This year, residence hall move-in is August 19-21. You will select your specific move-in time in My Housing. It is important that you arrive to your residence hall during your assigned move-in day and time to ensure a smooth move-in process. Because of the volume of traffic on campus during move-in and amount of people in the halls, it is recommend students bring two helpers and leave the family pet at home!
Our teams have been working hard this summer to prepare for your arrival in the fall and are excited to welcome you to campus!
Move-In Dates
Move-in is spread out over several days to keep the process running smoothly and create a more enjoyable experience for Spartans and their families. Please adhere to your selected day and time slot.
- University apartment move-in begins on August 1, 2025.
- Incoming international students will move in between Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17.
- New International Student Orientation programming begins on Monday, August 18.
- Incoming students will move in between Tuesday, August 19, and Wednesday, August 20.
- New Student Orientation programming begins on the evening of Wednesday, August 20.
- Returning students will move in between Wednesday, August 20, and Thursday, August 21.
- Returning students can arrive after August 21, if desired.
Arriving to Campus
We recommend that you arrive on campus in one vehicle to reduce traffic congestion and allow the check-in process to run efficiently. Only one car can unload in our designated unloading zones within your 30-minute arrival window; any additional cars can be unloaded from assigned long-term parking. Due to traffic configurations, unloading zones and parking, U-Hauls, trailers and campers are prohibited.
We do not limit the number of helpers each student is allowed to bring but strongly encourage students be thoughtful and remember rooms and halls can be crowded on move-in day, so less is more! Additionally, the dining pass provides meals for two helpers, anyone else must pay at the dining location.
Early Arrivals
If you have been approved for an early arrival through an academic program, campus department or other designation, your early arrival will be booked in your My Housing account by the Housing Assignments Office.
Please note, if your affiliated MSU Department is not paying for your early arrival, your student account will be charged the daily rate.
If you do not have a programmatic early arrival, you will be unable to move in before your designated day.
Selecting a Move-In Time
Log into your My Housing account to select or change your move-in time. Slots are first come, first served and can be adjusted if openings are available. Incoming students should select a time prior to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, if possible, so they are able to attend the NSO and Fall Welcome Kick-Off that evening.
Shipping Items
Did you know you can send some of your items to your residence hall before you arrive? If you plan to ship items, they can arrive to the halls beginning Monday, August 11. Any item received prior to August 11 will be returned to sender. Please note, we encourage you to bring large items and valuables on your own, when possible.
Move-In Webinar
Move-In Steps
Move-in day can be stressful, but our team is here to make it as smooth as possible for you and your families!
1. ARRIVING TO CAMPUS
- We ask that you only bring one vehicle to campus and remember less is more when packing.
- If possible, pick up your MSU ID prior to checking in. More info about ID pick-up below.
- As you arrive to campus, follow the MSU app instructions and directional signs leading you to your hall and an unloading zone. This may be different than what your GPS says.
- At your hall, you will be directed to an unloading space. The driver must stay with the vehicle as you head to check-in.
2. CHECKING IN TO YOUR HALL
- Each neighborhood has different check-in locations.
- You will check in with your MSU ID (or another government-issued ID, if necessary).
- You will receive your room key, lanyard, check-in materials with helpful info about living on campus, and a meal voucher for two move-in helpers.
3. UNLOADING YOUR BELONGINGS
- As you check in, your move-in helpers can begin unloading the vehicle.
- Move-in carts will be available to help you bring your items to your room.
- The driver will need to move the vehicle to the long-term neighborhood parking lot as soon as it is unloaded.
- Once at your room, place your things in your room and return the move-in carts. Then you can unpack and set up your space!
- Trash and (broken down) cardboard is collected outdoors in large bins near loading docks. Metal, glass, plastic and mixed paper is recycled indoors at stations near the lobbies.
MSU ID CARD PICKUP
Incoming students for fall 2025 who have uploaded an approved photo can pick up their ID card at the STEM building, located at 642 Red Cedar Rd, August 18-21. All other ID card pickup is handled by the ID Office in the International Center. Learn more on the ID Office website.
