Move-In

Move-In 2025 Timeline

Early May

• Transfer students who signed their housing contract and submitted their initial payment by May 1 will receive communication if they were selected through the lottery to participate in room selection. 

May 14

• New Students received their randomized room selection date in their email on file. Please ensure you have up-to-date emails in your MyIllinoisState*

June 1

• First Cancellation Deadline: last day to cancel housing contract without no cancellation charges.
• Students who are enrolled in classes and required to live on-campus for the 2025-2026 academic year must have written approval from University Housing Services to cancel their contract.
• Follow us on our social media accounts for the most up-to-date information about housing and Move-In.
• Instagram: Redbird_Housing Facebook: Redbird-Housing

June 16 – June 20

Themed Living Learning Community (TLLC) Room Selection (June16-June 17)

• Only open to students qualified to live on TLLCs. All roommates must qualify for the TLLC to select a space within that community.
• If it is an interest based TLLC, students must apply in the Housing and Dining portal and be approved. Applications will be open until June 17.
• Students will also select their Move-In appointment after finalizing their room assignment via the Housing & Dining Portal.

Mid-June

• Transfer Student Room Selection, apartments only. Only some transfer students are eligible. Transfer students who are not eligible for room selection are placed by the housing team.

June 23 - July 3

• General Room Selection for New Students*
• The roommate with the earliest selection date can select the space for all roommates if matched through the Housing & Dining Portal.
• All students can self-select their Move-In appointment through the Housing & Dining Portal after finalizing their room assignment.
• Returning students who selected a room in March can enter the Housing & Dining Portal and sign up for a Move-In appointment.
• Browse our Linens & Care Packages offerings through our student-organization-sponsored vendor. (Optional)

July 1

• Purchase linens and/or care packages.
• The Linens Program is offered by the Association of Residence Halls as an easy, convenient way for students, parents, and families to purchase items for their residence hall or apartment space. Items available include bedding bundles, room furnishings, and accessories.
  • All linens must be mailed to your home address. Orders need to be placed by July 26.
• The Care Package program is a great way for parents and families to show care to their student(s) by sending care packages directly to their students residence hall or on-campus apartment throughout the year. There are several options for care packages bundles, or you can even build your own through the site.
  • If purchased, care packages will begin coming to the student’s residential space in early Fall. Orders are taken throughout the year, but it is easiest to place one order over the summer to ensure care packages are delivered all year long!
• Both the Linens & Care Packages are optional, but they can be a great way to take your student’s residential experience to the next level. It’s also designed to make your life easier!

Mid-July

• All students will receive a confirmation of their room assignment and the names of their roommate(s) via email.
• New students who did not complete their housing contract and submit their initial payment by May 1, returning students who missed the March 21 deadline for either their housing contract or initial payment, and transfer students who did not have the opportunity to select their own room will be manually assigned to a residential space and will not be able to participate in roommate matching. These students must go into the Housing & Dining Portal to select their Move-In appointment once they have a room assignment.
• Reach out to your roommates to discuss roommate agreements and shared items for your space.

July 31

• Students should have selected their Move-In appointment by this date in the Housing & Dining Portal. Double-check that you have a Move-In appointment in the Housing and Dining portal. Follow our What to Bring list as you pack your belongings in anticipation of Move-In.

August 12 – August 16: Move-In Week

*For students who signed their housing contract and submitted initial payment by May 1.

Keep these things in mind as you prepare to Move-In:

• Plan Ahead - If you know that you will be going home over Labor Day weekend or later in the semester, don’t pack all of the clothes that you will need for the entire year. Lessen your initial load to see what you really need later.
• Be prepared for traffic - Try your best to remain patient.
• Do not leave your car or belongings unattended - Your car might get towed and your belongings might go missing. University staff are not responsible for lost or stolen property during the Move-In process.
• No trailers allowed - Sorry.
• Pay Attention - Watch out for extra pedestrians during Move-In. Look for and follow all traffic and parking signs. Do not block things like:
  • Entrances
  • Exits
  • Public Transit pick-up/drop-off locations
  • Other vehicles that are parked
• Please leave pets at home - To ensure everyone's safety and minimize distractions during Move-In, we kindly request that you do not bring any pets.
• Not quite sure what happens at Illinois State during Move-In? Our demonstration video gives a glimpse of key moments you will encounter during your Move-In experience and important information to prepare yourself before your Move-in day!

