zone:

  • From I-70: Take exit 7 and go north on U.S. 41 (Third Street). Turn right onto Ohio Street and then turn left onto Fifth Street. The entrance to Lot 5 is on the right.
  • From the east on U.S. 40: U.S. 40 becomes Wabash Avenue. Continue west on Wabash Avenue to Fifth Street and turn right. The entrance to Lot 5 is on the right.
  • From the north on U.S. 41: Turn left onto Ohio Street and then turn left onto Fifth Street. The entrance to Lot 5 is on the right.

To Park:

  • Exit Parking Lot 5 and turn left onto Fifth Street. Proceed south on Fifth Street to Wabash Avenue. Turn left onto Wabash Avenue and proceed to Ninth Street. Turn left and proceed to any orange lot.

To Unloading Zone:

  • From I-70: Take exit 7 and go north on U.S. 41 (Third Street). Turn right onto Ohio Street and turn left onto Fifth Street. Proceed north on Fifth Street and the entrance to North Visitors’ Pay Lot is on the right.
  • From the east on U.S. 40: U.S. 40 becomes Wabash Avenue. Continue west on Wabash Avenue to Fifth Street. Turn right. Proceed north on Fifth Street and the entrance to the North Visitors’ Pay Lot is on the right.
  • From the north on U.S. 41: Turn left onto Ohio Street; then turn left onto Fifth Street. Proceed north on Fifth Street and the entrance to the North Visitors’ Pay Lot is on the right.

To Park:

  • Exit North Visitors’ Pay Lot and turn right onto Fifth Street. Turn right onto Tippecanoe Street and proceed to any orange lot.

To Unloading Zone and To Park:

  • From I-70: Take exit 7 and go north on U.S. 41 (Third Street). Turn left on Crawford Street. The entrance to the Unit 3 and 4 parking lot is on the left. You will park, enter Unit 3 to check in and receive your keys, and move your car to unload and park. Turn left on Crawford Street, turn left on First Street, turn left on Farrington Street. The entrance to the Unit 1 and 2 parking lot is on the left. Check-in is in Unit 3 for all UA residents.
  • From the east on U.S. 40: U.S. 40 becomes Wabash Avenue. Continue west on Wabash Avenue to Third Street. Turn left. Continue south on U.S. 41 (Third Street). Turn right on Crawford Street. The entrance to the Unit 3 and 4 parking lot is on the left. You will park, enter Unit 3 to check in and receive your keys, and move your car to unload and park. Turn left on Crawford Street, turn left on First Street, turn left on Farrington Street. The entrance to the Unit 1 and 2 parking lot is on the left. Check-in is in Unit 3 for all UA residents.
  • From the north on U.S. 41: Turn right on Crawford Street. The entrance to the Unit 3 and 4 parking lot is on the left. You will park, enter Unit 3 to check in and receive your keys, and move your car to unload and park. Turn left on Crawford Street, turn left on First Street, turn left on Farrington Street. The entrance to the Unit 1 and 2 parking lot is on the left. Check-in is in Unit 3 for all UA residents.

To Unloading Zone and To Park:

  • From I-70: Take exit 7 and go north on U.S. 41 (Third Street). Turn left on Crawford Street. The entrance to the Unit 3 and 4 parking lot is on the left. You will park, enter Unit 3 to check in and receive your keys, and unload. Check-in is in Unit 3 for all UA residents.
  • From the east on U.S. 40: U.S. 40 becomes Wabash Avenue. Continue west on Wabash Avenue to Third Street. Turn left. Continue south on U.S. 41 (Third Street). Turn right on Crawford Street. The entrance to the Unit 3 and 4 parking lot is on the left. You will park, enter Unit 3 to check in and receive your keys, and unload. Check-in is in Unit 3 for all UA residents.
  • From the north on U.S. 41: Turn right on Crawford Street. The entrance to the Unit 3 and 4 parking lot is on the left. You will park, enter Unit 3 to check in and receive your keys, and unload. Check-in is in Unit 3 for all UA residents.

The unloading zones, indicated in yellow, will be restricted to 30-minute time frames. You will then be directed to park in one of the orange lots on the map. Move-in dates and times can be accessed on your housing portal. It is important to move in during your selected time and follow the routes listed below.

Move-In Map Campus

Move-In Map University Apartments 

Questions?

Reach out to our office at reslife@indstate.edu or 812-237-3993 (M-F 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM).