We can't wait to welcome you!
We’re thrilled to welcome you to your new home at Grinnell! Here’s a little more information to help you prepare for your move-in and orientation experience.
If you have questions, reach out anytime. We’re here to help. Stay tuned for detailed arrival instructions and keep an eye on your email for final move-in logistics.
- General Move-In Day is Friday, August 21.
- Early Arrivals & Pre-Approved Programs: Move-in will be between August 10 and 20. Individualized check-in experiences will outlined by each program or group.
Construction Note
The local Grinnell community is investing in road enhancements as more and more people move to the area, which can impact your chosen driving route. Please see our Wayfinding for Visitors page for the routes we recommend for a smooth drive to Grinnell, with some great stops along the way. For updates regarding road construction projects from the City of Grinnell, please visit the Grinnell, IA Official Website.
Driving Directions To Check-In
If living on East/South Campus, coming from the West
See East Campus residence halls (Rathje and Rose) on the campus map.
See South Campus residence halls (Cleveland, James, and Main) on the campus map.
- Proceed east on 6th Ave/HWY 6 to Penrose Street.
- Turn left onto Penrose Street and head north.
- Turn left on 10th Avenue and head west.
- Shortly after the railroad tracks, park in the large parking lot on the left-hand (south) side of the road.
If living on East/South Campus, coming from the East
See East Campus residence halls (Lazier, Kershaw, Rathje, Rose) on the campus map.
See South Campus residence halls (Cleveland, Haines, James, Loose, Main, Read) on the campus map.
- Proceed west on 6th Ave/HWY 6 to Penrose Street.
- Turn left onto Penrose Street and head north.
- Turn left on 10th Avenue and head west.
- Shortly after the railroad tracks, park in the large parking lot on the left-hand (south) side of the road.
If living on North Campus
See North Campus residence halls (Norris, Cowles, Langan, Smith, and Younker) on the campus map.
- Proceed Northbound on HWY 146 to 10th Avenue.
- Turn right onto 10th Avenue and head east.
- Proceed to 1114 10th Avenue.
- Your destination is on the right-hand side of the street. Parking is on the left-hand side.
Early Arrivals Check-in: Aug. 10–20
For questions, please email Residence Life.
Athletics
Recruited fall season varsity athletes participating in the program will move in early to accommodate fall training. Athletics coaches will be in touch with more information.
Pre-Orientation Programs
Students who have applied to participate in PCPOP, IPOP, or GSP will receive additional information about their program schedule.
General Move-in Day Check-in: Friday, Aug. 21
- Please pull your vehicle along the designated unload area near your residence hall. The road will be closed to traffic and managed by Campus Safety. We will have volunteers to help guide students and families.
- Visit the Harris Center (1114 10th Avenue) to pick-up your room keys, student ID (P-Card), and complete any paperwork. Your P-Card access will be activated on your assigned move-in date.
See the Harris Center on our campus map.
Note: If you did not submit your student ID (P-Card) photo, please go to the second floor of the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC, 1115 8th Avenue), Room 218, or contact Card Services for more information.
See the JRC on our campus map. - After unloading, vehicles should be moved to the designated long-term lots or designated student parking areas on
campus, which include:- North: Parking Lot K and E. See them on the campus map.
- East: Parking Lot M and N. See them on the campus map.
- South: Parking Lot T. See it on the campus map.
- Get settled into your residence hall and room, then meet your Community Advisor, Residence Life Coordinator, and New Student Orientation Ambassador. The Class of 2030 will start the orientation program at 2 p.m. at MacEachron (Mac) Field (rain location: Harris Center Concert Hall).
- See the location of Mac Field on our campus map.
- View our New Student Orientation Schedule page for more information.
Late arrivals
Please go to the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC, 1115 8th Avenue), 3rd floor, Division of Student Affairs.
Driving Directions After Check-in
Our Interactive Campus Map can help you navigate around campus.
East Campus (Rathje and Rose):
See East Campus residence halls on the campus map.
- Leaving the Harris Center parking lot, Turn right on 10th avenue and head east.
- Turn right on Elm Street and head south.
- Turn right on 8th avenue and head west.
- Turn right on East Street and head north.
Note: From 8th avenue to 10th avenue, this is a northbound one way, the left lane is an unloading lane, the right lane is a driving lane. - After your vehicle has been unloaded, please park your car in East Street Parking in Lot M.
South Campus (James, Cleveland, and Main)
See South Campus residence halls on the campus map.
- Leaving the Harris Center parking lot turn right on 10th avenue and head east.
- Turn right on Elm Street and head south.
- Turn right on 8th avenue and head west.
- Turn left on East Street and head south.
Note: From 8th avenue to 6th avenue, this is a southbound one way, the right lane is for unloading, the leftlane is a driving lane. - After your vehicle has been unloaded, please park your car in East Street Parking in Lot T.
North Campus (Norris, Cowles, Langan, Smith, and Younker)
Click here to see North Campus residence halls on the campus map.
- Leaving the Harris Center parking lot, turn left on 10th avenue and head west.
- Turn left on Park Street and head south.
Note: From 10th avenue to 8th avenue, this is a southbound one way, the left lane is for unloading, the right lane is a driving lane. - After your vehicle has been unloaded, please park your car in 10th Ave Parking in Lot K.