Below is a packing list of items to consider bringing to campus to make you comfortable in your new home.

Move-In Packing List

Consider buying your room essentials through our sponsored store.

A portion of the proceeds from this service goes to the Illinois State University Association of Residence Halls, a student run organization that provides valuable services and programming to all on campus residents.

Unloading Your Belongings

• Unload your belongings in the designated area.
• Move your car to a designated parking area immediately after unloading (there will be directional signage).
• Check out a cart if needed.
• Go to your designated check-in area to receive your room key from hall staff.
• Allow staff to help load your cart onto the elevator for you.
• Enjoy Welcome Week activities and your new Redbird home.

Getting Items to Your Room

• Put the sturdiest boxes on the bottom and soft items on top, without packing your cart more than three feet high.
• Make sure everything is stable before you begin to move by bringing plastic wrap or bungee cords.
• Allow our staff to load your cart onto the elevator for you

• Hewett-Manchester

  Because of planned street closures on campus, please rely on these directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices. Hewett-Manchester Driving Direction Map.

  • Traveling on I-55 North

    1. Exit 167-Veterans Parkway
    2. At the stoplight, go right onto Veterans Parkway
    3. Take slight right (west) onto Shelbourne Drive
    4. Turn right (west) at stop sign, continue on Shelbourne Drive
    5. After three stop signs, turn left (south) onto Linden Street
    6. After two stoplights, turn right (west) onto Mulberry Street
    7. Continue to Hewett and Manchester Halls

  • Traveling on I-55 South

    1. Exit 167-Veterans Parkway
    2. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left onto Veterans Parkway
    3. Take slight right (west) onto Shelbourne Drive
    4. Turn right (west) at stop sign, continue on Shelbourne Drive
    5. After three stop signs, turn left (south) onto Linden Street
    6. After two stoplights, turn right (west) onto Mulberry Street
    7. Continue to Hewett and Manchester Halls

• Tri-Towers

  Because of planned street closures on campus, please rely on these directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices. Tri-Towers Driving Direction Map.

  • Traveling on I-55 North

    1. Exit 165A-Main Street
    2. Turn right (west) onto Gregory Street
    3. Turn left onto Adelaide Street to arrive at the residence hall entrance

  • Traveling on I-55 South

    1. Exit 165-Main Street
    2. Turn left (south) onto Main Street
    3. Turn right (west) onto Gregory Street
    4. Turn left onto Adelaide Street to arrive at the residence hall entrance

• Watterson Towers

  Because of planned street closures on campus, please rely on these directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices. Watterson Towers Driving Direction Map.

  • Traveling on I-55 North

    1. Exit 165A-Main Street and continue south on Main Street
    2. Turn left (east) onto College Avenue
    3. Turn right (south) at second stoplight onto School Street
    4. Turn left (east) onto North Street
    5. Turn right (south) onto Fell Avenue
    6. Continue to Watterson Towers

  • Traveling on I-55 South

    1. Exit 165-Main Street and turn left (south) onto Main Street
    2. Turn left (east) onto College Avenue
    3. Turn right (south) at second stoplight onto School Street
    4. Turn left (east) onto North Street
    5. Turn right (south) onto Fell Avenue
    6. Continue to Watterson Towers

  Finding Your Room

  If your room number starts with a “3”, the elevator stops on your floor in your House (your “House” is one of the following: A-North, A-South, B-North, B-South, C-North, C-South, D-North, D-South, E-North, E-South). If your room number does not start with a “3”, you will need to walk up or down stairs to your floor. For example, Watterson C-North Room#203: Take the elevator to the third floor of C-North House and walk down one flight to the second floor of C-North. If you need help on move-in day, any of our staff members will be happy to show you the lay of the land!

• Cardinal Court

  Because of planned street closures on campus, please rely on these directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices. Cardinal Court Driving Direction Map.

  • Traveling on I-55 North

    1. Exit 165A-Main Street and continue south on Main Street
    2. Turn right (west) onto Gregory Street
    3. Turn right into Cardinal Court entrance

  • Traveling on I-55 South

    1. Exit 165-Main Street and turn left (south) onto Main Street
    2. Turn right (west) onto Gregory Street
    3. Turn right into Cardinal Court entrance

• Students will choose their own Move-In date and time through the Housing & Dining Portal once they have a room assignment.
  • Though we know families would love to meet their student’s roommate, moving in on the same day/time is not recommended.
• Directions to Watterson Towers:
  • Because of planned street closures on campus, please rely on these directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices.
  • Watterson Towers Driving Direction Map.
  • Traveling on I-55 North
    • Exit 165A-Main Street and continue south on Main Street
    • Turn left (east) onto College Avenue
    • Turn right (south) at second stoplight onto School Street
    • Turn left (east) onto North Street
    • Turn right (south) onto Fell Avenue
    • Continue to Watterson Towers
  • Traveling on I-55 South
    • Exit 165-Main Street and turn left (south) onto Main Street
    • Turn left (east) onto College Avenue
    • Turn right (south) at second stoplight onto School Street
    • Turn left (east) onto North Street
    • Turn right (south) onto Fell Avenue
    • Continue to Watterson Tower 
• Upon arrival at Watterson, students should go to the canopy tents on the south side of Watterson Towers to check in and receive their keys. If the weather does not permit an outside check-in, students must enter Watterson through the circle drive doors and head to the front desk to complete the check-in process.
  • • • • Students will need their Redbird ID or State ID to get their keys.
        • Move-in carts will be located outside near the check-in tents or inside the lobby, depending on the weather. You can always bring your own cart(s) from home.
• All vehicles will be directed to temporarily park in the Watterson Parking lot, where they will unload all of their belongings. At this point, Curb Birds (volunteers) can help unload the car and move your belongings to the curb. Curb Birds can help point you toward check-in, grab carts, and provide directions on where to enter the elevator lines.
  • • Curb Birds are not responsible for watching belongings on the curb or carrying belongings into the building or up to your rooms.
    • The number helpers could affect your Move-In experience. We suggest having the student plus two helpers. This allows for one person to stay with the belongings on the curb and work to load them onto carts and one person to move the vehicle to long-term parking, all the while the student gets checked in.
    • After all the items are loaded onto carts, you can proceed to get in line for the elevator. If more trips are necessary, we recommend someone waiting by the remaining items on the curb.
      • If you leave your belongings unsupervised, Housing is not responsible for missing or broken items.
    • Continue the trips inside until all of the belongings are in the room, and then begin unpacking.
      • Pro Tip: Don’t overpack; this will make Move-In smoother. Labor Day and Family Weekend are great opportunities to bring more items to campus.
• To help maximize the flow of foot traffic, we will have Housing Staff helping to load all items into the elevators as well as control elevator movement.
• Please note that the elevator lines for Watterson will add time to your Move-In process. The elevators in Watterson only stop on the third floor of each house, so you will have to carry your items up or down stairs if you are not on the third floor.
• There will be some elevators on manual mode that can be used by people who have already moved in.

• Students will choose their own Move-In date and time through the Housing & Dining Portal once they have a room assignment.
  • Though we know families would love to meet their student’s roommate, moving in on the same day/time is not recommended.
• Directions to Hewett-Manchester:
  • Because of planned street closures on campus, please rely on these directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices.
  • Hewett-Manchester Driving Direction Map
  • Traveling on I-55 North
    • Exit 167-Veterans Parkway
    • At the stoplight, go right onto Veterans Parkway
    • Take slight right (west) onto Shelbourne Drive
    • Turn right (west) at stop sign, continue on Shelbourne Drive
    • After three stop signs, turn left (south) onto Linden Street
    • After two stoplights, turn right (west) onto Mulberry Street
    • Continue to Hewett and Manchester Halls
  • Traveling on I-55 South
    • Exit 167-Veterans Parkway
    • At the bottom of the ramp, turn left onto Veterans Parkway
    • Take slight right (west) onto Shelbourne Drive
    • Turn right (west) at stop sign, continue on Shelbourne Drive
    • After three stop signs, turn left (south) onto Linden Street
    • After two stoplights, turn right (west) onto Mulberry Street
    • Continue to Hewett and Manchester Halls
• Upon arriving at Hewett-Manchester, students should find the Escalante Conference Room located in the Vrooman Lobby.
  • • Students will need their Redbird ID or State ID to get their keys.
    • Move-in carts will be located outside by curb or inside the lobby, depending on the weather. You can always bring your own cart(s) from home.
• All vehicles will be directed to temporarily park along Fell Avenue, where they will unload all of their belongings. At this point, Curb Birds (volunteers) can help unload the car and move your belongings to the curb. Curb Birds can help point you toward check-in, grab carts, and provide directions for finding the elevators. 
  • • Curb Birds are not responsible for watching belongings on the curb or carrying belongings into the building or up to your rooms.
    • The number helpers could affect your Move-In experience. We suggest having the student plus two helpers. This allows for one person to stay with the belongings on the curb and work to load them onto carts and one person to move the vehicle to long-term parking, all the while the student gets checked in.
    • After all the items are loaded onto carts, you can proceed to get in line for the elevator. If more trips are necessary, we recommend someone waiting by the remaining items on the curb.
      • If you leave your belongings unsupervised, Housing is not responsible for missing or broken items.
    • Continue the trips inside until all of the belongings are in the room, and then begin unpacking.
      • Pro Tip: Don’t overpack; this will make Move-In smoother. Labor Day and Family Weekend are great opportunities to bring more items to campus.
• To help maximize the flow of foot traffic, we will have Housing Staff helping to load all items into the elevators as well as control elevator movement. There will be some elevators in manual mode that can be used by people who have already moved in.
• Loft Kits can be found in Manchester 102. Loft kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Students will choose their own Move-In date and time through the Housing & Dining Portal once they have a room assignment.
  • Though we know families would love to meet their student’s roommate, moving in on the same day/time is not recommended.
• Directions to Tri-Towers:
  • Because of planned street closures on campus, please rely on these directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices.
  • Tri-Towers Driving Direction Map
  • Traveling on I-55 North
    • Exit 165A-Main Street
    • Turn right (west) onto Gregory Street
    • Turn left onto Adelaide Street to arrive at the residence hall entrance
  • Traveling on I-55 South
    • Exit 165-Main Street
    • Turn left (south) onto Main Street
    • Turn right (west) onto Gregory Street
    • Turn left onto Adelaide Street to arrive at the residence hall entrance
• Upon arriving at Tri-Towers, students will find a check-in station in their residence hall's lobby.
  • • Students will need their Redbird ID or State ID to get their keys.
    • Move-in carts will be located outside by curb or inside the lobby, depending on the weather. You can always bring your own cart(s) from home.
• There is lots of parking options around Tri Towers, but we ask that after you unload your vehicles, you move to lot S-81 North of Wright Hall while you get settled and unpack.
  • • There are no Curb Birds (volunteers) at Tri-Towers, so students and their helpers will be responsible for unloading their own vehicles.
      • Pro Tip: Don’t overpack; this will make Move-In smoother. Labor Day and Family Weekend are great opportunities to bring more items to campus.
• To help maximize the flow of foot traffic, we will have Housing Staff helping to load all items into the elevators as well as control elevator movement. There will be some elevators in manual mode that can be used by people who have already moved in.
• Loft Kits can be found in the Linkins Basement. Loft kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Students will choose their own Move-In date and time through the Housing & Dining Portal once they have a room assignment.
  • Though we know families would love to meet their student’s roommate, moving in on the same day/time is not recommended.
• Directions to Cardinal Court:
  • Because of planned street closures on campus, please rely on these directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices.
  • Cardinal Court Driving Direction Map
  • Traveling on I-55 South
    • Exit 165-Main Street
    • Turn left (south) onto Main Street
    • Turn right (west) onto Gregory Street
    • Turn left onto Adelaide Street to arrive at the residence hall entrance
  • Traveling on I-55 South
    • Exit 165-Main Street
    • Turn left (south) onto Main Street
    • Turn right (west) onto Gregory Street
    • Turn left onto Adelaide Street to arrive at the residence hall entrance
• Upon arriving at Cardinal Court, students will find a check-in station located in the Cardinal Court Community Center, which is the center building located closest to Gregory Street.
  • • Students will need their Redbird ID or State ID to get their keys.
    • Move-in carts will be located in the Community Center. You can always bring your own cart(s) from home.
• There is lots of parking options around Cardinal Court, but we ask that after you unload your vehicles, you move the back of the lot behind Dogwood Hall as you get settled and unpack.
• • • There are no Curb Birds (volunteers) at Cardinal Court, so students and their helpers will be responsible for unloading their own vehicles.
      • Pro Tip: Don’t overpack; this will make Move-In smoother. Labor Day and Family Weekend are great opportunities to bring more items to campus.
    • There are no loft kits in Cardinal Court.

• Students will choose their own Move-In date and time through the Housing & Dining Portal once they have a room assignment.
  • Though we know families would love to meet their student’s roommate, moving in on the same day/time is not recommended.
• Directions to Fell-School:
  • Because of planned street closures on campus, please rely on these directions rather than directions from GPS or other mobile devices.
  • Students moving into Fell-School will check in at Hewett-Manchester
  • Hewett-Manchester Driving Direction Map
  • Traveling on I-55 North
    • Exit 167-Veterans Parkway
    • At the stoplight, go right onto Veterans Parkway
    • Take slight right (west) onto Shelbourne Drive
    • Turn right (west) at stop sign, continue on Shelbourne Drive
    • After three stop signs, turn left (south) onto Linden Street
    • After two stoplights, turn right (west) onto Mulberry Street
    • Continue to Hewett and Manchester Halls
  • Traveling on I-55 South
    • Exit 167-Veterans Parkway
    • At the bottom of the ramp, turn left onto Veterans Parkway
    • Take slight right (west) onto Shelbourne Drive
    • Turn right (west) at stop sign, continue on Shelbourne Drive
    • After three stop signs, turn left (south) onto Linden Street
    • After two stoplights, turn right (west) onto Mulberry Street
    • Continue to Hewett and Manchester Halls
• Once students have their keys, they can proceed to either 209/211 Fell or 302 N. School Street to move into the apartment unit.

All meal plans will be activated on Tuesday, August 12. More detailed information, including hours of operation, will be shared on the Dining website.

During Move-In hours, our doors are unlocked for easier access throughout the day. However, once Move-In hours are over, you will need your Redbird ID to access the residence halls. Take time during your Move-In day to go to the Redbird Card office and get your ID. The Redbird Card Office will be open at various times throughout Move-In week, including extended hours during Move-In weekend.

If you have any guests staying with you past Move-In hours, you must register all guests at the front desk.

Once you are moved into the residence halls, you and your roommate(s) will complete a roommate agreement to ensure a better shared living environment. Start thinking about your answers during the roommate selection process to ensure you will be a good match!

Dumpsters and recycling receptacles are located outside each residential building. You are responsible for regularly removing trash and recycling from your space.

Beds can be lofted (only with the lofts provided by the University) at multiple heights to give plenty of room underneath for storage space or other furniture. If interested, visit your building front desk to request a loft kit during your move-in time free of charge based on availability.

Pro-Tip: For a junior loft height (ranges from 10 to 33 inches from the floor) you will not need a loft kit. A two-pound rubber mallet will be needed when lofting your bed and we will provide one at the front desk.

View our Video Tutorial to learn how to set one up!

Room changes are not permitted from the time you receive your assignment through the first 10 days of classes. Changes must be approved by your Residence Hall Coordinator (RHC).

Requests for cancellation must be submitted using the Online Contract Cancellation Form. Notification to other university offices does not terminate the contract. IMPORTANT: Depending on the date you cancel; charges and fees may apply. Please review cancellation dates and information under Housing Contracts.

Through the Association of Residence Halls and SWAK University Services, Care Packages and Linens are available for purchase. *A portion of the proceeds from this service goes to the Illinois State University Association of Residence Halls, a student run organization that provides valuable services and programming to all on campus residents. More information can be found at the Association of Residence Halls Website.